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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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HISTORY
OF
Otter Tail County
MINNESOTA
ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
JOHN W. MASON
Editor
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and
Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
1916
F. BOWEN & COMPANY, Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana
CONTENTS J-148894
VOLUME I
CHAPTER I— RELATED STATE HISTORY 33
A Portion of Minnesota Originally Included in Louisiana Purchase — In-
dian Cessions and Treaties — Territorial Government Established —
Boundaries — Governor Alexander Ramsey — First Territorial Legislature
— The Historic Council with the Indians at Traverse des Sioux — The Treaty
— Indian Hunters Cause Trouble — Townsite Speculation — Constitutional
Convention — First State Legislature — Admission of Minnesota as a State —
Aid to Railroads — Financial Stringency — Unrest Among the Indians — Mas-
sacre of 1862— Punishment of the Indians— Subsequent Treaties— A Period
of Rapid Development — Trouble Because of the State Issue of Railroad
Bonds — Settlement of the Question and Activity in Railroad Building — Di-
versified Farming Interests — Population Statistics — Military Record — Name
—Geography — Area — Rivers — Lakes— Elevations— Climate— Chronological
Record of the State.
CHAPTER II— GEOLOGY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY 57
Situation — Area — Surface Features — Natural Drainage — Lakes — Topography
—Altitudes— Soil— Timber— Geological Structure— Aboriginal Earthworks
— Prehistoric Mounds and Relics — Capt. John Pope's Trip Through Otter
Tail County in 1849 — "The Garden Spot of the Northwest."
CHAPTER III— OTTER TAIL COUNTY IN 1860 82
Map of the County, 1860 — Boundaries — A Peculiar History During the De-
cade, 1858-1868— Character of the Early Settlers— Early Religious Services-
Land Office — Surveys — Otter Tail City — The First Trader and Other Early
Merchants — Villages in the County — Copy of the Census Return for Otter
Tail County, 1860 — Waseata Postoffice — Its Census Returns — Farm Statistics.
CHAPTER IV— ORGANIZATION OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY 94
Territorial Act Defining the County — Changes in Boundaries — Origin of the
Name — Formal Organization of the County — Southern Influence— -Otter Tail
City, the County Seat — Early Settlers — Exodus from County Because of
the Indian Outbreak — Changes in Boundaries — First Commissioners —
— County Seat Changes — Legislative Enactments — Final Removal to Fergus
Falls — E. E. Corliss — Range 44 Attached to the County — A Peculiar Legal
Case Pertaining Thereto — Proposals to Divide the County — Otter Tail City
in 1858 — Population Statistics— Platted Townsites — Financial Statement of
the County for 1915 — Naturalized Citizens of Otter Tail County — Naturaliza-
tion Laws — Births and Deaths.
CHAPTER V— COUNTY BUILDINGS 119
Court Houses— The Present Court House— The First Tail— The Present Jail
— County Tuberculosis Sanatorium — County Poor Farm.
CONTENTS.
( HAPTER VI— OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTY 138
First Meeting of the County Commissioners — Salaries of First Officials —
Legislative Enactments Relating to County Officers — Commissioners — Coun-
ty Auditor — Treasurer — The First County Tax Receipt — Banks as Deposi-
taries of County Funds — Register of Deeds — Sheriffs — County Attorneys —
Coroners — Surveyors — County Superintendent of Schools — William M. Cor-
liss— District Judges — Judge of Prohate — Clerk of the District Court — Presi-
dential Elections — Otter Tail County in the Legislature — State and National
Officials from Otter Tail County.
CHAPTER VII— LEGISLATIVE ACTS BEARING ON OTTER TAIL
C( >UNTY 159
State Burdened with Peculiar Special Legislation— A Summary of the Gen-
eral and Special Acts Relating to Otter Tail County from 1858 to the Present
Time.
CHAPTER VIII— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY, 1868-69 165
Townships Settled in Groups — Four Principal Languages in the County —
Difficulty in Naming the Townships — Chronological List of the Townships in
the County — Historical Mention of the Townships of Clitherall. St. Olaf.
Tumuli. Tordenskjold, Aurdal — Villages of Dalton and Parkdale.
CHAPTER IX— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY, 1870 177
Townships of Parkers Prairie, Dane Prairie, Fergus Falls, Eagle Lake, Eliza-
heth. Otter Tail. Pelican. Erhards Grove, Buse — Villages of Parkers Prairie.
Elizabeth. Otter Tail and Pelican Rapids.
CHAPTER X— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY. 1871 1%
Townships of Rush Lake. Aastad, Hobart. Scambler, Maine. Nidaros — Vil-
lages of Richville. Hobart. Clitherall and Vining.
CHAPTER XI— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY. 1872-73 208
Townships of Perham, Effington. Norwegian Grove, Western. Deer Creek.
( Iscar, Trondhjem, Gorman — Villages of Perham. Deer Creek and Luce.
CHAPTER XII— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY, 1874-77 22$
Townships of Leaf Mountain. Friberg, Compton, Eastern, ( )ak Valley, \\ ood-
side, Newton — Village of New York Mills.
I II \l'l ER XIII— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY, 1878-79 238
Townships of Sverdrup, Inman, Henning, Bluffton, Lida, Amor. Dora. Everts,
Leaf Lake — Villages of Underwood, Henning, Bluffton and Battle Lake.
CHAPTER XIV— TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY, 1880-81 253
Townships oi Candor, Star Lake, Elmo, Dunn, Maplewood, Homestead,
Carlisle. Eoldcn -Village of Vergas.
CHAPTER \\ TOWNSHIPS OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY, 1882-97 262
Townships of Edna, Girard, Paddock, Pine Lake. Otto, Butler, Corliss,
Blowers, Orwell, Dead Lake Village of Dent.
CHAPTER XV] rRANSPORTATION ... 274
Highways River Transportation Red River Navigable Stan- Ud for
Roads and Bridges Presenl Road Conditions State Highway Commission
Railroads— Early Resolutions renaming to the Need of— Building of the
Roads— Local Voti oi Countj Ud Present Roads Removal of Railroad
Shops from Fergus Falls.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVII— AGRICULTURE 297
Influence of Topography on Development of Agriculture in Otter Tail
County — The County Characterized by Small Farms — Character of Settlers-
Table of Farm Products, by Decades — Live Stock Statistics — Dairy Interests
— The Grasshopper Pest — Bumper Crop of 1895 — The Grange Movement —
Farmers Clubs and What They are Doing — Co-operative Elevators — Mutual
Fire Insurance Companies — Fair Associations and Agricultural Societies —
County Agricultural Agent — County Farm Bureau — Elements Contributing
to the Progress of Agriculture.
CHAPTER XVIII— BANKS AND BANKING 309
The First Banks in the County — A Study of Banking Conditions in Fergus
Falls — Banks of the County, with Date of Organization — Brief Sketch of
Each of the Banks.
CHAPTER XIX— THE PRESS 330
First Newspaper in the County— Brief Mention of the Various Papers Which
Have Existed in the County — Legal Newspapers of the County — The Ameni-
ties of the Press.
CHAPTER XX— THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BAR 350
High Character of the Legal Profession— Splendid Personnel of the Otter
Tail County Bar— Distinguished Members— A List of the Attorneys of the
County, with the Date of Their Settlement.
CHAPTER XXI— THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 353
No Physicians in the County Prior to 1871— Dr. R. M. Reynolds, the First
Physician in the County— The Various Schools of Practice— A List of
Physicians Who Have Regularly Practiced in the County — Osteopaths and
Chiropractors— Dentistry— Optometrists— George B. Wright Memorial Hos-
pital—St. Luke's Hospital— State Hospital for the Insane.
CHAPTER XXII— CHURCHES OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY 363
A List of Ministers Registered in Otter Tail County— A Brief History of
Each Church in the County— The Federated Church in Fergus Falls— First
Congregational Church— First Presbyterian Church— Other Presbyterian and
Congregational Churches— Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Churches— German
Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church— Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran
Church— Bethel Lutheran Church— Bethania Norwegian Lutheran Church-
Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Churches— Hauges Evangelical Lutheran
Church— Evangelical Free Church— Methodist Episcopal Churches — Swedish
Baptist Churches— Baptist Church— People's Union Church— Episcopal
Church— Zion Church— Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation— Pente-
costal Church of the Nazarene— Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints— Christian Science Society— Catholic Churches— Finnish
Evangelical Lutheran Churches— United Brethren Churches -Scandinavian
Churches— Immanuel Churches— Swedish Baptist Churches— Miscellaneous
Churches.
CHAPTER XXIII— FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES 410
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons— Independent Ordei Id Fellows —
Benevolent and Protective Order of Klks — Royal Arcanum — United Com-
mercial Travelers Knights of the Maccabees Ladies of the Maccabees
Brotherhood of American Yeomen — Modern W limn of America Royal
Neighbors of America— Knights of Pythias -Catholic Order of Forest
CONTENTS.
Degree of Honor — Independent Order of Foresters — Fraternal Order of
Eagles.
CHAPTER XXIV— EDUCATION 423
Inefficiency of Early Schools, Due to Unavoidable Conditions — Unanimity in
the Building Up of a School System — Petitions for Schools — First County
Superintendent of Schools — Sketch of a Pioneer School — Development of the
Educational Work of the Count}- — Introduction of the Study of Physiology
and Hygiene and the Results — State Aid to Standard Schools — School Sta-
tistics— County Superintendents — Assistant Superintendents — Schools of
Fergus Falls — Park Region Luther College — Northwestern College.
CHAPTER XXV— TELEPHONES IN OTTER TAIL COUNTY 439
The County Quick to Install the New Invention in the Eighties — Its General
Use and Importance to the Community — A Brief History of the Companies
Doing Business in Otter Tail County.
CHAPTER XXVI— CREAMERIES 459
A History of all the Creamery Companies Doing Business in Otter Tail
County.
CHAPTER XXVII— MILITARY AFFAIRS 468
Veterans of the Civil War Residing in Otter Tail County — The Spanish-
American War — Daughters of the American Revolution — Grand Army of the
Republic — Woman's Relief Corps.
CHAPTER XXVIII— POSTAL HISTORY 474
Fergus Falls Postoffice — Other Postoffices in the Count}- — Salaries of Post-
masters— Rural Free Delivery.
CHAPTER XXIX— CITY OF FERGUS FALLS 4/9
James Fergus, the Founder of the City — Joseph Whitford. the First Settler
on the Townsite— The Sioux Massacre of 1862— Ernest Buse, the First Per-
manent Settler — George B. Wright, and His Influence on the Early Growth
of the Place — Fergus Falls in 1873 — Pioneer Advertisers — Fergus Falls in
1871 — Water Power — Incorporation as a Village — First Election — Village
Boundaries and First Officials — Council Proceedings — Railroad Bonds —
Amendments to the Village Charter — First School District — Becomes the
County Seat — Early Lack of Railroad Facilities — Presidents of the Village
Council — Incorporation as a City — Fergus Falls in 1881 — Lincoln Avenue vs.
Bismark Avenue — Municipal Affairs — City Charters — Gas and Waterworks
—Fire Department— Electricity— Otter Tail Power Company— The City Dam
and Its Destruction — Hoot Lake Project — Police Department — Streets. Side-
walks, Bridg Parks. Etc. — Care of the Poor — City Funds —
Libraries — Clubs and Organizations — Commercial Club — Town Improvement
Society — Park Region Anti-Tuberculosis Society Street Railways — City
ials — Fergus Falls in 1916 — Directory oi Present Business and Profes-
sional Inter-
CHAPTER XXX— REMINISCENi I S OF OTTER l\li. ( OUNTY, 1869-72.. 536
Story by Ole Jorgens, of His Settlement in Otter Tail I inven-
iences of the New Settlers— First Visit t< Elected to Public
Office— Taking the Census Under Difficulties— First Mail Route I
Sti er — Traveling in the
Early Days— First Workings and Fish Laws A Ninety-Dollar
Christmas in Otter Tail County— A Deer Fight— Bootlegging—
CONTENTS.
Assessing of Taxes in 1870 — First Insanity Case in the County — The Grass-
hopper Scourge — Fourth of July Celebration, 1870 — First Bridge in Fergus
Falls — Two Interesting Early Letters.
CHAPTER XXXI— REMINISCENCES OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF
OTTER TAIL COUNTY 5S6
E. E. Corliss Tells in an Interesting Way of the Beginnings of Things in
Otter Tail County — The Journey to the Promised Land — Otter Tail City in
1858— Breaking New Land— Clitherall— The Mormons— The Settlers in 1870—
A Judicial Court Run by Prayer — Highway Robbery — The First District
Court — Craigie's Mill — Organization of the County — Attempted Organization
of Holcomb County— Acquisition of Range 44 — Wilkin County in 1872 —
Fergus Falls Made the County Seat — Removing the Records — Legislative
Changes — Pioneer County Officials — Some Early Settlements and Settlers-
Edmund A. Everts.
CHAPTER XXXII-REMINISCENCES BY JOHN W. MASOX 575
The Coming to Fergus Falls— A Callithumpian Serenade— "Hanging Out the
Shingle" — Early Mails— The "Good Old Times" in Comparison with the
Present — A Visit by Celebrities — "Lord Gordon" — Casus Belli — The Grave-
yard—The New Church— The Church War— A Fondness for Bonds— "Old
Settler" to the Front — Repudiation — Charter Amendments — The School
Record— Bribery and Corruption— Political Schemes— The Waterworks
Scheme — Major Beach's Telegraph — The Rat Skin War — The Dam-site at
Guttenberg — Mistaken Identity — What Can Be Done with a Dime — The
Stage Robber — The Fergus Falls Vigilantes — A Romance and a Tragedy —
Luedke vs. Luedke — The Lo-cus(t) — A Sad Tale with a Happy Ending — The
Fergus Falls Cooking Club — The Village Baker — The Esthetic Side of
Fergus Falls— The R. R. S. W. N. Co.— A Dash of Local Color— "What's the
Matter with Fergus" — The Captains of Industry at Play.
CHAPTER XXXIII— WHO'S WHO IX EARLY FERGUS 648
Doctor Goodale — James M. Gray — Levi Sartwell — Victor Landquist — Bill
Wilson — Bert Melville — Jim Spendlove — Jacob Austin — Capt. H. S. Cole —
Sam H. Nichols — Frank Hoskins — Opperman, a Dutchman — Edwin M.
Wright— Charles William Kaddatz.
CHAPTER XXXIV— SIDELIGHTS OX OTTER TAIL HISTORY 675
Why Otter Tail— The Tale of the Otter Tail— Origin of the Name of Otter
Tail County — A Complete History of Otter Tail County in 1874 — The Fergus
Falls Land Office and Otter Tail Democracy — Reminiscences of Fergus Falls
—George B. Wright's Story— The Story of Knut O. Harris— Story of G. O.
Da-hl— Story of T. A. Huff— Great Indian Scare of 1876— Prairie Fire— Gold
in Otter Tail County — First Law Firm in Fergus Falls.
HISTORICAL INDEX
VOLUME I
A
Aastad Township —
Altitude 66
Boundaries 201
Churches 376
Crops 301
Commissioners' District 141
Natural Features 201
Officials . 201
Organization 167. 200
Population 111
Taxpayers 1870. 201
Telephones 451
Aboriginal Earthworks 75
Average of crops 298
Advertisements, Early-day 331
Agricultural Agents 306
Agriculture 297
Almora 113, 311, 328
Altitudes in the County (>2
Altitudes in the State 47
Altoona (Vergas) 113, 254
Amenities of the Press 344
American Yeomen 415
Amor Township —
Altitude 65
Boundaries 246
Churches 384
Commissioners' District 141
Creamery 467
Location 246
Mounds 76
Name 246
Officials 247
Organization 167, 246
Population 111
Soil 67
Telephones 454
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 410
Animal Productions 298
Area of the County 57
Area of the State 46
Assessing of Taxes 1870. 548
Attorneys 350
Auditors, County 144
Aurdal Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 381. 384, 402
Commissioners' District 141
First Events 176
Natural Features 175
Officials 176
Organization 167, 175
Population HI
Settlement 176
Telephones 452
Austin. Jacob 655
Balmoral
Banks and Banking
Banks as Tax Collectors -
Baptist Churches
Bar of Otter Tail County
Parley
Battle Lake-
Altitude
Banks 310.
Churches 376, 396, 402. 403,
Creamery
Election, First
Fair
Incorporation
Location
Newspapers
Officials
Physicians
Plat 113,
Population
Beauty Shore 113,
Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks
Benevolent Societies
Better Farming Association
Births in County
[1STI IRICAL INDEX.
Blowers Township —
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
i lection, First 271
Name 271
Natural Features 271
Officials 271
Organization 167, 271
Population 111
Telephones 446
Bluffton—
Altitude 62
Banks 311, 337
Business Interests 244
Churches 408
Creamery 459
Election, First 244
Incorporation 244
Location 244
Lodges 417
Newspapers 343
Officials 244
Physicians 355
Plat 113. 244
Population 111. 244
Bluffton Township-
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 243
Highways 278
Location 243
Natural Features 243
Organization 167, 243
Population 110, 111
Boardman 113, 235
Bonita 83, 85
Bootlegging, Early 548
Boundaries of County 82
Bridge, First in Fergus Falls 552
Bridges 278
Brotherhood of American Ye<
rnest 4*2. 582
Bu - ["ownship —
Utitude 66
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 194
Highways 278
Natural Features 195
Officials 195
i ation 167, I'M
Population 111
Railways 195
Settlement 195
Telephom s 451
Sutler Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 393
Commissioners' District 141
Location 269
Natural Features 269
Officials 269
Organization 167. 268
Population HI
11,1
M7
Candor Township-
65
Commissioners' District __
141
Natural Features —
253
Organization
167,
253
111
Care of the Poof
136
Carlisle 113,
260, 311,
445
Carlisle Township —
66
301
Commissioners' Distr
icts
141
Election, First
Joil
76
Natural Features —
26C
?60
Organization
167,
260
Population
.110,
111
?m
4S1
589
Cathcart and N. P. Rail
[way
538
Catholic Churches
389,
407
Catholic ( >rder of F<
420
Census of the County.
I860— .
86
Cessions of Land bj Indians -
36
Charter Amendments -
595
358
Christian Science Soci
ety ____
388
Christmas, \ Pioneer -
546
Chronology of Minn, sota
4')
Church of fesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
363,
388
,o>
468
113
•04
of the District
151
(lunate of Minnesota
Clitherall—
48
Altitude
63
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Clitlierall —
Banks 311, 326
County Seat 98, 119
Churches 403
Incorporation 206
Officials 206
Oldest Village in County 206
Physicians 355
Plat 113
Population 112
Schools 424
Settlement 206, 559
Telephones 447. 451)
Clitlierall Township —
Altitude 65
Character of Pioneers 169
Churches 409
Commissioners' District 141
Mormons 168
Name 169
Officials 170
Organization 167, 169
Population 110, 111
Settlement 168
Cole. Capt. H. S. 659
Commissioners, County 99, 138, 149, 141
Commissioners' Districts 141
Compton Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 394. 395
Commissioners' District 141
Highways 278
Location 230
Name 230
Natural Features 230
Organization 167, 230
Population 110, 112
Railroads 230
Soil 66
Telephones 456
Congregational Churches __ 369, 371, 399
Constitutional Convention, 1857 38
Co-operative Elevators 303
Corliss, E. E.
..100, 102, 270. 285. 351, 42.5. 427. 540, 556
I orliss Township —
Churches 404
Commissioners' District 141
Mills 270
Name 270
Nationality of Residents 270
Natural Features 270
Organization 168, 269
Corliss Township —
Population 110. 112
Settlers 270
Corliss, William M. 150
Corn 298
Coroners 148
County Agricultural Agents 306
County Attorneys 148
County Auditors 144
County Boundaries 82
County Buildings 119
County Commissioners —99. 138. 140. 141
County Fairs 303
County Finances 114
County Officials 138
County Officials, Pioneer 570
County Poor Farm 136
County Sanatorium 133
County Seat Location 542
County Seat, Removal of 569
County Supt. of Schools 149.429. 433
County Surveyors 149
County Treasurers 144
Court House History 119
Craigie. James G. 545. 607
Craigie's Mill 562
Creameries 459
D
Dahl, G. O. 688
Dairy Statistics 299
Dalton—
Altitude 64
Banks 311, 326
Churches 386
Creamery 466, 467
Incorporation 173
Location 173
Lodges 419
Officials 173
Physicians 355
Plat 113, 173
Population 112
Dam-site at Guttenberg 600
Dane Prairie Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 397
Commissioners' District 141
Natural Features 179
< Irganization ii>7. 178
Population 111. 112
Taxpayers, 1869 179
Telephones 453
Daughters of the V.m< i ican Re\ 1 8
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Dayton Hollow 89
Dead Lake Township —
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 273
Natural Features 275
Organization 168. 273
Population 112
Deaths in County 117
Deer Creek —
Altitude 63
Banks 310, 323
Business Interests 223
Churches 223
Creamery 463
Incorporation 222
Location 222
Newspapers 343
Officials 223
Physicians 355
Plat 113
Population 113
Telephones 456
Deer Creek Township-
Altitude 65
Churches 397. 398, 405
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 221
Farm Improvements 221
Highways 277
Natural Features 222
i iffii ials 222
Organization 167, 221
Population 110, 111, 112
Soil 66
Deer Fight 547
Degree of Honor 421
Dent-
Banks 331. 325
Business Interests 263
Churches 407
Growth 263
Incorporation 263
Influence of Railroad 263
I od jes 411, 416
Officials 263
Physicians 355
Plat 113
Population 113
Survey 263
Telephones 447
Dentistry 358
Deposits of County Funds 146
Depredations by Indians 37
District Judges 150
Division, Acts of HID. 108
Division of County 541. 5l>7
Doctors 353
Dopelius 115. 257. 466
Dora Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 399, 400. 407
Commissioners' District 141
Location 247
Natural Features 247
Officials 248
Organization 167, 247
Population 112
Drift Deposits 73
Dunn Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 397
Commissioners' District 141
Name 256
Natural Features 257
Officials 257
Organization 167, 256
Population 112
Soil 66
E
Eagles, Fraternal Order of 422
Early Bootlegging 548
Early Settlements 571
Eastern Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 574
Commissioners' District 141
Election. First 250
Location 230
Mills 231
Officials 231
Organization 1"7, 250
Population 112
Telephones 448
Eagle Lake Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 394, 398
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 181
Geology 70
Natural Features 181
Organization 167. 181
Population 111. 112
Earthworks, Prehistoric 75
Echota 83. 85
Edna Township —
Utitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
1ST0RICAL INDEX.
Edna Township —
Election, First 262
Name 262
Natural Features 262
Organization 167
Population 112
Railroads 263
Education 423
Effington Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 393, 398
Commissioners' District 141
Early History 214
Election, First 210
Growth of 215
Highways 278
Name 217
Natural Features 211
Officials 218
Organization 167, 210
Population 111, 112
Settlement 211
Telephones 447. 455
Election Precincts, First 140
Elevators, Co-operative 303
Elizabeth-
Banks 311, 325
Business Interests 182
Churches 182, 373, 390
Creamery 4l>0
Incorporation 182
Location 182
Officials 183
Physicians 355
Plat 113, 182
Population 112
Schools 183
Telephones 445
Elizabeth Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 408
Commissioners' District 141
Description 182
Organization 167. 181
Population 111. 112
Telephones 445
Elks. Order of 412
Elmo Township —
Altitude 65
Boundaries 255
Churches 402
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 255
Location, First 255
Elmo Township —
Natural Features 256
Organization 167, 255
Population 112
SoU 66
Elmwood 113, 253
Episcopal Churches 386
Erhard —
Banks 311, 328
Churches 371
Creamery 466
Location 194
Plat 113
Telephones 445
Erhards Grove Township —
Altitude 66
Boundaries 194
Churches 41)5
Commissioners' District 141
Highways 278
Natural Features 194
Officials 194
Organization 167, 193
Population 111, 112
Evangelical Association 397, 408
Evangelical Free Church 382
Evangelical Lutheran Churches 381, 396
Evangelischel Zion Church 408
Everts, Edmund A. 573
Everts Township —
Altitude 65
Crops 301
Commissioners' District 141
Mounds 76
Name 248
Natural Features 248
Organization 167, 248
Population 112
Soil 67
F
Fairs 303
Farm Bureau 307
Farm Crops 298
Farmers' Alliance 302
Farmers' Clubs 303
Farming Interests 297
Federated Church 367
Fergus Falls Cooking Club 619
Fergus Falls —
Advertising. Pioneer 487
Altitude 63
Ami-Tuberculosis Society 525
Banks 309, 311
HISTORICAL INDEX.
ergus balls —
le First 522,
Business [nterests, 1871
Business [nterests, 1881
Business Interests, 1916
Charters 160
Churches
374, 381, 382, 38S, 388, 396,
City Dam
City Funds
1 Organizations
Clubs
Commercial Club
Cooking Club
I ount: Seat 102, 119, 160, 285,
Creamery
Esthetic Side
Fair Association
Fire Department
First Village Election
Founding of
Gas Works
vth of
I lospitals
In 1873
In 1881
Incorporations 162, 489,
Indian Massacre
Land Office
Law Firm, First
Libraries
Lincoln Ave. vs. Bismark Ave
Literati, the
Lodges 410, 41.'. 419, I
irs .
Municipal Affairs
Newspapers
1 i ah
Parks
P ciai
Platted
Pi I I f
Population 110, 111,
li-tory
Railroad History 286,
Reminiscences
ips
1 District
! ord
• 492, 595
515
515
277
526
514
439
- balls —
643 Schools
487 Settlers, First . .
497 Sewerage
531 Sidewalks
595 Street Improvements
Street Railways
405 Streets
512 Telephones
516 Town Improvement Society
520 Vigilantes
520 Village Boundaries
523 Village Charter
619 Village Council. Acts of 490.
492 Village Council. Presidents of—
463 Village Officers, First
510 Water Power 488,
625 Waterworks
315 Who's Who
508 Fergus Falls Township —
510 Altitude
489 I rops
471' Description
506 Commissioners' District
500 Natural Features
360 Officials
486 Organization 167,
497 Population 111,
495 Taxpayers, 1870
481 Telephones 445.
679 Fergus Falls Vigilantes
693 Fergus. James
516 Financial Statement of County
500 Finnish Vpostolic Luth. Church...
625 Finnish Evan. Luth. Churches
471 Flax
505 Folden Township —
503 Altitude
330 Churches
527 missioners' District
512 Flection, First
515 I I ■■'
353 Officials
113 anization 167.
514 Population
515 Foresters, Catholic Order of
112 Foresters, Independent Order of —
474 Fourth of July. 1S70
'■11 Fox Park
295 Fraternal Order of Eagles
683 Fraten
295 Free Christian Church
492 Friberg Township—
595 Utitude
HISTORICAL INDKX.
Friberg Township —
Churches 399, 404
Commissioners' District 141
Name 229
Natural Features 229
Officials 230
Organization 167
Population 110, 111, 112
Telephones 444
G
Game and Fish Laws 545
Geography of the State 40
Geology of the County 57, 67
German Evangelical Churches 404
German Evan. Luth. Church 374
Girard Township —
Altitude 65
Boundaries 267
Commissioners' District 141
Crops 301
Mounds 96
Natural Features 267
Officials 267
Organization 167, 267
Population 112
Soil 67
Gold Excitement 228
Gold in Otter Tail County 693
Goodale, Doctor 648
Gorman Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 401
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 225
Name 226
Natural Features 226
Officials 226
Organization 167, 225
Population 111. 112
Soil 66
Surface 67
Grand Army of the Republic 471
Grand View Heights 113
Grange, the 302
Grasshoppers 300, 550
Graveyard War 590
Gray, James M. 648
H
Hanging of Indian Murderers 42
Harris, Knut O. 687
Hay 299
Henning—
Altitude 63
Banks 310. 320
Business Interests 243
Churches 243, 406. 409
Creamery 4b5
Election, First 242
Incorporation 242
Location 242, 243
Newspapers 343
Officials 243
Physicians 355
Plat •_ 113, 242
Population 112, 243
Telephones 455
Henning Township —
Boundaries 241
Churches 373
Commissioners' District 141
Election. First 241
Name 241
Natural Features 241
Officials 242
Organization 167, 241
Population 112
Railroads 242
Telephones 449
Highways 274
Hill View 265
Hobart 113, 202
Hobart Township —
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 202
Natural Features 202
Officials 202
Organization 167, 202
Population 111. 112
Settlers 202
Soil 66
Holcomb County 100,-160, 565
Homestead Township-
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 259
Natural Features 259
Officials 260
Organization 167
Population 112
Hoot Lake Project 514
Hoskins, Frank 664
Hospital for Insane 361
Hospitals 360
Huff. T. A 690
HISTORICAL INDEX.
I
Indian Hunters Cause Trouble 37
Indian Massacre of 1862 41
Indian Scare of 1876 690
40
Indian- ! I I 42
[dlewood 113
Immanuel Churches 400
Independent Order of Foresters __. 421
Independent Order of odd Fellows 411
Indian Treaties 33, 35. 42
[nglewood 113, 248, 249
nts of the County. 1860 86
Inman Township —
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
I 1. i tion, First 240
Favorable Influence of Railroads 240
Mills 241
Name 240
Natural Features 240
Officials 241
ation 167, 240
Population 112
Insane Hospital 361
Insanitj Case, First in County 540
Insurance Companies 304
J
Jail History 129
Jail. Moving of to Fergus Falls 546
Jasper Township 161
i lie 536
Judges, District 150
Judges of Probate 151
K
I; irli s W. - ..
74
Killarney Beach 113, 2?7
Knights of Pythias 120
Knights "i the Maccabees 415
L
es 415
Lake Mason 113
the County 58
I.ak.s ..t" the State ... 47
Land O!:. | Palls 679
Landowners, 1860 — 91
Landquist, Victor 651
Latter I lay Saints.. 363,388
- - 350
83
— - - 70
I ,i ai Lake Township —
Aliunde 65
Churches 395
i . iiimii trict 141
Election, First 250
Early History 250
Natural Features 250
Officials -- 252
Organization 167. 250
Population 112
Railroads 252
Soil 66
Surface 67
I .en Mountain Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 390. 397. 401
Commissioners' District 141
I lection, First 22S
Gold Excitement 228, 693
Natural Features 22S
( Irganization 167, 228
Population 111. 112
Soil 66
1 eafside 114
Legal Newspapers 345
Legislative Acts Hearing cm Otter
Tail County 94. 97. 99. 107, 15"
Laphani 83
ive Changes 570
Legislature. Members of the 153
lire, State. First 38
Legislature. Territorial 35
Lid. i Township
Altitude 66
. ii in rs' 1 (istricl 141
I arlj Business Interests 245
Mills 245
Name - 245
Natural Features 245
.u ion -- 167
Population .. 112
Live Stock 298
Livestock Associations 304
Lockport 83
410
Lord Gon — - —188, 588
Luce —
I'.iMiii^ Interests 227
I i eamery 461
Incorporation 226
Location -.- — 22"
Plal .._. 114
.. 112, 227
Luedke vs. Luedke, Case of 609
HISTORICAL INDEX.
M
Maccabees, Knights of 415
Mail Rubbery. Early 554
Mail Route, Early 540
Mail Service 477
Maine Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 205, 400. 407
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 204
Lodges 416
Name 204
Natural Features 204
Officials 205
Organization 167. 204
Population 111, 112
Schools 426
Settlement 204
66
449
Soil
Telephones
Maplewood Township —
Altitude
Churches 396, 397, 406,
Commissioners' District
Name
Natural Features
Officials
Organization 167,
Population
Marion
Mason, John W. 434, 485,
Masonic Order
Massacre of 1862 41,
Medical Profession
Melville, Bert
Methodist Episcopal Churches 382.
Midland Beach 114.
Midway Park
Military Record of the County
Military Record of State
Mill Park
Mills .___ 229. 231, 233. 241. 245, 270,
Ministers, Registered
Modern Woodmen of America
Moraines
Mormons 363, 388.
Mounds
Muskrat Skins
Mutual Insurance Companies
N
Name of the County
Name of the State
Names Of Townships
Natural Drainage 57
Naturalization Laws 115
Naturalized Citizens 115
Navigation of Red River 275
New York Mills-
Altitude 63
Band 236
Banks 310, 323
Business Interests 237
Churches 237. 395
Creamery 465
Fair 305
Fire Department 236
Incorporation 236
Lodges 237
Newspapers 243
Officials 237
Physicians 355
Plat 114, 236
Population 112, 23b
Telephones 455
Newspapers 330
Newton Township —
Altitude 65
Boundaries 235
Churches 394
Commissioners' District 141
Creamery 467
Election, First 235
Name 234
Natural Features 235
Organization 167, 234
Population 110, 112
Taxpayers, 1870 235
Nichols, Sam H. 663
Xidaros Township-
Altitude 65
Boundaries 205
Churches 402
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 205
Growth 205
Highways 278
Officials 205
Organization 167
Population 111. 112
Soil 67
Ninety-Dollar Story 545
Nirvana 114. 207
Northwestern College 373. 437
Norwegian Evan. Luth. Church 375
Norwegian Grove Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 379. 400, 4(>l
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Norwegian drove Township —
Commissioners' District 141
on, First 218
Natural Features 218
Officials 219
Organization 167, 218
Population 111. 112
Postoffices 219
Timber 67
.in Lutheran Church 376, 401
an M E. Church 405
O
Oak Valley Township —
Altitude 65
Boundaries 252
Churches 400, 408
Creamery 460
Commissioners' District 141
Xatural Features 252
Officers 232
Organization 167, 231
Population 110, 112
Oats 298
Odd Fellows 411
Officials of the County 138
Officials, Pioneer County 570
"Old Settler'' 593
Optometrists 359
Organization of the County 94
■• ■ hip —
Commissioners' District 141
Flection. First 272
Landowners, 1880 272
272
Natural Features 272
273
ation 168, 271
Population 112
ncs 444
Osars 74
( (scar Township—
Vltitudes 66
Boundaries 224
Churches 224. 379, 406
Commissioners' District 141
in, First 223
Mounds 76, 224
lis 224
< Organization 105. 167, 225
Population 111, 112
_
■nes -. 445. 449
iliy 358
I ftter Tail City-
Business Interests, 1860 84
t .uli .tit ami X. I'. Ky. 538
Census, 1860 86
Churches 400
County Seat
—.99, 119, 120, 160, 285, 541. 5-4. 569
Decline of 109
Early Market Prices 331
First House 558
In 1870 554. 557
Land Office 84
Location 677
Newspapers 330
Plat 114
Railroad History 285, 538
Religious Services, First 83
Otter Tail County in 1860 82
Otter Tail County in 1874 679
Otter Tail Lake 57
Otter Tail. Origin of Name 675
Otter Tail Township-
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 185
Mounds 75
Xatural Features 184
Organization 167. 183
Population 110. 111. 112
Soil 66
Summer Resorts 185
67
1 184
( liter Fail Village—
Banks 511. 527
ss Interests 185
hes 185. 404
ery
[ncorpora! on 185
Officials 185
114. 184
•ion 112
i >tto Township-
Altitude 65
Boundaries 268
Churches 268, 387
Commissioners' District 141
on, First
Location 267
Name 267
officials 268
< Irganization 167, 267
I' ^illation 112
HISTORICAL INDEX.
P
Paddock 265
Paddock Township —
Altitude 05
Churches 266, 394
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 205
Location 265
Natural Features 265
Officials 266
Organization 167
Population 112
Park Region Luther College 435
Park-dale 64. 114. 173
Parkers Prairie —
Banks 310, 320
Churches 374. 401. 406
Fairs 305
Lodges 411. 416
Nationality of Settlers 571
Newspapers 343
Officials 178
Physicians 1 355
Plat 114
Population 113, 178
Settlement 571
Survey 178
Telephones 446. 450. 456
Parkers Prairie Township —
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
Location 177
Name Changed 161, 177
Natural Features 177
Organization 107, 177
Population 110, 111, 112
Soil 67
Telephones 448
Pelican Rapids-
Altitude 63
Band 192
Banks 310. 318
Business Interests 193
Churches 399, 405, 408
Creamery 462
Fair 305
Fire Department 190
First Events 189
Founding of 187
Incorporation 187
Light and Power 191
Location 186
Lodges 420
"Lord Gordon" 187
Pelican Rapids —
Mails 190
Newspapers 342
Officials 191. 193
Physicians 555
Plat 114, 186
Population 113
Railroad History 292
Settlement 189
Telephones 453
Pelican Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 402
Commissioners' District 141
Location 186
Mounds 76
Natural Features 186
Organization 167, 186
Population 111, 112
Soil 66
Pentacostal Church of the Nazarene 388
People's Union Church 385
Perham —
Altitude 63
Banks 310, 321
Business Interests 209
Churches 404, 405, 408
Creamery 465
Fair 305
Hospital 209
Incorporation 162
Lodges 412
Newspapers 342
Officials 209, 210
Physicians 355
Plat 114, 209
Population 113, 209
Public Utilities 209
Schools 209, 305
Telephones 456
Perham Township —
Altitude 65
Commissioners' District 141
Location 208
Mounds 76. 77
Natural Features 208
Organization 167. 208
Officials 209
Population 110, 111. 113
Soil 66
Surface 67
Physicians 353
Pine Lake Township —
Altitude
HISTORIC Al. IM'l \.
Pirn I ake 1 • >w nship —
Commissioners' District
Name
Natural Features
< ifficials
( Irganization 167.
I '"1 Milan. hi
Railroads
Pioneer Christmas
Pioneer County Officials
Pleasure Park
Political Schemes
Poor Farm
Pope. Capt. John. Investigations-
Population of the State
Population Statistics
Postal History
Potatoes
Prairie Fire
Prairies
Presbyterian Churches 370.
Present Court House
Present Road Conditions
Presidential Elections
Press, Amenities of the
Press, the
Propi ; t \ Statistics, 1860
Provan Beach 114.
Pythias, Knights of
R R S. \Y. X. Co
637
Railroad Bonds
38
'81
M 105, I-."
565
568
Rat-skin War
5Q9
Red Eye ...
>6S
Red River
57
488
Red River Navigation ---
275
-i 1 lei ds
146
R< lati d Stati History
33
Religious 1 >< w m
363
Reminiscences —
Busi , Ernest .
48?
1 E.
556
G i i
688
M.n i is, Knut ().
687
Huff, T. A.
.,<*!
W.
575
Wright, < ■■ i '
.. 485.
-
685
Represenl
153
I »r R \1
I860
Ki,
Richdale 114. 267, 398
Richland
Richville—
Banks 311, 325
Business Interests 200
Churches 405
Creamery 461
Incorporation _. __ „ .__ 200
Location 199
Lodges 412
Newspapers 343
Officials 200
Plat 114
Population 200
Telephones 454
River Transportation 275
Rivers of the County 57
Rivi i - of the State 46
Road Conditions, Present 278
Rothsay o4. 465
Royal Arcanum 414
Royal Neighbors of \merica A]')
Rural Free Delivery 478
Rush Lake Township —
Altitude __ ._. __ 65
Ubrecht, father Joseph 197
Commissioners' District 141
Mounds 7t>
Officials 199
Organization 167. 196
Population 111. 113
Soil 67
Surface 67
Rushville 113
Rye . 2'<'»
St. Luke's Hospital - 361
St. Olaf Township—
Altitude 66
Churches 171, 397, 400, 4-15
Commissioners' District 141
I lection, First 171
Location 171
Name 171
Natural Features 171
als 171
ation 167, 170
Population 110. 111. 113
Si hools 171
Sanatorium, County 133
Sartwell, Levi 650
Si ambler Township
Altitude - - 66
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Scambler Township —
■ Churches 204. 385, 402
Commissioners' District 141
Location 203
Name 203
Natural Features 203
Officials 204
Organization 167, 203
Population 111, 113
Settlement 203
Soil 66
Summer Resorts 204
Scandinavian Christian Church 395
Scandinavian Christian Mission
Church 396
Scandinavian Free Church of God— 396
School Record 595
School Supt.. County 149. 420, 433
Schools 423
Secret Orders 410
Senators, State 153
Sheriffs 147
Sidelights on Otter Tail History__ 675
Situation of the County 57
Soil of the County 66
Spanish-American War 468, 473
Stage Robber 603
Star Lake Township —
Vltitude - 66
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 254
Name 254
Natural Features 255
Officials 255
i Irganization 254
Population 113
State Aid for Roads and Bridges — 276
State History 33
State Hospital for Insane 361
State Military Record 45
State Population 45
State Senators 153
Story of the Steer 543
Streams of the County 57
Stuart Lake Park 114. 264
Sunlight Hills 114, 257
Sunnyside 114
Superintendent of Schools, County
149, 429. 433
Surface Features 57
Surveyors. County 149
Sverdrup Township —
Aliunde 56
Churches 382. 398
Sverdrap Township —
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First . 238
Name 238
Nationality of Residents 239
Natural Features 239
Officials 234
Organization 167
Population 113
Taxpayers. 1S78 239
Swedish Baptist Churches 383, 406
Swedish Evangelical Lutheran
Churches 372, 394
T
Taxes, Assessing of, 1870 548
Telephones 439
Territorial Government 34
Timber of the County 66
Topography 62
Tordenskjold 98, 120, 160, 540, 564
Tordenskjold Township —
Altitude 06
Churches 399
Commissioners' District 141
Natural Features 174
Name 174
Officials 175
Organization 167, 174
Population 110, 111. 113
Settlement 174
Townships. 1868-69 165
Townships, 1870 177
Townships, 1871 196
Townships, 1872-73 208
Townships, 1874-77 228
Townships, 1878-79 238
Townships. 1880-81 253
Townships. 1882-97 262
Townsite Speculation 38
Transportation 274
Traveling in Early Days 543
Traverse des Sioux, Council at 35
Treasurers. County 144
Treaty of Traverse des Sioux 35
Trondjem Township —
Altitude 66
Churches 380, 401, 408
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 224
Organization 105, 167, 224
Population 111, 113
Tuberculosis Sanatorium 133
HISTORICAL [NDEX.
Tumuli Township —
Vltitude 66
es 398
jsioners' District 141
Xante 171
Officials 172
Organization 167, 172
Population 111. 113
Taxpayers, 1870 172
U
i 'od —
Banks 310, 322
Churches : 409, 240
Creamery 462
Election, First 240
Incorporation 239
Location __ 239
Lodges 418
Plat 114
Population 240
Telephones 454
United Commercial Travelers 414
V
Vergas —
Ranks
Business Interests 254
Churches 404
Creamery 466
Incorporated 254
- 417
Name Changed 254
als 254
Plal 113, 253
Population 113, 254
relepl mi 4;1
Vining —
Business Interests 207
Creamery 460
Incorporation 207
Location 206
417
Plat 114
ition 113. 206
117
W
Wadena County 107
Wall Lake 176
Wall Lake Point 114
War of the Factions 589
War of the Rebellion 468
Waseata 83, 85, 89
rks Scheme 596
Western Township —
Altitude 66
Roundaries 220
Churches
Commissioners' District 141
220
First Crops 220
ation 167, 21°
Population 111, 113
Settlement 220
Telephones 444
Wheat
Wilkin County 565, ;''7
Wilson. "Bill"
Wimer Lake Resort 114 200
Woman's Relief Corps i 472
Woodland 265
Woodmen, Modern 417
W Iside Township —
Altitude 65
Churches 405
Commissioners' District 141
Election, First 232
Mill 233
Name — - 252
I (fficials 255
Organization
Population 113
Soil 66
Wright, Charles J 631
Wright, Edwin M. 669
Wright Family 89
Wright, George B...100, 484, 48!
Wright Memorial Hospital 360
Wrightstown 232
Y
Yaquina - 114. 275
Yeomen, Rrotherhood of 415
Z
urch
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
VOLUME
A.
\.alberg, Martin 732
Aarness, Ole A. 542
Aasncs, Edward L. 94
Adams, Hon. Elmer E. 80
Adley, Lafayette R. 46
Alberts, August 852
Albertson, Hon. Orris 863
Aldrich, Herbert S. 477
Altner, Robert 935
Ament, Jacob 994
Andersen, Andrew 147
Andersen, Andrew 278
Anderson, A. G. 320
Anderson, A. M. 133
Anderson, Andrew 421
Anderson, Andrew 653
Anderson, Andrew J. 467
Anderson, Carl 539
Anderson, Charles M. 146
Anderson, Daniel 221
Anderson, Ivar 472
Anderson, John A. 393
Anderson, Louis 423
Anderson, Ole 627
Anderson, Hon. Peter A. 47
Anderson, Richard 453
Angus, Richard J. 81
Antonsen, Gilbert L. o27
Antonsen, Henry 629
Antonsen, Otis A. 1006
Antonsen, Walter C. 628
Arnold, Louis 196
Arvidson, Andrew N. 409
Arvidson, Hans N. 360
Askerooth, Mons 933
Aslaksen, Asbjorn 285
Atkinson, Robson C. 386
Aune, Ole O. 298
Austin, Otho A. 784
^xness, Ole
Baker, Arthur D. 648
Baker, Axcel C, M. D. 69
Baker, Charles D. 416
Baker. Harry 813
Barcalow, L. D. 845
Barke, John O. 62
Barnard, Edward T. 432
Barr, John W. 988
Barry. John 941
Bauck, August 766
Bauer, Joseph 926
Bayley, William P. 66
Beards, Cecil 847
Beck, William 564
Beckman, William 865
Bell, James H. 71
Bell, Lysander W. 774
Bell. Watson T. 79
Belmont, Andrew A. 660
Bemus. Vernon S. 295
Bengtson, Nels 641
Benson. Martin 256
Berg, Carl 351
Berg, Christian E. 109
Berg, Hans P. 106
Berg, Ole 301
Berg, Ole A. 623
Berg, Ole W. 385
Berge, Henry H. 433
Berger, Jens P. 535
Bergerud, Hans S. 167
Bergquist, Carl A. 583
Bergrud, Anders A. 209
Berns, Jacob 931
Berthold, Jacob L., M. D. 768
Beske, Robert 937
Bickfo'rd, H. A. 396
Billings. Jesse P. 141
Billings, John S. 43
Bixby, Jacob S. 684
HICAL INDEX.
Bjorklund, Trior 226
Blyberg, 0. A. E. .. 696
Boehl, Joseph 407
ick E. 303
Ion ll.iidor 34
Boen, John E. 506
Holland. Dick 405
B [y, Ufred K. 704
Bondj Knu( \V. 512
Bonlie, Ole A. O 258
Bottem, P. O. 985
Bowman, Charles II. 261
Andrew 210
Brandslien, Otto J. 159
Brandt, Fred C. 876
Brandvold, Knud H. 136
on, Brady 887
Brekkc, Halvor G. 205
Brendal, Joseph P. 153
John N. 603
Samuel N. 637
Brown, David M. 75
Brown, Ira J. 536
Brown, Janus A. 58
Harry X. 737
Bryant, Ray 954
Augustus R. 883
Burau, Herman 794
Burgess, Augustus G. 392
Burlingame, Frederick E. 469
I 'ana L. 872
Burton, Willard P. 814
Buskrud; Ole E. 915
i halkley M. 233
Bye, John 263
C.
Campbell, George 131
Carew, Thomas 779
Carlson, John 793
I arpenter, Albert C. 315
apt. Osmer C. 65
ough, Cornelius G. 888
ins C. 366
Christenson, Oh \. 884
i Jiristianson, Anton 856
I hristianson, Charles 921
Christiansen, Jens 276
-on, Ole 922
Fn d .1. 837
ii. I lenry 1 '.;
I ole, Hoi M D. 336
i ollins, Henry J. 45
Cook, Homer ('.
Cordes, Henrj 237
I ord.es, Herman J. 652
Corliss. Arthur M. .. 53
Corliss, Eben E. 198
Cowing, George F. 60
D.
Dahl, Andrew ... . 908
Daiker, Joseph 711
Dalluge, Allien 139
Daly. M. J. 284
Damlo, Christian 665
Danielson, A. R. 94o
Danielson. Carl L. 982
Danielson. Frank W. 462
Davis. David C. 797
Davis. James 795
DePochee, Louis 579
Dertinger, Michael 910
Dewey, William B. 7\2
\ndrew 831
Dinsmore, John H. 4Q0
Doll. John 246
Dolsen. Charles M. 333
Duberowski. John 262
Duenow, Herman 949
Dunker. Frederick 340
E.
Ebersviller, Nick 538
Edholm. Xcls 339
Eggum, Christian
■ He « I. 157
Eichmiller, Michael
Eklund, Alfred 42o
Eklund, Charley 302
Ekstam, Andrew 461
Ellwanger, Albert 286
Ellwanger, John 974
Embertson. Edward C. 804
Emery, Benjamin G. 435
Engebretson, Arne 206
Erckenbrack, Clinton L. 733
Erickson, Cornelius B. 606
Erickson, Erik W. 530
Erickson, Ole 963
lobn 193
Erikson, Martin
Eriksson, 1 eonard 352
racob 339
I il lobn . 616
I ssi .. lobn. M. P 357
Esterman, Dominii I 159
Evandcr, Martin 540
KMiRAIMIICAI. IXDKX.
Evanson, Ed. K. 971
Evavold, Alfred K. 1007
Evavold, Anton B. 284
Evavold, Isaac K. 1008
Eveland, Jacob C. 204
Evenson, Even S. 679
Evjen, Chris 116
F
Fabian, Herman C. 164
Fabian, William 656
Farnham, Joseph H. 881
Femling, Fred A. 485
Field, Xicolai F. 52
Field, Xicolai O 123
Finn, Nathan J. 243
Fish. Joseph 612
Fisk, Walter S. 559
Fiskc, Clinton W. 992
Fiskum, Jorgen A. 820
Fjestad, Frank 120
Floen, Martin E. 708
Folkedal, Spencer 187
Foss, Otto C. 418
Fossen, Ole J. 86
Frank, A. Albert 610
Frankberg, Hon. Erick 853
Frankberg, George W. 59
Franze. Ole J. 554
Frautschi, Albert 936
Frazee, Charles R. 697
Frazee, Harry F. 702
Frazee, P. C. 698
Freeborn, J. A.. Ph. G.. M. D. 640
Freeman, George F. 422
Froslee, Michael H. 480
Froslee. Thorwald H. ^ 528
Fnrrnes, Otto A. 790
G
Gard, George H. 54
Gast, Minna 140
Gast, Peter 140
Geisness, John 235
Gerhardson, Xels 202
Gilbertson, Gabriel __ 77?
Gilbertson, Hans 969
(■lrn,U. Andrew 489
Glende, Anton 601
Goldschmitz, Peter 1003
Gould, Winfield W. 531
Granrud, Ed C. 836
Grass, John 11. 74
Gray, Frank H. 63
Green, Dwite R. 354
Grcenagel, John P. 771
Greenwood, Milton R. 427
Grefe, Herman 292
Grina, Ever ( I <>*7
Grina, Melvin I. 823
Grinager, Haavel 155
Grouws, Frank 769
Guldseth, Seven H. 916
Gulleson, Edward 983
Gunderson, Knut 791
Gustafson, Andrew 90
H
Haagenson, Haagen 349
Haagenson, Xicolai 809
Haagenson, Xils 840
Haarstad, Joseph S. 754
I I .i.i \ i . John P. 72
Hagen, Emil 154
Hagen, ole M. 867
Haggstrom, John G. 267
Haglund, John 342
Haglund, John 44"
Hall. Hugh H. 594
Italian. Jonas O. 746
Halvorsen, Martin O. 495
Halvorson. Louis 203
Halvorson, Stillman 471
Halverson, Taylor R. 802
Hanecam, John 346
Hannah, Robert 67
Hansel, Christ J. 562
Hansel. Christian A. 523
Hansen. Fred 818
Hansen, Knud C. 272
Hansen. Knut 891
Hansen, Peter 828
Hansen, Stengrim 168
Hanson, Andrew 740
Hanson, Andrew 990
Hanson, Carl 914
Hanson, Charles 929
Hanson, F.J 965
Hanson, Gustav 249
Hanson, Hans C. 228
lla.i-..,,, Hans S. 47l)
Hanson, Hcndrick A. 325
Hanson, John 635
Hanson. Lewis 830
Hanson, Ola K. 718
Hanson, Ole 730
Hanson, Ole __ 475
Peder P. 622
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Harris. Harrison ._..
Harris. Willia H. 369
Hatch. AHs.it C. 91
Hatling, Jacob O. 186
i a I ■ Hti i . 390
i itto M . M I). 69
Haugen, Amund N. 200
Haugen, Carl D. 173
Hauger, St< ffen \ 183
on, John A. 571
Hayhurst, < olbert G. 760
W illard 80S
Heembrock, Ferdinand 479
M. 266
Hegseth, Thorsten P. 171
Helseth, Ole G. 700
Toseph B. ■ 613
Henderson, William J. 253
Henry, Ole - 500
431
Herness, Christian 81
Ilcxnm, Martin H. 544
Hexum, Ole M. 131
Highdale, J. B. 968
Hilden, Thomas I. 322
Hilkoske, John 944
Hille, Hon. Hans T. 44
Hixson, Daniel W. 624
Hodgson, Fred E. 56
Hodgson, Thomas C. 57
Hcff, Henry G. 242
Hoffmann, William J. 806
Peter E. 963
Petet \". 966
Holen, Julius 1. ... 657
M. ,11., t , \ll„ rt 898
Hoi,,,, Wi.h-rs IT. 802
Holm, Loth __.. 782
Holmes, Leander ■ 232
in ill
Holt, Nels N. 505
646
Honrud, Ole 947
nomas 394
sin
I 879
in, Herman
742
239
Oli 0 379
Hubbard, Solon 942
783
129
Hursh, Jacob M.
Huse, Nils 527
i ornelius 912
Hustad, Nels 589
I
Herman G. 398
[ngalls, William E. 706
Gustaf S. 391
Tnman. Everett E. 1006
Ireland, Philip ?. 848
\nilrew 244
Isakson, Oiaf 365
Iverson, Iver 158
J
i cob \dolph 903
Jacobs, Francis R. /43
Jacobson, I ». P. B. 33
Jacobson, Rudolph 792
III, n. Theodore 747
I, -*,n 104
Janke, William 619
Jenal, Edward L. 274
Jensen. Hans 902
Jensen. Hans P. 99
Jensen. Jens P. 98
Jensen, Jorgen 854
Jensen. Julius 355
Jenson, Ludvig 973
Jewett, Eugene A. 50
Jezewski, William 905
Johanesen, Christian 279
Johnsen, Andrew 358
Johnson, Amund 190
Johns, n. Andrew P. 765
Johnson. Carl J. 865
Inlmsoii. Christian 401
Johns, ,n. David 597
Tohnson Edward 420
Johnson, Emanuel M. 343
Johnson. Ever 986
Jerry F. 778
John A. 604
Johns, m, John C.
Johnson, John H. 0(
Johnson, John M. 194
Johnson, John N. 735
rohnson, John O. 723
Johnson, Jonas G. 543
rohnson, Leonard 293
iohnson, Ole 35m
Johnson. Olof 397
Johnson, Oscar >;:
617
BUHIKAI'IIICAI. INDEX.
Johnson, Swan : 45(1
Johnson, Thomas K. 800
Johnson, Torger 762
Jones, Henry W. 722
Jorgensen, Christian 166
Jorud, Hans L. 895
Jorud, Thorvald L. 248
Joslin, Charles S. 387
Jung, Jacob 247
K
Kaddatz, Charles W. 400
Kallerman, John S. 217
Kapler, George R. 383
Kaufmann, Anton 739
Kempf, William H. 807
Kendall, William H. 807
Kirkvold, Christ E. 896
Kittelson, Christ 887
Kitts, Alexander 924
Kjcr, John 122
Klein, M. B. 663
Klimp, Edward 356
Kluenenberg, Bernard 987
Klug, Carl 555
Knott, Peter M. 751
Knudsen, Albert 498
Knudson, Christian C. 189
Knudson, Xels A. 514
Knutson, Albert R. 363
Knutson, John 788
Knutson, Martin 869
Kopperud, Anton 549
Kopperud, Karl J. 409
Korth, Albert 998
Krause, Arthur A. 951
Krekelberg, John H. 582
Krogstad, John E. 956
Kron, Ole 517
Kronemann, M. C. 736
C i ii. i. Herman 925
Krueger, William C. 259
Kni.hr, Charlie 727
Kvernstoen, Engebret L. 270
Kvilekval. Thorbjorn H. 575
adwig, W. F, 558
amson, Edward S. 928
angen, Ole T. 552
angm Lowell t. 85
.angren, Minis O. 978
angsjoen, Wis 707
angvick, F. II. 940
Larson, Albert 88
Larson, Andrew 376
Larson, Ed E. 893
Larson, Gunerius 862
Larson, Hans 580
Larson, Hans O. 121
Larson, Herman 488
Larson, Jacob 551
Larson, John H. 510
Larson, Mr. and Mrs. Louis P 710
Larson, Mrs. Martha (Hilden) 375
Larson, Ole 764
Larson, Oscar F. 111
Car-., hi. Thomas 101
Laugen, Peter G. 454
Lauritzen, John 666
Lausten, Kasper 80S
Leach, William J. 368
Lehmann, John B. 880
Lein, Casper 215
Lein, Olaf 958
Lein, 1'eter 126
Leonard, Melvin 705
Levorsen, Levor A. 55
Levring, Andrew 566
Lieder, John C. 460
Lien, John 344
Lien. Peder 504
Lien. Tobias S. 16S
Ligaard, Halvor P. 170
Line. dn. William 192
Lind. Andrew 745
Lindall. Peter 713
l.inder, Peter __ 341
Lindquist, Gustaf A. 176
Ling, Eric P. 693
Lohmeier, Lewis 138
Loken, John H. 89
1.,. ken, Peter 726
Long, Michael 509
Loop, Leeman 574
Lotterer. Casper W. 440
Luebbermann, Ernst 621
Lueders, Fritz 379
Luhning, Henry D. 490
Luhning, Wilhelm 451
Lund, Andrew T. 842
1 u.i.l. Edward T. 520
Lund, Charles A. 113
Lund, T\-man A. 486
Lundberg, Claes A. 265
Lundin, John P. 907
Lyksett, Ole 255
I. nob 150
BIUCK M'HICAI. INDEX.
I yng, John, M. D. _. 197
He .1. 179
Mc
Hon. William H. 52
McFarlane, Edmund 588
McMahon, M. T. 924
M
Madsen, Hans 176
M ( >. 487
Majava, John P. 602
Maki. Isaac K. 581
Malmgren, Alfred 917
Maneval, Edwin C. 329
Mann. Charles H. 1005
Manske, Charles 568
Marckel. Amos 289
Martinson. Martin K. 238
Martins. hi. Otto 557
Matala. Charles A. 664
Mathews, Burton H. 406
Mathiason. Even 202
Matson, Per Gustav 283
\i a tf d, John 633
Matthews. J. V. 130
Mattson, Bernhard 855
Maurin, Henry 934
Maurin. John 844
Maurin, Marcus P. 790
Geo i \. 515
Meland, Rev. Andrew 709
Mclby, Johan A. 273
Menge, Gottlieb 362
Me./, Karl 503
! \ndrias 731
M« i r, Peter F. 1004
Meyer, August W. 474
Miller. August 899
Miller, Carl . 145
Miller. George II. 446
Miller. Henry 767
i Pi tei I 142
der V 446
Moen, < hristian J. 682
ilberl 466
■ 341
els T. 208
Moklev, Martin - 326
Moklev, Thorsten S. 586
Monson, Arm 317
441
Moody, Rev. James 128
trick (08
I els 980
Morrow, William ?33
Mortensen, Nels J. 134
Mortenson, Martin 829
tfo Oliver E. 493
Murdock, II. J. 981
Murdock, John 975
Murk, Andrew G. 291
Murray, John E. 565
Myhre, Helmer
N
Nattestad, Christen 546
Nelsen, I Ian- S.
Nelson, Adin ... S2
Nelson, Vnton E. 156
Nelson, Arthur W. 567
655
Nelson, Eddie X. 776
Nelson, Erick E. 154
Nelson, Frank 463
Nelson, Hans 445
Nelson, Henry P. 213
Nelson, J. Emil 561
Nelson, Jens 377
Nelson, Jens 251
lohn G.
Nelson, John P. 870
Ni Ison, John \\ . 434
Nelson, Jonas 525
Nelson, Martin T. 84
Nelson, X. P. R. F.22
Nelson, Xels 920
Nelson, Nels 404
Nelson, Nels M. 382
Nelson, Nels W. 703
Nelson, Nils II. 323
Xrls,,,,. ( 0e I . . 95
Nelson, Ole P. 777
Nelson, Wilson I 920
Nesbitt, Janus 547
Ness, Ole P. 798
Nessa, John J. 716
Nesvold, Hans 786
Newmann, Erwin F. 162
■■ i< holsor, I C. 789
Niebets, Jacob 608
i >tto 868
Nilsson, Vlfred 541
Nodsle, ' He II. 332
Nordin, John -
Xorclmarken. Oscar 312
\n,lers J. ._ 294
Nordgaard, John 259
IUCRAPHICAL IMH X.
Norgrcn, John 223
Nygaard, Ole 626
Xyhus, Ole T. 117
Nylund, Felix 230
O
Oak, Otto J. 328
Oisen, Lars P. 537
Olson, Alvin 893
Olson. Andrew B. 896
Olson, Andrew C. 149
Olson, Anton J. 763
Olson, C. E. 330
Olson. Carl E. 952
Olson, Charles O. 989
Olson, Hans O. 676
Olson. Hans P. 424
Olson, Henry 107
Olson. John 353
Olson, John H. 890
Olson, John L. 873
Olson, Joseph 521
Olson, Kittel 545
Olson, Knut 961
Olson, Lars 307
Olson. Louis C. 103
Olson, Oliver 448
Olson, Simon 889
Olson, Torkel 913
Oman. William I. 414
Onsum, Lars L. 181
Otte, Joseph A. 212
Otto. Henry C. D., M. D 550
Ovri, Rev. Ellend J 699
P
Page, Hon. Henry G. 39
f'arks, Edward 251
Parson. Xels 781
Parsons. Judge William L. 49
Pary, Olof 219
Paulsen, Axel S. 650
Paulson. Charles 334
Paulson, Haagen 900
Peck, Edward A.. Jr. 347
Pederson, Carl K. 691
Pederson, Gilbert K. 874
Pederson, Ole 630
Pederson, Peter K. 472
Pederson, Syvrin 886
Peppling, Charles 252
Perdue, Charles II. si;
Perkins, Steve L. 573
Perkins, William R. 590
Person, William 721
Persons. John 311
Peters, Ferdinand 647
Petersen, Peter 785
Peterson, Andrew 191
Peterson, Andrew A. 297
Peterson, August 908
Peterson, Charles A. 671
Peterson, Charles G. 999
Peterson. Daniel A. 502
Peterson, John 945
Peterson, John A. 918
Peterson, John A. 734
Peterson, John A. 419
Peterson, John W. 78
Peterson, Leonard 161
Peterson, Ole S97
Peterson, Olof 508
Petrie, Adison 395
Petterson. Andrew A. 391
Phelps, Ray 634
Pickit, Horace 77
Pickit. Justus 132
Pierce, Amasa J. 411
Pilger; Ludwig 689
Plowman, Henry 643-
Post. John P. 595
Poulson, George A. 654
Prentice, Frederick 874
Prichett, Harry S.. D. D. S. 439
Proehl, Herman A„ D. D. S. 570
Putnam. Frank S. 748
Putnam. Herbert A. 556
Q
Quam, Andrew O. 688
R
Rakstad, Gilbert N. 598
Ranger, John M. 701
Ranstad. Thomas A. 110
Rauch, Rev. George J. 112
Rector, Sheldon M. 644
Reierson, Gunder 185
Restad, Alfred P. 631
Revering, Vugust F. 591
Reynolds, Perry 878
Rieman, John G. 548
Riley, Lewis 1.. __ 61
Rindal, Mikkel 605
R'fsbrudt, E. T. 152
Kisl.ru.lt. Ellef hi. 4<>3
Kisl.ru.lt. Torkel F. 268
Ris'tad, Rev. Ditlef G.
BIOGRAPniCAL INDEX.
I I . 939
Robertson, Henrj O. 677
rgi W. 670
iristian 484
Rolandson, Ole 756
ars ' ). 271
n, < >laf 639
Ronningen, Syver O. 738
Rosenquist, Alfred B. 518
Martin 92
Rovang, Nels X. 214
i lavid L. 300
ouis 444
Rude, Ole M. 269
Rudh, Edward J. 384
Rulland, Ever O. 169
l.u-ob 667
Ryg, Carl L. 915
S
Sabbin, John 927
llon. Ole O. 600
Salomonsen, F. E. 694
Sams. in. Magna 932
Saunders, Frank B. 834
Sayer, John 877
Schachtschneider, Otto E. 100
Schaut, Rev. A. J. 800
Scheer, I harles 787
-.1 fohannes P. 492
01: ! 87
Schmidt. August 225
Schmidt, Gustav
Schmidt, Henrj 282
Schmidt. L. II. D. 282
Vdolph 370
Schoening, Carl O. 750
. William F. 752
fohn H2
Schultz, II. A. 851
Schwanlz, Julius E. 638
rcdricl 946
758
n 871
962
rohn J. 172
Sethre, I hristian P. II
180
Inlius ________ 821
man
"i, I. ouis . _ 984
343
Shaw. Darius X. . 770
Shea, James II. 359
Shea, Martin 442
Shearer, John 943
SI, el, Ion. George W. 496
I Mai I'h., M. D 144
Shirley. Julius 885
143
Siebels, Henry E. 563
491
on, Simon 319
280
- ret Edward 399
Sjord il, : odor, 673
I - 882
ert C. 753
Skoglund, Xils J. 275
Skrove, Sigurd M. 35
Sletner, Bernhard A. 507
Slettede, Ole J. 464
Smith, Ellsworth W. 825
Smith. Eric 174
Smith. George W. 827
Smith. William F. 361
Smith. Willis A. 918
Solum. Andrew O. 759
Solum. (»le L. 658
Sommerness, Ole M. 38S
Sonmor, Knul V — . „___ 264
Si ver C. 501
Sorkness, Colben M. 335
Spies, Mrs. Emilie 452
Martin H. _. 906
Bernhard
Sti rohn 950
Stench r. Charles 623
• . Knute 188
Stenstn im, I .aw rence P.
Stillman, Alphus 741
inton R. 632
__' 372
227
\. 182
224
Strand, Thomas 636
I rank II. 127
560
Strommen, Gilbert T. 592
Stubskind, Ole O. 661
Ufred W. 938
M rs. Vugusta I Nordbi
' J. 218
hn O. 211
375
ISl'K.RAl'lIICAL INDEX.
Swanson, Andrew 184
Swanson, John W. 434
Swanson, S. A. i 124
Swenson, Ole 151
Syverson, Sigurd A. 1002
T
Tanglen, William 277
Taylor, John L. 948
Tennant, David A. 51
Tenter, Henry 669
Tenter, William '_ 894
Thomas. W. E. 287
Thompson, Anton 288
Thompson, Edward 724
Thompson, Esten 137
Thompson, Jacob 858
Thompson, John B. 240
Thompson, John T. 803
Thorstonson, Carl 970
Thurnshelle, Ole 172
Thygesen, Niels 832
Tollefson, Torger 425
Tomhave, Albert C. 911
Tomhave, George E. 519
Tomhave, Henry 135
Tomhave, John J. 381
Tommeraas, Lars O. 254
Torgersen, John S. 245
Torgerson, Jens 456
Torgerson, Onon 201
Torkelson, Ole 651
Tostenson, Tosten 960
Trana. Anton B. 118
Trautner, George 321
Trenne, August 207
Trenne, William 207
Tucker, Abner S. 977
Tullis, David 877
Tvedte, Thomas J. 953
Tweten, Andrew 305
U
Ulsaker, Bjorn 522
Umland, Otto 717
Utne, Christian O. 83
V
Vaglo, John M. 468
Van Antwerp, Edward 923
Vargason, Orrin H. 308
Veden, Andy 296
Vidness, Ole O. 468
Vigen, Andrew T. 364
Vigen, Jorgen G„ M. D. 304
Vinje, Olaf A. 799
Vogel, Frank J 728
Vogel, Frederick 668
W
Wagstrom, Andrew 473
Walbridge, J. Howard 250
Wallace, James P. 720
Wallace, John 875
Walseth, Carl L. 913
Walstead, Theodore 410
Walz, Michael 274
Wangerin, Richard 819
Webber, Edward J. 160
Webber. Herbert E. 83
Weber, Fred L. 438
Welch, George O., M. D. 68
Welch, J. H. 607
Wemstrom, Carl G. 310
Wendt, Edward 678
West, Walter 870
Westover, William E. 403
Wetmur, Amos H. 429
Wheelock, Harry M. 64
Whitson, Albert G. 125
Whittaker, Frank X., D. D. S. 70
Wicklund, Andrew A. 620
Wiese, Albert 690
Wilkinson, Kleber B. 642
Will, John C. 526
Wilshusen, Henry 443
Wilson, Nils 692
Wilson, Oscar F. 482
Windsor, Walter B. 76
Winter, Ernest F. 511
Winther, Henry A. 73
Wischnak, Ferdinand 749
Wold, John J. 299
Wold, William O. 436
Wolleat, George F. 996
Woodhall. William A. 576
Worden, Harrison 1000
Wright, Chark-s D. 48
Wright. Charles J. 672
Wright. Charles R., Sr. 680
Wright. Charles R. 672
Wright, George B. 36
Wright, William 584
Wright. Zeba 337
Wutamaki, John 662
Wyatt, John K. 415
Wynn. Ceorge B. 614
B R \!"lk\\l. INDEX.
Y Z
Young, Benjamin F. ._ 306 Zilliox, Frederick 846
Oscar 290 Zimmer, William 744
. Charles 163 Zuehlke, Ferdinand 465
(). P. li. .1 \< IOBSON
BIOGRAPHICAL
O. P. B. JACOBSON.
O. P. B. Jacobson, of Fergus Falls. Otter Tail county, was born in
Fredriksvarn, Norway, July 2, 1857. He received his schooling at Sande-
fjord, where his parents moved when he was three years old. After gradu-
ating from school, at the age of fifteen, he went to sea as apprentice in a
sailing ship. Four years later he graduated from Christiana Navigation
Board and got his captain's certificate. After several years of traveling
around the world, he came to New York, where he was offered a position
at Castle Garden. From there he went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. At
that time it was a growing town. Mr. Jacobson describes Fergus Falls as
"a booming Western town" and he soon enrolled himself in the ranks as
clerk in a general store. After several years in the store, he went on the
road for a wholesale grocery house and afterwards he was traveling repre-
sentative for the McCormick Harvester Company. His territory was very
extensive and the large acquaintanceship which resulted, aided by his knowl-
edge of grain growing and handling, was to serve him well later in his varied
career. In 1909 he organized a company that bought the old and well-
known Norwegian paper, Fergus Falls Ugcblad, of which he became the
editor and manager. Like his other lines of endeavor, the Ugcblad was
soon a success under Mr. Jacobson's management. In 191 1 he retired from
active management of the paper, but became its president. He accepted an
appointment as a member of the board of grain appeals, tendered to him
by Governor Eberhart. Three years later, a vacancy occurring in the state
railroad and warehouse commission by reason of the resignation of C. F.
Staples, Governor Eberhart named Mr. Jacobson for this place. In 19 14
he was a candidate to succeed himself and was nominated and elected by
an overwhelming majority. In recognition of his thorough knowledge of
small grains, which are a feature of the agricultural resources of the state,
he has continued to look after that part of the business that conies under the
commission. The employees of this department pass on every bushel of
grain raised in Minnesota and adjoining states and establish grades as fixed
by the appeal board, and is known in everv market in the world.
(3b)
34
\ I Y, Ml NNES01 A.
Mr. [acobson was married in the fall of [885 to Miss Gertrude M.
Olson, from Brooklyn, New York. They have had a family of six children,
three of whom arc still alive.
HON. HALDOR BOEN.
The late Eialdor Boen, who was a member of ( ongress from the
state of Minnesota during the early nineties and who during his life was
prominent in the civic and political life of this county as well as for many
years a prominent newspaper owner and publisher, was horn in Sondre
Anrdal. Valders, Norway, on January 1. 1850, and died on July 20, [912,
at Aurdal, Otter Tail county, .Minnesota.
In [868, in company with his two brothers, Andrew 1*'.. and Erick
E., Haldnr Boen emmigrated to the United States and a little later set-
tled at Grand Meadow, .Mower county, Minnesota. There they remained
with relatives for a short time, when Haldor went to St. (loud and where
he pursued a course in the State Normal school. In 1871 he came to
Aurdal, Otter Tail County, and entered a tract of state land, comprising
eighty acres. His brother took eighty acres and he built a log house and
broke up some of the land. When he was twenty-four years old Mr. Boen
was married to Margaret Brekke and, immediately after their marriage, they
removed to the homestead which he had previously bought. They remained
there until 1888, when they removed to Fergus Falls.
Shortly after removing to Fergus Falls, Mr. Boen purchased a com-
fortable home on North Union avenue. He served as clerk in the office
of the register of deeds at Fergus Falls and was also a clerk in one of
the legislative sessions of the eighties, or before he moved to Fergus halls.
In [887 he was elected register of deeds of Otter Tail county, succeeding
( ic< irge \\ Bo) ington.
Mr. Boen assisted in organizing the Fa
became its secretary, holding the position fo
at that time was coming into prominence all
The \lliance finally decided to enter into pol
party. A big landslide occurred in [889, at whicl
swept everything before it in this part of the state, and when Kittel Halvor-
son was elected to ' ongress, Mr. Boen being our of his prominent sup-
porters and managers. Mr. Halvorson served two years in Congress and
in the fall of [892 Mr. Boen was nominated and elected to Congress as
Mr. Eialvorson's successor. The prestige of Populistism at this time receded
and two years later, in [894, Mr. I'.oen was defeated by Frank M. Eddy
for re-election. Afterward Mr. Boen returned to Fergus Falls and pur-
chased the Fergus Globe, which he edited for a number of years or until
\llia.u
:e
in 1
884 and
•n
years.
Hie
Alliance
T
ie state
■ 0
f M
innesota.
UN
1 became
the
I '1 >pulist
H
time
the in
■w party
OTTER' TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 35
failing health compelled him to relinquish the editorial chair, at which time
the Globe suspended publication.
Air. and Mrs. Boen had nine children, six of whom are living, namely:
Sophia M., Theodora A., Harold, Alvin, Errick and Erwin. Sophia M.
is now Mrs. Jacob Oualle and lives near Brooten, Stearns county, and they
have two sisters. Theodora A. married Ira Wall, a jeweler, and lives at
Washburn. North Dakota, and they have two sons. Harold married Mar-
garet Plowman, and they Live in Wadena. Alvine, Erick and Erwin live at
home with their mother. Mrs. Boen, whose maiden name was Margaret
Brekke, was born in Tellamaken, Norway, and in 1861 came to America
with her father, who was a farmer. The family made the trip to America
by way of Quebec. Canada. Subsequently, they settled in Dane county,
Minnesota, and lived near Liberty Prairie for twelve years. In 1873 tne
family came to Otter Tail county, and settled in Aurdal township, where they
homesteaded land and where the father and mother lived until their death,
Airs. Boen's father died at the age of eighty-seven and her mother at the
age of ninety-three. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of
whom are living.
Haldor Boen had a conspicuous part in the political history of this
section of the state during his day and generation. He worthily discharged
all his duties both public and private, which fell to his lot. He was a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows. 1148894
SIGURD M. SKROVE.
Successful farmer and stock raiser, public spirited citizen, man of
public office and leader in the affairs of local life, Sigurd M. Skrove is one
without whose record and a review of whose life this volume would be
incomplete. Sigurd M. Skrove was born in Norway, on April 22, 1867,
the son of Martin E. and Martha (Skrove) Skrove, who were natives of
Norway, in which county they lived until the year 1882, when they came
to America. Martin E. Skrove is the son of Elling and Sigrid (Kulstad)
Larson, who were born in Norway, where Sigrid Larson lived until her
death in the year i860, while Elling Larson came to America and lived
with a son, dying in the year 1897. Martha Skrove is the daughter of
Jonas T. and Martha (Hallan) Skrove, who were farmers in their native
land of Norway, in which county they lived their entire lives.
On reaching America, Martin E. and Martha Skrove came to the
state of Minnesota and located at Fergus balls. Otter Tail county, where
they lived for a time, after which Martin Skrove rented a farm in Douglas
county. Minnesota, living there for three years and then moved to Wilkin
36 0TTEH TAIL COl MV. MINNESOTA.
county, Minnesota, at which place he homesteaded a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres of land, where he now lives, having in the meantime accumu-
lated about three hundred acres of land, all of which is well improved and
highly cultivated. Martin E. and Martha Skrove are the parents ol -1
children. Sigurd, .Martha, Eline, Ida, Soren and Martin. In church affilia-
tion Martin Skrove and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church.
Sigurd Skrove was educated in the public schools or Norway and for
about three months in the common schools of Douglas count}-. Minnesota,
after which he tuck up a homestead, during the year 1888, in Wilkin county.
Minnesota, where he engaged in general farming and in the digging of well-
in the community, until the year 1893, and then he moved to Tumuli town-
ship, east of the town of Dalton, in Otter Tail county, where he purchased
two hundred and fifteen acres of land, which he improved with a remodeled
house and by the addition of modern equipment, where he now engages
in general fanning and in the breeding of purebred Holstein cattle and
Duroc-Jersey hogs.
During the year 1893, Sigurd Skrove was married to Oline Margaret
Dahl, who was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, the daughter of B. C. and
Anna (Vick) Dahl, both of whom were natives of Norway, who came to
America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they homesteaded
a farm in Tumuli township, after a short residence in Winneshiek county,
Iowa.
To the marriage of Sigurd and Olnie Skrove were born the following
children, Martha, Berten, Neola, Sanford and Milda. Sigurd Skrove and
his family are interested and faithful members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church at Dalton.
In public life and in official circles. Sigurd Skrove is prominently con-
nected, he now serving the community as justice of the peace, and also as
treasurer of the school district. For ten years this worthy citizen held
the office of township treasurer and in this office, as with all other public
measures or projects. Sigurd Skrove served well and with notable efficiency.
GE< )RGE BURDICK WRIGHT.
George Burdick Wright, known during his lifetime as the first import-
ant figure in the early settlement of Fergus Falls, wa- a native of Williston,
Vermont, where he was born in 1835, the youngest son of Brigham and
Urania ( Murray) Wright. lie received his academic education 111 his native
state and was. by profession, a surveyor or civil engineer, having been
actively engaged in that profession until r86p. lie located a quarter of a
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 37
section of land, where the city of Fergus Falls now stands, on the north
side of the river, in 1867, U1 company with R. J. Mendenhall, of Minne-
apolis.
These gentlemen formed a partnership and sent a crew of men to
their place under the supervision of Henry Dow, who arrived on the site
of Fergus Falls, August 19, 1870. At once they commenced the construc-
tion of a dam across the Red river. They also commenced the erection of
a saw-mill and the next spring built an addition and put in one run of stone
for the manufacture of flour. They platted two hundred acres of land on
the north side of the river, Mr. Wright having secured forty acres in addi-
tion to his former one hundred and sixty. On the south side Of the river,
they platted one hundred and sixty acres of land and commenced building
and improving, this work having been the beginning of the town of Fergus
Falls. In 1870 and 1871 they sent a crew of men into the pine timber in
the region of what is now the town of Corliss and in the spring of 1871,
they rafted the logs down the river and had them cut in their saw-mill in
Fergus Falls. Mr. Wright became the sole owner of the unsold interest of
Mr. Mendenhall in 1879 and, after that time devoted his entire time and all
of the money he could command to the building up and improving of the
town.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Wright built what is known as the "Beehive" for a manu-
factory. He was a man of remarkable energy, just such a man as was
needed for the trying times of the early settlement of Fergus Falls and
vicinity. He had the faculty of seeing ahead clearly and his conclusions
rarely were known to be erroneous. He firmly believed the town, in whose
interests he was working, would some time become an important city, but
he was destined not to live to see the full fruition of his efforts. His death
occurred on April 29, 1882, while he was still in the prime of life, lieing
then only forty-seven years old.
In i860, George B. Wright married Serena Ames, the adopted daugh-
ter of Rev. Charles G. Ames, a distinguished Unitarian clergyman. Mrs.
Wright, who is remembered by all her friends for her beautiful character,
died in Minneapolis in March, 180S, leaving two young children, Mary and
Vernon, the former of whom died in Wilmington, Delaware, in [881, and
in February, 1X70. Mr. Wright married, secondly. Mrs. Carrie A. W'hit-
conib, of California, who brought to their home in Minneapolis, two chil-
dren of ages corresponding to those of the children of Mr. Wright
Mr. Wright's early life, his wonderful business qualifications and
tlic pride lie took in the city, of which he was the founder, have been
described in the following words of his intimate friend, W. V Croffut:
"But scant justice has been done in the published sketches of George B.
38 OTTER I 'All COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Wright to qualities and abilities which made him known to a public beyond
the circle of his acquaintances; or to the gifts which he displayed to the
infinite amusement of his friends. In a word. .Mr. Wright was an exceed-
ingly clever man. with a full appreciation of the deliciously ludicrous; a
faculty for molding into form those clever conceits which most Americans
like to read, and the power to think deeply and well, and to express his
thoughts with very pungent English. Thousands of people who never
knew the genial man read the emanations of his pen. which he did not
hesitate to father, and the large number of contributions which he made
under a nom de plume.
"A large part of these emanations of his pen have been preserved in
two scrap-books, which the Pioneer Press of St. Paul has obtained from
the family for reminiscent reproductions. In the second scrap-book much
is preserved that he wrote after 1875. Probably nothing was ever done
that called Fergus Falls into more public notice than a series of humorous
advertisements which he published. He made them so eccentric that people-
looked for the periodical changes in them. It was his persistence in causing
the phrase, "the coming city of the Northwest," to be linked with Fergus
Falls, which has undoubtedly joined the name of this city with that phrase
for all time. These advertisements were usually headed. 'George B. Wright's
Remarks,' and the character of them may be judged from a few specimens
such as the following:
"Land! Land!! Land!!! Land!!!!
Mold and loam and clay and sand.
The very ground on which we stand.
(To get it, how we've starved and planned)!
Broad landscape, rivers, mountains grand;
White fields by blizzards gently fanned.
Brown lawns by torrid blazes tanned;
Dry dirt marked out — prospected — panned.
"There's not a thing at man's command,
Xot even greenbacks, cash in hand.
Is really real-estate, but land.
Other wrecked crafts may strew the strand;
'fhe tiller of the s,iil will stand
Peerless; and none with failure brand
fhe honesl hauler of the sand.
"Bui Mr Wright did not write simpl) nonsense, tar from it. Some of
his best renditions were upon election reforms and university rules, of
which latter theory he was one .if the principal advocates and put the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 39
elements of the cause into such pungent and impressive English that they
attracted attention widely ; were commented upon and quoted by the metro-
politan press, and provoked general discussion.
"Very many people in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota will
treasure memories of the man and none more than those who possessed
his intimate friendship and acquaintance."
HOX. HENRY G. PAGE.
The late Henry G. 1'age, who for forty years was one of the most
respected and prominent citizens of Fergus Falls, was a native of Sand-
wich, New Hampshire, born on March y. 1832.
The Pages were an old family in New Hampshire, Henry G. Page's
grandfather, David C. Page, having resided there and his great-grand-
father, Joseph Page, also was horn in that state. In 1855 Hon. George
Page, the father of Henry G. Page, after serving in the New Hampshire
Legislature and being otherwise honored in his own state, decided to join
the Western movement and come West with his family. He settled in Car-
roll county, Illinois. There were hut two children in the family and Plenry
G. Page's only sister died while quite young. Mr. Page's mother died in
1865 and his father in 1867, and he practically was without relatives all
the later years of his life, there being no kinsfolk nearer than a cousin.
Before coming West, Henry E. Page attended an academy in his native
county and the Northfield Seminary, in Merrimac county, New Hampshire,
after which he returned to the farm. Notwithstanding all his other lines
of business, he always loved farming and stock raising and found much
pleasure in it. In 1867 Mr. Page married Alice Humphrey, who was born
in Lewis county. Xew York, the daughter of Horace and Joanna (Stiles)
Humphreys, the former of whom was a merchant and farmer. There were
four children in the Humphrey family, three of whom are still living, Mrs.
Page, Mrs. Emilo Hagey. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and C. H Humphrey,
of Fenton, Iowa.
To Henry E. and Alice (Humphrey) Page was born one son, Henry
G., who is living in Pelican Rapids, this county, where he is engaged in Un-
real-estate business. He married Ruth Kinney and they have three chil-
dren, Henry George. Marian and Rebecca.
In 1867, the elder Henry G. Page engaged in the banking business at
Lanark, Illinois, with his brother-in-law. Mr. VanVechten, and dealt more
or less in live stock. In 1S70. his health failing, he went to Minneapolis,
seeking the benefit of the Minnesota climate, expecting to return in the
fall of the year; but he gained so much in Minnesota that he decided to
4<3 OTTER T.VM COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
remain. He became interested in this section of the state through George
B. Wright and in 1S70 personally investigated the region about Fergus
Falls. He arrived at the river just as Mr. Buse was finishing the pontoon
bridge at Union avenue, in "the coming city of the Northwest," and he
was the rirst to drive across that causeway.
There was practically nothing here at that time even to mark an out-
post of civilization, Hut he bought more or less land in this section, including
the farm where the electric light dam at Fergus Falls is now located. In
1872 he personally located in Fergus Falls and organized the First National
Hank, James Compton being cashier, while Mr. Page was the president
He was a man full of energy and he at once set about doing other things.
He bought the power, now known as the Red river mill-power, of Wright
and Mendenhall ami, with 1\. 11. Scott, built the first flour-mill in Fergus
Falls. Later on Mr. Scott retired and, through James J. Hill, who was
building the railroad through here, Andrew ( I. Todd became interested in
the milling business with Mr. Page. Then began that period of Scottish
activity which caused Fergus Falls to move at a rapid pace, culminating in
the building of the Grand hotel and the big boom of 1882 and 1883. The
ideas of his associates were a little too rapid for Mr. Rage and he sold out
his interest in that mill ami built the mill known as the Big A or Cable
mill, because it was run by cable power, which was the common method of
power distribution in the early days of Fergus halls. The Red river mill
failed, but the table mill proved a big success under Mr. Page's careful
management. At that time it was thought Fergus Falls would he a second
Minneapolis and become a great milling center, as it had both the power
and the wheat. Mr. Page was full of energy and enthusiasm for the city
and he joined heartily in the movement to build it up. In [882 he Started
to build the dam which is now owned by the city, preparatory to building
a big mill. It was this step which resulted in wiping out his entire fortune
and ended SO disastrousl) to all concerned.
Mr. Page said, in his quiet way, that he was worth at least one hun-
dred and fifty thousand dollars when he started on tin- enterprise, lie
had the choicest investments around here. He controlled the table mill.
he was interested in the First National Bank, and had bought control of
and became president of the Fergus Falls National Bank, he owned the
Schacht comer ami had fifteen hundred acre- of land near the city, besides
a large .-1111011111 of other propert) The dam cost far more than its pro-
motel expected. The mill with a capacity of six hundred barrel- and the
elevator and the rest of the plant ran above the estimated cost of construc-
tion From tin- very outsel the mill had a series of disastrous years. < Inly
thai the big mill was operated by the Page Milling Company did
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 4 1
it show a profit, as it was impossible to get much wheat from farmers, on
account of the location, the grain having to be ground in transit and switched
from the Great Northern. The Northern Pacific had not extended verj fai
West at that time. The river went down and there was a series of years
with low water, during which the proprietors were forced to run the mill
by steam. The final blow came on a wheat market very similar to that
of 1909. Wheat was very high. Uuyers of dour held oft waiting for a
new crop. The mill kept grinding and sending its dour to commission mer-
chants, hoping for a sale; only to have the market slump. More than fifty
thousand dollars was lost on the season's milling; it was impossible to hold
out longer and an assignment was made to C. D. Wright. These years of
adversity in connection with the big mill brought out all of Air. Page's force
of character very plainly. There was never any bluster about him, but there-
was a quiet determination which few men possessed. Fully determined not
to let the mill fail, he hung to it with a bull-dog tenacity. To maintain
his credit and meet his obligations, he mortgaged everything, even to the
part of the homestead, where the casket factory now stands. Following
the assignment, in 1890, came the hard times of the years preceding the
panic of 1893 an<^ me choice properties which he had, and which would have
helped to pay the obligations, brought practically nothing, compared to
what they had previously been considered worth. He lost the bank, the
A mill, his farms, his horses, his fancy cattle; in short, everything was
swept away and in those hard times, they brought almost nothing to pay
the debts. In the midst of his financial troubles he was severely injured in a
runaway accident, but left his bed long before he ought to have done so,
in order to help straighten out his affairs. While still in the hands of the
assignee, the big mill, together with the elevator, was destroyed by tire.
As there was but little insurance, this calamity completed the disaster, and
the valuable power and dam were sold to the city for almost nothing. Mr.
Page never fully recovered from the blow resulting from his failure. Though
he did all in his power to help those who bad lost through his failure, to
recover what they could, he never got started again himself.
Henry G. Page was not only prominent in business, but he took an
active part in politics and public affairs, hi 1S74 be was elected state senator
from this district in one of the most memorable campaigns ever carried on
here. At that time this senatorial district included all the territory between
here and Manitoba and some to the south. The Republican organization,
which was largely controlled by Hon. F. E. Corliss, nominated Mr. Jorgens,
who was county auditor. The opposition was based upon a reform move-
ment, called, as is usually the case in these latter days, the anti-monopoh,
party, and was directed by J. W. Mason, J, P. Williams. George P>. Wrighl
4-1 ! • N TV. MINNESOTA.
and Mr. Underw 1. then editor of the Journal. Such things as were too
hot to print in the Journal were put into a sheet called The Vanguard. Hon.
R. L. Frazee, then living in Becker county, was nominated for representa-
tive on the ticket with Mr. Page and they were elected. Mr. Page had a
good majority, and Mr. Frazee's majority was four, while Soren Listoe,
on the opposing ticket, was elected as one of the representatives. 1 he
principal issue in those days was to get a railroad for Fergus Falls and
Mr. Page's work was largely in helping secure legislation winch finally
resulted in the building of the Fergus Falls division of the St. Paul X-
Pacific road. Mr. Page was the second mayor of the city "I Fergus Falls,
serving for two or three terms, lie was a member of the hoard of educa-
tion for many years. in [884 he was named by his party as a delegate to
the Republican national convention at Chicago, a convention which finally
nominated James ( ',. Blaine for the presidency. Mr. I 'age was not a politi-
cal leader, hut he was always so fair and so willing to do the right thing
that when factions got into a tight they could always agree on him as a
compromise candidate. He always had has own views and even after he had
ceased to he a prominent financial and industrial factor, he newer failed to
gel out and help when there was an issue between right and wrong. Gover-
nor Johnson placed him on an important commission to represent Minne-
sota.
Henry G. Page was a great lover of horses and the first twenty years
he was a resident of Otter Tail county, he raised and sold many line driving
horses, although never favoring racing. Driving and training his horses
was his favorite recreation and he always had a stable full of the most
spirited colts in the locality. It was largely this out-of-door life which
enabled him to maintain his health while carrying on his large business
affairs, lie was one of the first to raise pure-bred cattle and he did much
to stimulate the raising of good horses and cattle in this section. Next to
having his friends lose through his failure, his greatest grief was to have
to give up his stable horses.
Mr. Page was a typical New Englander. He was quiet and unostenta-
tious and always attended strictly to his own business. During the forty
years he lived here, no one ever heard of his precipitating or being involved
in any trouble, lie was very retiring and reticent and. while friendly with
all, he never had any confidential friends. He always kepi his own counsels
While not called a religious man. no one ever lived a more moral or tem-
perate life. No better citizen ever lived or died in Fergus halls While
common consent gives the late George B. Wright first place as builder of the
city, Henry G. Page was a good second and. had not a seemingly unavoidable
oine upon him in the very midday of In- activities, he might have
OTTKR TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 43
been first. In any event, he lived a good life and Fergus Falls will be for-
tunate, if, in the future, any of its citizens measure up to the standards of
Henry G. Page. Air. Page died on June 20, iyoy.
JOHN S. BILLINGS.
It is to the credit of Sheriff John S. Billings that after having served
a period of ten years as sheriff of Otter Tail county, he was recalled to
that important office in 1909, after a lapse of some eight years, and has
efficiently filled the office during this second period of tenure. He is popular
among the people of Otter Tail county because he is a very vigilant officer
and is possessed of great physical strength and courage. Nevertheless, he
is very kind and sociable, and has had a most beneficent influence upon
criminals. He has found that many of them have a good side, and main- of
the criminals who have been under his care attribute their reformation to
his counsel and his advice.
Sheriff Billings is a native of Rutland, Vermont, where he was born
on March 24, 1852, a son of Leeds and Ann Eliza (Stone) Billings, the
former of whom was a farmer and a cattle buyer.
John S. Billings was reared on the home farm in Vermont, and expe-
rienced the average routine of the boy born and reared in the country.
When he was eighteen years old, he came West to Minneapolis, Minnesota,
and for a time worked for his board in Hennepin county. Later he worked
on the farm of George B. Wright, who at the time, was engaged in the real-
estate business. Mr. Billings remained with Mr. Wright for about a year
and then joined George Beardsley, a surveyor, and with him went to Dakota,
where they remained two seasons. While in Dakota Mr. Billings purchased
two horses and brought them to Fergus Falls. He again entered the employ
of Mr. Wright, who had become one of the pioneers of Fergus Falls, and
who, in fact, then was the proprietor of the town. He continued in the
employ of Mr. Wright until, in partnership with two other men, he pur-
chased the lumber yard owned by Mr. Wright. This lumber yard was
operated in partnership until Mr. Billings was elected sheriff in 1S91.
After filling the sheriff's office most efficiently for a period of ten years,
Mr. Billings declined to be a candidate for re-election. After retiring from
office he engaged extensively in the live-stock business, in which he had
previously been interested for some time in a small way. Altogether. Mr.
Billings followed this business for eight years, but in [909 he was again
elected to the office of sheriff of Otter Tail county, and is now serving his
fourth term.
On October 11. [876, John S. Billings was united in marriage to Belle
l\. Bowman, a native of Wisconsin, a daughter of James and Lerena (Col-
44 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
well) Bowman, and to this union three children have been born, Leeds,
who died in infancy; Jesse T., a farmer living near Fergus Falls, who mar-
ried Julia Gosch, and has one child, Sheldon John, and Lerena, who lives
at home with her parents.
Sheriff Billings is considered one of the most prominent officers in
the state of Minnesota. He is bright, alert, and is widely noted for the
wonderful power he exerts over men with whom he is compelled to deal.
Fraternally, Mr. Billings is prominent in the Masonic circles of Otter Tail
county, and is a member of the Ancient Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
and of the Knights Templar. He also is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Flks. the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of Pythias.
HON. HANS T. HILLE.
The late Hans T. Hille, who was prominent in the business life of
Fergus Falls, this county, for a quarter of a century, was born on February
28, 1852, in Bergen. Norway, and emigrated with his family to America
in 1865, when he was only thirteen years old. After the family had arrived
on the Atlantic seaboard, they came West, to Fillmore county, Minnesota,
and later settled in Aurdal, Otter Tail county, where the father carried on
farming for a number of years.
In 1889 Hans T. Hille located in Fergus Falls and engaged in the
farm implement business under the firm name of Bartelson & Hille. His
partnership with Mr. Bartelson was dissolved in 1007, at which time he
formed a partnership with Oscar Wagner. They erected a brick warehouse
on Cascade street. After Mr. Hille's death, his son, Thomas, succeeded to
his father's position in the linn and this arrangement still continues, the
firm name being Hille & Wagner.
During his lifetime, II. T. Hille served as a member of the city coun-
cil for four years and in 1004 was elected to the Legislature, receiving a
very heavy vote. His legislative work was highly creditable to him and
to his constituents in Otter Tail county. He was also mayor of Fergus
Falls for some time and served in this latter capacity with equal credit.
lie was eminently successful in everything that he undertook, and was
recognized as one of Fergus Falls' most progressive and prosperous busi-
ness men. lie was a power in local financial circles and for some years
served as president of die Scandia Bank,
Mans T. Hille married Karen llallan, wdio, when six years of age, came
to America with her parents, who came West to Kenvon, in Goodhue
county, Minnesota, and it was there that Mr. and Mrs. Hille met. To this
union eleven children were horn, six of whom are still living, namely: Clara,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 45
who married C. M. Langeland and has three children, Correne, Morris and
Richard; Julia, who married E. L, Grinds ; Thomas A., who succeeded to
his father's business at the latter's death, received a common school educa-
tion and took a commercial course at the Park Region Luther College and
the Curtis Business College in Minneapolis; Anna M., who is teaching north
of Fergus Falls; Emma, who is teaching school in North Dakota, and
Jonas, who is in the employ of Hille & Wagner. During Mr. Hille's latter
years he was in poor health, so that the care of his entire business, even
before his death, devolved upon his very capable and energetic son, Thomas
A. Hille.
The late Hans T. Hille will be long remembered by the people of
Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county as an enterprising business man, a most
valuable citizen and a most respected and considerate friend and neighbor.
HENRY T. COLLINS.
Among the older residents of Fergus Falls, this county, is the present
city clerk of that city, Hon. Henry J. Collins, former auditor of Otter Tail
county and well known as a business man and citizen.
Henry J. Collins was born on April 29, 1855, in Christianstad, in the
southern part of Sweden, on the Baltic sea, son of John and Nellie ( 1'eher-
sen) Collins, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation during his
active life and is still living in his native land at the age of eighty-nine
years. His good wife died in 18S2.
Henry J. Collins attended the University of Lund, in his native land,
from 1868 to 1874, inclusive, qualifying as an expert mathematician. He
came to America in 1875 and, after a journey West, settled at Red Wing.
this state, where, however, he remained only a short time. He then moved
to River Falls, Wisconsin, and worked on the farm of C. V. Guy for three
years. Afterward he went to Minneapolis, where he met an old friend, who
obtained employment for him in the Goodrich mill, where he remained until
1880.
On March 13, 1880, Henry J. Collins purchased a railway ticket for
Fergus Falls, this county, and. after paying for the ticket, had just five
dollars ami twelve cents in his pocket. After arriving at Fergus Falls,
Mr. Collins found employment in the saw-mill, where he worked until it
closed down. He then entered the employ of O. ( '. Chase, who kept a
general store, and was employed there until the spring of [889. lie then
kept 1 ks for Mr. Frankovic until 1890, in which year he was appointed
deputy county treasurer, a position which he held for four years. So effi-
ciently did he discharge the duties of this important office that in 1 So 1 he
46 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
was elected auditor of Otter Tail county for a term of two years, and was
re-elected for two more terms. He is remembered today as one of the
most capable auditors Otter Tail county has ever had. In 1889, after the
expiration of his long term of service as county auditor, Mr. Collins was
engaged in traveling for the Deering Harvester Company, as a collector.
In 1900 he began working for the McCormick Company, in the same capac-
ity, and was thus employed for some three or four years. In about 1904 he
accepteil employment as an accountant from Solo Desky, a well-known
clothing merchant, and remained with Mr. Desky until November, 1913,
when he was elected clerk of Fergus Falls, a position which he still holds.
By his marriage to Mary Gunerius, a native of Christiana, Norway,
Mr. Collins has six children, namely: Helma < )., the wife of R. R. Paulson.
of Henning, Minnesota, who has two sons, Raymond C. and Howard P.;
Ruth P., who married S. F. Bogen and has one daughter, Elna R. ; George
A., who is a grain inspector; Carl T., who is deputy city clerk under his
father; Olive H., who is attending the State Normal College at Moorhead,
and Roy W., who is attending school.
Without any intention whatever to bestow credit where credit is not
due, it may truthfully be said that Mr. Collins is one of the well-thought-of
men of Fergus I "alls and is known as a good all-around business man and
an expert mathematician. Henry J. Collins is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Collins family are members of the United Lutheran church.
LAFAYETTE R. ADLEY.
Lafayette R. Adley, well known in Otter Tail county, as county super-
intendent of schools, was horn in Maine Prairie township, Stearns county.
Minnesota, April i(>, 1865, a son of Roswell and Joanna (Blake) \dle_\.
both of whom were natives of the state of Maine. Roswell Adley and
wife were the parents of seven children, three of whom were horn in Maine,
and four in the state of Minnesota. The family emigrated to Massachu-
setts in an early day. and from that stale removed to Maine Prairie town-
ship. Stearns county, Minnesota, at an early day in the settlement of that
section of the state. About 1870 the family came to < Uter Tail county, and
located in Maine township.
Lafayette R. Adley attended the districl schools of Maine township,
this county, receiving his elementary education in a building made of rough
hoards, wainscoted on the inside with rough hoards. \ Iter finishing a
course in the elementary schools he attended the State Normal School at St.
t I .ud. and was graduated from that institution, elementary course 111 [889,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOl \. 47
advanced course, 1898. Later he was graduated from the University of
Wisconsin and then took a post-graduate course at the same institution
and was thus well prepared for educational work. After finishing his edu-
cation he engaged in teaching at Northhome, .Minnesota, for eighteen months,
and in [907 was called to Fergus Falls to act as assistant county superin-
tendent of the schools, under Miss Knudson. In [913 Professor Adley was
elected superintendent of the county schools, a position which he now holds.
Lafayette R. Adley was married to Elizabeth McClelland, and to this
union have been horn two daughters, Doris Elizabeth and Abbie. Professor
and Mrs. Adley are prominent in the civic and social life of Fergus halls,
and are highly respected throughout the whole community.
PETER A. ANDERSON.
Well known to the people of Otter Tail county and long prominent in
the official life of the county, Peter A. Anderson, the register of deeds at
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a natne of Rice county, where he was born on
July 8, 1868, the son of Lars and Johanna ( Peterson) Anderson, the former
of whom was engaged in farming in Rice county, but who late in life
removed to Leaf Lake township, this county, where he purchased land and
carried on farming until his death, m January, [912. His widow is now-
living in Henning, this county.
Peter A. Anderson has served as register of deeds in Otter Tail county
for eight years and has been connected with this office for almost twenty-one
years, a very striking testimonial of his standing in the community and the
high regard bestowed upon him by the people of the county where he lives
and where he is best known. Mr. Anderson's early education was obtained
in Rice and Otter Tail counties. He attended the Wilrnar Seminary, and
afterwards taught school in Otter Tail county for two years, after which he
became a clerk in the office of the register of deeds, and in 1800 himself
was elected to that office. Now, after more than twenty years of con-
tinuous service in this office, he is still the genial, capable and efficient public
servant who has long been so popular with the people of this county.
By his marriage to Fliza Hanson, a native of Norway, Mr. Anderson
has two children, Jennie and Irene, who live at home with their parents:
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are prominent in the social life of Fergus Falls.
Fraternally, Mr. Anderson is a member of Corner St. me Lodge No. 99,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, lie also is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, tin' Modern Woodmen of America and the Benev-
olent and Protective Order id' Elks.
48 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA
(II \UI.1-S D. WRIGHT.
In the history of Otter Tail county, the name of Charles I). Wright
stand.- for all that means success in life. For practically a half century he
has been prominent in the commercial and industrial life of Fergus Falls,
and has performed every duty as an enterprising citizen and man. After a
life of ceaseless activity, he is now living more or less retired in Fergus
Falls, devoting his attention and time to his many personal business interest-.
The former president of the First National Bank of Fergus Falls, he was
one of the organizers of the Fergus Falls Water Company and president of
the company for many years. He was also treasurer of the Gas and Mill
Company and the Fergus Falls Water Power Company. In 1885 and 1886
he was mayor of Fergus Falls and he also served as city treasurer for several
terms. His business and commercial interests are almost as varied as the
commercial history of the county 111 which he has lived for so many years.
Charles D. Wright is a native of Addison county, Vermont, lie was
horn at Orwell in 1850, the son of Ethan M. and Eliza 1 Bottum) Wright,
both natives of Vermont. Ethan M. Wright was engaged in the mercantile
business most of his life and was pre-eminently successful, lie was a man
of large ideas, socially inclined and careful in all of his dealings with his
fellow men. Ethan M. Wright's father was Brigham C. Wright, a sub-
stantial farmer of Vermont.
By his marriage to Eliza Bottum. Ethan M. Wright had three sons,
one of whom. William 11., now deceased, was a well-known banker of the
state of Vermont; George M.. an attorney, is now living retired in New
York ( ity, and < harles 1). is the subject of this sketch.
Charles D. Wright spent his early life at home and was educated in the
Highland military school, at Worcester, Massachusetts, and at the Rensse-
laer Polytechnic Institute, of Troy, New York. In [869 Mr. Wright turned
his steps westward, coming to Minnesota, where, at Minneapolis, he became
associated with his uncle. George B. Wright, in surveying work for the gov-
ernment. In the tall of 1 S71 1 he was appointed chief draughtsman in the
United States surveyor-general's office at St, Paul, a position which he
retained for a period of seven years. While connected with the government
survey, Mr. Wright traveled over a considerable portion of the Northwest
in company with Andrew Holes, formerly of Moorhead, Minnesota, now
deceased, and George G. Beardsley, now deceased, of Grand Forks, North
Dakota. They had a magnificenl opportunity to examine and locate a great
deal of land.
On January 1, 1877. ('harles D. Wright located at Fergus Falls, having
been elected vice-president of the First National Bank, of that city. At the
CHARLES D. WRIG1
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 49
time the First National Bank was located in Martin's block, with Henry G.
Page as president, Mr. Wright continued in the office of vice-president for
five years, but in 1882 he was elected to the presidency of the bank, an
office which he held continuously until June, 1912. In 1881 a new bank
building was erected at the corner of Lincoln and Cascade streets, where the
business was continued for three years. On January 1, 1884, the bank
moved into a new location on the northeast corner of Lincoln avenue and
Mill street. As president of the First National Bank for a period of nearly
thirty years, Mr. Wright had an important part in the development of this
splendid county.
In 1878 Charles 1). Wright was united in marriage to Lucy G. Barney,
of Maiden, Massachusetts, a daughter of George T. Barney. Mrs. Wright,
who died in 1903, bore her husband two children, George B. and Murr) S.,
the former of whom is a graduate of the United States Navy Academy at
Annapolis, Maryland, and has been an "Hirer in the United States navy
since 1002. He married Margaret Parsons, the daughter of Judge William
L. Parsons, of Fergus halls, and they have one sun, William P. Murry S.
Wright resides in Fergus Falls.
Charles D. Wright is keenly interested in the history of Otter Tail
county. Politically, be is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally,
he is identified with the Mason--, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. In
Masonry he has attained to the rank of Knight Templar and is a member
of Palestine Commandery at Fergus Falls.
JUDGE WILL! \M L. PARSONS.
William L. Parsons, judge of the seventh judicial district of Minne-
sota, was born in Westfield, New York, in 1858. He was educated in West-
field Academy and later attended Hamilton College where he was graduated
in 1878. After being admitted to the practice of law in 1882, Judge Par-
sons came West and settled in Fergus Falls and from then until [913 he
followed bis profession in that place. From 1898 to 19 13 he was a federal
referee in bankruptcy. In April, 1 9 1 3 . be was appointed judge of the seventh
judicial district of Minnesota, and in November, 1914, was elected to that
office for a six-year term.
Judge Parsons was married in 1884 to Mary Moorhead McLane, of
Westfield, New York, and to this union four children have been born :
Margaret, Ruth. Katherine and Marion. Margaret is the wife of George
B. Wright, a lieutenant in the United States navy, and has one child, William
Parsons. Ruth married Dr. C. C. Burlingame, assistant superintendent of
the Fergus Falls state hospital.
i41,i
50 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
EUGENE A. TEWETT.
Thirty-five years ago Fergus Falls, the county seat of Otter Tail county,
was little more than a straggling village on the frontier of the great North-
west. Today it is a thriving city, with its hanks, its department stores,
shops, its varied and successful industries and its magnificent array of fine
residences The hankers of Fergus Falls have had a most important part
in the development of this splendid city and one of the oldest bankers in the
city and one who is entitled to a large share of the credit for the develop-
ment of this section, is Eugene A. Jewett, the present cashier of the First
National Bank, of Fergus Falls, president of the Erhard State Bank and
of the Melby State Bank, and the vice-president of the First State Bank of
Dalton, as well as president of the First State Bank at Underwood.
Mr. Jewett is a native of St. Charles, Winona county, Minnesota. He
is the son of Haynes and Lydia ( Sprague ) Jewett, the former of whom
was born in Eebanon, New Hampshire, and the latter, at Hingham Centre,
Massachusetts. They came West in an early day and, having located near
the village of St. Charles. Minnesota, on a farm, continued farming there
the remainder of their lives. It was there that Eugene A. Jewett grew to
manhood and received his early education.
Although Mr. Jewett was born on the farm, he found his opportunity
' for success in the counting rooms of various banks, in which he worked
before establishing a financial institution on his own account. He was first
employed as a clerk in the Dover State Bank, of Dover, a private institution,
and, after he had worked there for some time, was employed as a clerk in
the private bank owned by J. C. Easton at Lanesboro, Minnesota. From
Lanesboro. Mr. Jewett moved to Fargo. North Dakota, where he was
employed as teller in the First National Bank of that city. This wide and
varied experience as a subordinate in varied financial institutions has been
the basis of his larger success of recent years. It may be said truthfully
that Eugene A. Jewett was thoroughly well prepared for the vocation to
which he has devoted his lifetime.
In December. 1881, Mr. Jewett located at Fergus Falls and there, in
co-operation with others, organized the Fergus Falls National Bank, which
opened for business in January, 1882, as the Merchants State Bank. Six
mouths later it was converted into the Fergus Falls National Bank, and
Mr. Jewett remained as cashier until 1883. On July 0. of that year, he
transferred his services to the First National Bank, of Fergus Falls, as
cashier, and still holds that position. His tenure in one position in one hank
for a period of more than thirty years, is the most striking testimony of his
work a- a banker ami his dependability as a financier, that could be cited
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 5 1
He is popular with the officers and directors of the bank, with the depositors
of the institution and the public generally.
By Eugene A. Jewett's marriage to Ann Basye, who was born in Wis-
consin, there has been born one daughter, Helen E. Fraternally, Mr. Jew-
ett is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, and is treasurer of the lodge. He is also a member of Palestine
Commandery No. 14, Knights Templar, and is the treasurer of the com-
mandery.
DAVID A. TENNANT.
The largest milling interest in Otter Tail county is the Fergus Flour-
Mills Company, which owns, besides two plants in this county, a large mill
at Fargo, North Dakota. The president of this concern is David A. Ten-
nant, a well-known and public-spirited citizen of Fergus Falls, who was
born in Rossie, St. Lawrence count}-. New York, the son of Richard and
Ann ( Livingston ) Tennant.
Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of his native
town. David A. Tennant grew to manhood in New York state. He taught
school for three winters in New York, or until 1879, when he immigrated
to Fairbault, Minnesota. It was at that place that he was introduced to
the business which he has since followed so, successfully. After having
been engaged in the milling business at Fairbault for ten years, in 1889,
Mr. Tennant moved to Northfield. Minnesota, and for five years was engaged
in the milling business there on his own account. While living there he
also operated a mill at Dundas. Following this he was located for a year
at Cannon Falls, Minnesota, as the proprietor of a mill, and in 1899 moved
to Fergus Falls, this county, where he purchased the Otter Tail mill, which
he operated alone for about nine months, at the end of which time, in com-
pany with W. B. Windsor, he consolidated the Otter Tail mill with the
Allen mill, the consolidation becoming known as the Fergus Flour-Mills
Company. Five years later, Mr. Tennant and Mr. Windsor, the controlling
stockholders of the company, purchased a mill in Fargo, North Dakota,
and in 1912 they purchased the Globe mill at Perham, this county. The
entire business was incorporated in 1901 under the title of the Fergus Flour-
Mills Company, the present officers being. David A. Tennant. president and
manager; Vernon Wright, vice-president; W. B. Windsor, secretary, and
C. D. Wright, treasurer.
Aside from his own personal business. Mr. Tennant is interested in the
progress and development of his adopted home town and has always taken
a commendable interest in worthy public enterprises. Naturally, Ik- i> well
52 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
known in this section of Minesota and, as might be expected, his material
success in life is founded upon this admirable personal qualities of which he
is possessed.
Mr. Tennant was married years ago to Dela Smith, a native of Roches-
ter, Minnesota, who died in 1897, leaving two daughters, Gertrude and
Florence A.
HON. WILLIAM II. McBRIDE.
The Hon. William H. McBride, former mayor of Fergus Falls, veteran
of the Civil War and one of the most respected residents of Otter Tail
county, has resided in the city of Fergus Falls since 1901. Mr. McBride's
father was Henry B. McBride, a minister of the gospel in the state of < )hio.
His mother's name was Christina ( Thursby) McBride.
Born in Summit county. Ohio, where he grew to manhood, William H.
McBride was educated in the Greensburg Seminary and, at the beginning
of the Civil War, enlisted at Massillon, Ohio, in Company 1, Seventy-sixth
Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years and
nine months and received an honorable discharge in Columbus, Ohio, after
which he removed to Iowa, where, in several places in that state, he studied
law for some year.-. Subsequently, he removed to Kansas, where he was
admitted to the liar and where he remained in the practice of his profession
during a period of twenty-four years, during which time he served variously
as a member of the Legislature, insurance commissioner and director of the
penitentiary.
In 1901 Mr. McBride moved to Fergus Falls, thi> count}-, and engaged
in the land and farm-loan business, which he still follows. Mr. McBride
served as mayor of Fergus Falls for some time. He is a well-known mem-
ber of tlu- Masonic fraternity. lie was admitted to the order in Chariton.
Iowa, in 1866 and demitted to the Council Bluff- lodge. Upon taking up
hi- residence at Fergus Falls, he became a member of Corner Stone Lodge
No. 99 Mr. McBride is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
NICOLAI F. F1FT.D.
Among the many enterprising citizens of Fergus Falls, tin's county,
who have risen high in the estimation of their fellow citizens and who have
received honors of no mean importance within the gift of their fellow
townsmen, 1- Nicolai F. Field, attorney-at-law, referee in bankruptcy and
abstractor of titles.
Nicolai F. Field was born on August [3, 1872, in Murray county.
1 inns, .ia. ]|is parents were natives of Norway, who came to America
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 53
about 1870. The father, Fred N. Field, was a register of deeds in Otter
Tail county for six years and is now associated with his son in the abstract
business. Nicolai F. Field is the eldest of a family of eleven children.
Mr. Field was reared on the farm and his early education was obtained
in the country schools. After his graduation from the common schools,
he entered the Fergus Falls high school and was graduated with the class
of 1894. During the next three years he served as deputy register of deeds
of Otter Tail county, under his father. He was then employed in the bank
operated by F. G. Barrows for one year, at the end of which time he con-
cluded to take up the study of law and in 1897 entered the law department
of Drake University, at Des Moines, Iowa. After completing a two-years
course, he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1899.
Admitted to the bar of Minnesota in 1899 with the highest grade received
in the examination of any applicant admitted at that time, he opened a law
office in the Pickett block in Fergus Falls, in June, 189c). Mr. Field has
since moved his offices to the Fergus Falls National Bank building and enjoys
an extensive practice.
In September, 1900, Nicolai F. Field was married, in Fergus Falls, to
Ida Adams, the daughter of Charles Adams, who, prior to her marriage,
was a well-known and successful teacher in Otter Tail county. Mr. and
Mrs. Field have three children, Ruth, Cyrus and Margaret.
Fraternally, Mr. Field is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Flks.
ARTHUR M. CORLISS.
The Corliss family is a very old family in America, and Arthur M.
Corliss, the present chief of police at Fergus Falls, this county, is a scion
of this distinguished family.
Arthur M. Corliss was born in Wilkin county, Minnesota, on December
17, 1880, son of Charles M. and Emma O. (Plinkston) Corliss, the former
of whom was born in Wisconsin and who emigrated to Minnesota at an
early date. Charles M. Corliss was employed in the mill at Balmoral, in
this county, where he worked for a time, after which he removed to Battle
Lake, where he remained a year and then removed to Wilkin county,
where he acquired land and carried mi farming until 1004. when he retired
from the farm and removed to Fergus Falls, where he still resides.
('hut Arthur M. Corliss, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the
home farm in Wilkin count}, where he attended the district schools. He also
attended school in Pelican Falls and at Battle Lake. When Mr. Corliss was
54 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
twenty years old, lie married and afterward moved to Stulman county,
North Dakota, where he engaged in farming for seven years. In 1908 he
returned to Otter Tail county and located in Fergus Falls four years after
his father had removed to that city. From 1908 until 19 14 Mr. Corliss was
engaged in the land business. In 1914 he was appointed chief of police and
is now filling that important office with credit to himself and to the com-
munity he serves.
To Arthur M. and Lillie (Erickson) Corliss five children were born,
Clarence M., Ethel M., Gladys I.. Ruth M. (deceased) and Earl D. Mrs.
Lillie (Erickson) Corliss died in 1913, and afterward Mr. Corliss married,
secondly, Florence Candaux, to which union one child has been born, James
Franklin.
Chief Corliss is one of the most efficient police officers in the history
of Fergus Falls. Not only is he efficient in the position which he fills, but
he is popular with all classes of people in this city, and is doing a good work.
Fraternally. Chief Corliss is a member of Lodge No. 59, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, a member of Hazel Lodge No. 31, Daughters of Rebekah,
and of Aerie No. 888, Fraternal Order of Eagles.
GEORGE H. GARD.
Another one of Otter Tail county's prominent citizens who was born
and reared on the farm is George H. Gard, who having filled an unexpired
term as clerk of the district court, by appointment, was elected to the
position in 1912, and has acquitted himself with rare credit in discharging
the duties of that important office.
George H. Gard is a native of Elkhart, Logan county, Illinois, and is
the son of John W. and Kesiah (Dunn) Gard. John W. Gard was burn in
leffersonville, Indiana, and bis wife was a native of the same vicinity. Mr.
(lard's parents were farmers by occupation and his father died in Illinois
in February, 1 < > 1 1 . his mother having passed away about ten years pre-
viously, in September, [901. There were four children in the Gard family,
namely: Elizabeth, who married Silas E. Beebe, of Jacksonville, Illinois.
and died on fune 5, 1915; Charles \\\. who married an Illinois girl, and
lives in Middletown, Illinois; George II.. the subject of this sketch, and
Minnie, tin- wife of Edward Barry, of Elkhart, [llinois.
After having spent bis early life on the farm, where he was Ik, 111 and
reared. George II. Gard was employed in a general store in Elkhart, \fter
attaining maturity, he went to Springfield, Illinois, where for two years
he worked in a wholesale crockery store. In 1896 Mr. Card came to
Minnesota, locating at Fergus Falls, where he became a clerk in the stew-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 55
ard's department of the state hospital. After having been employed at the
state hospital for four years, Mr. Gard took up life-insurance work, which
he followed for about one year. He was then appointed city clerk and held
that office until 1909, after which he became manager of the telephone com-
pany at Fergus Falls and continued thus engaged for two years, or until 191 1,
when he was appointed to till out an unexpired term as clerk of the district
court. So well did he discharge the duties of this office that in 1912 he was
elected by the people of Otter Tail county, by a substantial majority, to fill
the office for a term of four years.
Not many men in Otter Tail county are better known than George H.
Gard and not many men enjoy warmer and more lasting friendship than he.
Fraternally, he is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Flks.
By his marriage to Augusta Hendrickson, who died in 1910, Mr. Gard
had three children, Donald L., John Russell and Dorothy. On December
20, 1914, Mr. Gard married, secondly, Julia Hall, who was born in North
Dakota, a daughter of M. O. Hall, now a well-known resident of Minne-
apolis.
LEVOR A. LEVORSEN.
Among the well-known citizens of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is Levor
A. Levorsen, deputy clerk of the United States court at Fergus Falls, who
is a native of the parish of Rollag, Nummedal, Norway, where he was born
on April 5. 1859, the son of Amund and Ingeborg (Helle) Levorsen. The
Le-sorsen family emigrated to America in 1868 and, after landing in New
York city on July 4, of that year, came West, settling at Clinton Junction,
Wisconsin, where they remained for two years. In 1870 the family moved
to Pelican Rapids, this county, and there the father homesteaded a quarter
of a .section of prairie land. He built a dugout and broke the land. Later
a log house was erected and still later a fine frame house, where the family
lived until 1902, when the father sold the farm and moved to Williams-
burg, Virginia, where he is still living at the age of eighty years. His wife
died in 1910, in her seventy-eighth year. While a resident of Otter Tail
county, Amund Levorsen took an active part in public affairs. Tic held
practically all of the local offices in the town, from the chairman of the
board of supervisors to assessor, and was also chairman of the hoard of
county commissioners tor several years. As chairman of the hoard of
county commissioners, he was largely instrumental in the erection of the
county court house, lie is now living in retirement and is a noble specimen
of thoroughly ripe American manhood.
56 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
Levor A. Levorsen received his early education in the public schools
at Pelican Rapids. After growing to manhood, he moved to Fergus Falls
and accepted a position as clerk in the office of the county auditor. After
the first year, Mr. Levorsen was made deputy auditor and held that office
for three years, lie was then appointed deputy clerk of the district court
under the administration of C. J. Wright and held that position for five
years. When Mr. Wright retired, Ik* succeeded him as clerk, and held the
position for four years. Mr. Levorsen then engaged in the abstract busi-
ness and was Aery successful until the time of his retirement from business,
in 1898, when he was elected register of deeds. After having held that
position for eight years, he was appointed deputy clerk of the United States
court, and this position he now holds.
Levor A. Levorsen married Laura Larson, a native of Wisconsin, who
was born near Grantsburg, and to this union have been born four children:
Irving, who is now a student in the department of mining engineering at
the University of Minnesota; Frances, ECingdon and Richard, who live at
home with their parents.
FRED FA'FRFTT HODGSON.
Fred Everett Hodgson, a well-known real-estate dealer of Fergus Falls,
this county, and the son of the late Thomas C. and Eliza (Clague) Hodg-
son, was born in Castle Rock, Minnesota, on August 16. 1872. Llis father,
as set out in a biographical sketch presented elsewhere in this volume, was
a native of the [sle of Man. off the English coast, who emigrated with
his parents to America in 1X44.
Fred E. Hodgson located at Herman, Grant count v. Minnesota, with
his parents, in 1877. and there received his elementary education. Later he
attended the public schools of Fergus Falls, to which city his parents had
moved. Growing to manhood in Otter Tail county, he attended the State
Agricultural College and spent one year at the University of Minnesota
\i'tcr leaving school, he became a collector and a credit man for Dunham &
Eastman, wholesale grocers of St. Paul. After being employed by this
company for six years, Mr. Hodgson took charge of the business affairs of
an uncle. Edward I. Hodgson, of St. Paul, and then removed to Morris,
Minnesota, where lie engaged in the real-estate and mortgage-loan business.
In tool Mr. Hodgson located in Fergus Falls and established the same
I111 i'K'-- in thai city. His business has become large and profitable and he
ognized 1 id; ts conservative and well-rounded business man.
On Jul) 11. [QOi, Fred E. Hodgson was married to Anastasia Haley,
and to this union there have been born three children. Thomas Halev, born
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 57
on June 2, 1902 : Corrin Haley, June 7, 1908, and Anastasia Haley, March
29, 191 2.
Fraternally, Mr. Hodgson is a member of the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks. He is a member of the city charter commission and the
citv council, and has contributed much to the welfare of this citv.
THOMAS C. HODGSON.
The late Thomas C. Hodgson, who was a well-known resident of Otter
Tail county, and who was a highly-respected citizen of Fergus Falls at the
time of his death, on September 7, 1913, will be long remembered by the
people oi both this city and county, as a man of strong intellect and a leader
among his fellow citizens. He believed firmly and thoroughly in the father-
hood of God and the brotherhood of man, and his career was a fitting
example of the humble efforts of a Christian gentleman to live according to
the dictates of -his own conscience. It may be said that the keynote of his
character was breadth. He was tolerant towards all, charitable of his judg-
ment and courteous in every relation of life. He was possessed of a keen
and logical mind and took a deep interest in all public matters.
Born on January 1, 1843, m the Isle of Man, the late Thomas C. Hodg-
son, in bis long and interesting career, displayed the sterling attributes of
the noble men who have come from the well-known isle of his birth. He
was but a babe in arms when his parents came to America in 1844. They
located in Galena. Illinois, and remained there until 1854, in which year they
removed to Dakota county, Minnesota. There the elder Hodgson engaged
in farming, and it was there that Thomas C. Hodgson grew to manhood.
When he was eighteen years old, the Civil War broke out and on August
15, 1862. he enlisted in the Eighth Regiment. Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
The first service of this regiment was performed in suppressing an Indian
insurrection in 1863. After this frontier warfare with the Indians the
regiment participated in a number of severe engagements, including the
sanguinary battle of ?\lurfreesboro, Tennessee.
At the close of the war Mr. Hodgson returned to Dakota county.
Minnesota, where his parents lived. In [868 he was married and after his
marriage lived in Castle Rock, where four of his children were born. Nine
years later he removed with his family to Herman. Grant county, Minne-
sota, where he homesteaded a farm and where he taught school. He also
served his community as justice of the peace anil for thirteen years was
superintendent of the schools in Grant count)', resigning that position to
become assistant grain inspector under Governor McGill. In 1800 the fam-
ily finally removed to Fergus Falls, in order that the Hodgson children
might attend school. Two or three years later the family moved to Ham-
OCX IV. MIWIMIT \.
line, where the children attended college. In 1907. however, they returned
to Fergus Falls and there Mr. Hodgson died on September 7. 19 13.
During his long and varied services as a public official and private
citizen, Thomas C. Hodgson displayed a keen and logical mind and a deep
interest in all public affairs. He was a writer and speaker and rendered
valuable assistance to the movements and causes in which he believed. As
a country-bred boy, he was studious and naturally craved knowledge. Books
interested him very much, and this proved a great source of benefit and
comfort to him in his later years. It can be said that to a great extent he
was a self-educated and self-made man.
To Thomas C. and Fliza (Clague) Hodgson there were born nine
children, namely: Dr. John E., of Spokane, Washington; Fred E.. of Fergus
Falls; Rev. William C, of Minneapolis; Frank C. well-known attorney of
St. Paul; Isabel C, who married J. P. Anderson: Drusilla M., who mar-
ried Charles Nelson; Kathryn, who married A. C. Baker; Genevieve, a student
of Hamline College, and Mary L., a teacher at Rochester, Minnesota.
As a citizen of his adopted country, as a neighbor among men and as
a father and husband, Thomas C. Hodgson was beloved by all. His untimely
death was a distinct shock not only to his family, but to a host of friends
whose companionship he enjoyed throughout life.
1 \MLS A. BROWN.
\niong the oldest and best-known lawyers of Fergus Falls, this county,
who. besides being a lawyer, is prominent in the industrial and financial
circles of Otter Tail county, is James A. Brown, a native of Chautauqua
countv, New York. The extent of his industrial and financial interests will
appear from a plain statement of facts. He is the president of the Fergus
Packing Company, president of the Fergus Falls Iron Works Company,
president of the Firsl National Bank, of Deer Creek, and president of the
First State Hank, of Powers Lake, North Dakota, lie is also secretary of
the lames Land and Mining Company, with property near Brainard. More-
over, he has been prominent in religious circles in Otter Tail county and is
one of the substantial members of the Episcopal church in this section of the
state.
fames V Brown is the son of Ira P.. and Ursula (Alverson) Brown.
Ira I'.. Brown was a native of New York state and a well-known and suc-
cessful farmer in the Empire state. Tie was of English descent. His wife
was of Scottish descent.
lames A. Brown received his early education in the Forestville Acad-
emy, at Forestville, New York. Afterward he entered Hamilton College
and was. for several years, a student, at that institution, receiving the degrees
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 59
of Bachelor of Arts and of Master of Arts. From Hamilton College, Mr.
Brown went to Oxford, New York, where, for some time, he was principal
of the Oxford Academy.
Two years after Mr. Brown's marriage, he came West, locating at
Fergus Falls, and three years after settling there was admitted to the prac-
tice of law and soon thereafter engaged in the practice with W. L. Parsons
as a partner, an arrangement which continued until 191 1, since which time
Mr. Brown has been practicing alone.
In 1 88 1 James A. Brown was married to Mai Mygatt, a daughter of
Henry and Maria (Tracy) Mygatt. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have no children.
Since coming to Minnesota, Mr. Brown has taken an active interest in
religious affairs. He is a trustee of the Episcopal diocese of Duluth and one
of the members of the standing committee. He was also a delegate to the
convention of the Episcopal church in Cincinnati in 1910 and to the con-
vention at New York in iqt.S- He is the treasurer and a vestryman of the
St. James church of Fergus Falls. His life is, therefore, a well-rounded
one and well divided among the various interests which ought to attract the
attention and interests of a normal man living in the average American
community. His well-rounded conception of life has made him a most
valuable citizen of Otter Tail county, where he is highly respected and
where he enjoys the esteem of his neighbors and fellow townsmen. In
the strictest sense of the word, be is a man of affairs and interested in
everything which pertains to the welfare of his home city and county.
GEORGF. W. FRANKBERG.
George \Y Frankberg, a successful lawyer, of Fergus Falls, this county,
who is rapidly building up a large and lucrative practice in Otter Tail
county, is a native of Fergus Falls, having been born there on December 20,
1882, the son of Erick and Louise (Johnson) Frankberg, and the grandson
of Andrew and Britta (Johnson) Berg. Mr. Frankberg's father and mother
were natives of Sweden, a biographical sketch of whom is presented else-
where in this volume.
George W. Frankberg obtained his early education in his native city.
He was graduated from the high school in 1900 and afterward entered the
State University, where he spent one year in the academic department and
one year in the department of law. Mr. Frankberg' was admitted to the
practice of law in 1904 and, in company with John L. Townley. commenced
the practice of his profession in Fergus Falls. This partnership continued
during a period of five years, after which the firm was dissolved, since which
time Mr. Frankberg has continued the practice alone. He does a good
business and his practice is rapidly increasing.
60 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Frankberg was married to Mary C. Cooper, daughter of Henry
and Mary (Jones I Cooper. No children have been born to this union.
Fraternally. Mr. Frankberg is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No.
99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Frankberg is also a prom-
inent member of the Chippewa Club, of Fergus Falls, and is very popular
among his hosts of friends hereabout.
rEORGE E. COW" IXC.
George F. Cowing, one of the sturdy pioneers of Fergus Falls and
Otter Tail county, a man of absolute integrity and unflinching courage, who
died on September 16, 1908, was a member of the bar for twenty-two years
and prior to his taking to the practice of law was engaged in the mercan-
tile business. In fact, he was one of the pioneer merchants of Fergus
Falls, as well as one of its pioneer lawyers.
The late George F. Cowing was born on February 26, 1S40, at Hexani,
England, and was the son of Thomas and Jane (Head) Cowing, the former
of whom was a railway superintendent in the old country. In 1850 the
Cowing family emigrated to America and, after arriving on the Atlantic
seaboard, came West, locating at Sun Prairie. Wisconsin, where the father
took up land and carried on farming until about 1S60, when they moved to
Holmes City, near Alexandria, in Douglas county. Minnesota. There they
were living at the time of the Indian insurrection, when all of the buildings
were destroyed by the Indians and the families were compelled to take
refuge in St. Cloud. Afterwards they came to Alexandria, where the father
operated a hotel and a market garden and where he spent the rest of his
life.
George F. Cowing received his very early education in England. In
America he attended the Bigford .Academy in Walworth county ami Albion
College in Dane county. Wisconsin, where he studied law. I lis studies
were interrupted, however, by the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1862
Mr. Cowing enlisted in Company K. Twenty-eighth Regiment. Wisconsin
Volunteer [nfantry. He was mustered into the service as an orderly ht-
geant, and was in many battles, lie was discharged at Milwaukee. Wiscon-
sin, in [865, after the close of the war.
Alter the war, George F (owing returned to Alexandria, which was
at thai time a frontier town. Soon afterwards he engaged 111 the saw-mill
business with a Mr. Hicks, lie followed this business for a time and then
.,.1,1 out and engaged in the mercantile business in Old Chippewa, near the
present site of Brandon, Douglas county, Minnesota. Prior to selling out.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 6l
however, lie went to Fergus Falls, in 1870, and established a general store.
The next year, accompanied by his wife, he moved to Fergus Falls and
continued in the mercantile business until 1873, when he was elected super-
intendent of schools. He held that position for thirteen years, during which
time he was also fitting himself for the practice of law. He was soon after-
wards admitted to the bar, and in this profession he was engaged during the
balance of his life. He built up a large and lucrative practice in Otter Tail
county and was a man not only well learned in the law, but also an able
counselor and a successful pleader in court.
On December 28, 1868, George F. Cowing was married in Hudson
township, Douglas count}-. Minnesota, to Penelope M. Strang, who was
born in St. Charles, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Murry)
Strang, who moved from Illinois to Minnesota, where her father farmed
for many years. Finally he removed to Alexandria, where he lived with his
son, George J. Strang, until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Cowing were the par-
ents of four children, Irene J., who married Homer D. Russell, of Chicago,
Illinois, and has one child, Wallace C, now twenty-three years old; VIrs.
Irene J. Russell, who died in 1906; Dr. Philip G., who lives in Montana,
and who married Helena Everson, and Robert M., a resident of Chicago,
who married Leona Lochner.
Mr. Cowing was a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, and rose to the rank of Knight Templar. He
was a ready and fluent speaker and a man who was popular, especially at
fraternal and public gatherings of all kinds. His untimely death was a
distinct shock and was keenly felt by the people of Otter Tail county.
LEWIS L. RILEY.
Lewis L. Riley, a prosperous live-stock dealer of Fergus Falls, Minne-
sota, was born in the town of Massena, St. Lawrence count)'. New York,
on June 15, 1866. He is the son of Plyn and Sophia (Wilson) Riley, both
of whom were natives of Ireland and who came to America and settled in
New York state in pioneer times.
Lewis L. Riley received his early education in Massena. passing
through the usual routine which falls to the lot of the average bo} VIi
Riley was reared on the farm, and his parents dying while he was still a
mere lad, he was obliged to look out for himself. In 1891 he came to
Fergus Falls when he was about twenty-live years old and a1 the time was
glad to do anything to make an honesl dollar. The first thing he did was
to clip the horse owned by Doctor Duncan. His next employment was as
night watchman over \delphet Gohein, who had murdered a woman by
the name of Rosa Bray, Mr. Riley next did collecting for W. P. Bayley
62 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, -MINNESOTA.
for several months and afterward went to Henning, where he operated a
drug store for five and one-half years.
After selling out at Henning Mr. Riley removed to Battle Lake, where
he engaged in the hotel business for two and one-half years. Upon return-
ing to Fergus Falls, he engaged in the live-stock business with Mr. Billing
and was with him altogether for twelve years, at the end of which time he
purchased Mr. Billing's interest in the business and has since continued on
his own account.
Lewis L. Rile_\- was married to Alice Rutley, who was born on an
island in the St. Lawrence river. They have one daughter, Harriet Lucile,
who was born on September 12, 1895.
Among his other interests Mr. Riley and wife are prominent in the
social life of Fergus Falls, .Mr. Riley being a member of the Chippewa
Club. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
JOHN O. BARKE.
One of the oldest members of the Otter Tail county bar is John O.
Barke, who has been a practicing attorney in Fergus Falls for the past
thirty-five years. In addition to the law practice. Mr. Barke has given his
attention to the sale of city real estate and farm lands. Since its establish-
ment, in 1892, he has been secretary and trustee of the Park Region Luth-
eran College. John O. Barke was born near the city of Stavangee, Nor-
way, November 12, 1850. His father, Ove J. Barke. was a farmer and con-
tractor in Norway, who emigrated to America in 1870. He came West and
settled in Story county, Iowa. Mr. Barke's' paternal grandfather, John O.
Barke, served in the Norwegian army during the war between Sweden and
Denmark. Mr. Barke's mother, before her marriage, was Ellen Anderson,
also a native of Norway, whose people were farmers in their native land.
Reared on the home farm. John O Barke received a common-school
education in Norway, and then took a short course in a Latin school at
Stavangee. Shortly after completing his education be came to America.
and for a time was a student in the Luther College at Decorah, Iowa. Later
lie attended the \*<irth Missouri State Normal School, and from time to
time he taught school that he might earn enough money to pay the expenses
incident to completing his education. During all this time, however, he was
giving considerable thought and attention to the study of law. and in 1878
entered the law department of what is now Drake University, at Des Moines,
Iowa, and was graduated from that institution in June. [880, with the degree
of Bachelor of Law.
T11 1880 Mr. Barke came to Otter Tail count) and opened a law office
in Fergus Falls, having been admitted to the practice of his profession in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 63
Minnesota and Iowa the same year. Mr. Barke has followed the active
practice of law for thirty-five years, and is now one of the oldest members
of the bar in Otter Tail county.
In 1882 John O. Barke was married to Bertha Nelson, a native of
Illinois, and the daughter of Seward Nelson, a native of Norway. Mr. and
Mrs. Barke are the parents of five children, namely: Ellen J., a teacher;
Dr. Owen S., a dentist, who died in May, 1914; Arthur R., who is asso-
ciated with his father in the practice of law; Ralph J. and Bertha G., who
live at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Barke and their children
constitute a delightful family, and all enjoy a large measure of popularity
in Otter Tail county.
FRANK H. GRAY.
One of the early comers to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who has had a
large part in the commercial history of Otter Tail county, and who is
descended from a distinguished family, is Frank H. Gray, secretary of the
Lamson-Gray Company. Mr. Gray has a medal which was presented to his
grandfather, James Gray, by Commodore Perry, for meritorious conduct
and bravery in the naval battles on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
Frank H. Gray was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, in 1846, and is a
son of Neely and Adaline (Stark) Gray. His father was a native of Vir-
ginia, who came north with his parents to Uniontovvn, Pennsylvania.
After growing to manhood in the state of Pennsylvania, Neely Gray emi-
grated to Platteville, Wisconsin, where he built a flouring-mill, which he
himself operated. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of
Wisconsin, and after his removal to Madison, the capital city of the state,
he engaged in the coal and grain business there. His death occurred in
Madison. Wisconsin, in 1875, while his wife passed away in the same city
in 1885. They were the parents of four children, all of whom are deceased
except Frank M. The deceased children are Henry L., Ellen J. and Arthur I.
Frank H. Gray received his early educational training in the public
schools of Wisconsin, later attending the State University at Madison, and
after finishing his education, engaged in the coal business in partnership
with a Mr. Conklin, under the firm name of Conklin & Gray. Tin- part-
nership arrangement continued for fifteen years, until 1881, when Mr. Gray
came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and in partnership with a Mr. Daley,
under the firm name of Daley & Gray, engaged in the shoe business for
three or four years. Later Mr. Gray sold out his interests in this business
and engaged again in the coal business until ioi_>. when he became asso-
ciated with Mr. Lamson in the contract building business under the firm
name of Lamson-Gray Company.
64 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Frank H. Gray's first wife was Fanny Robbins, who was born in
Platteville, Wisconsin. Her father served seven terms in the Wisconsin
state Legislature, and was a prominent man in the public life of that state.
By his first marriage there were born two children: Xeely H., manager
for the Charles Wright Company, married a Miss McConnell, and they
have one daughter. Margaret; Roderick, who was the second child of Mr.
Gray's first marriage, is deceased. Some years afterward Mr. Gray was
married to Mary Underw 1, the daughter of H. J. Underwood, who was
the founder of the Fergus Falls Journal. To this union there have been
horn four children. Donald U., Franklin H., Jr.. Robert I deceased 1 and
Marion.
Mr. Gray is a member of the Federated church, and has been active
in this denomination for main- years.
H \KRY M. WHEELOCK.
The // ekly is well known to the people of ( Itter Tail county;
in fact, is well known to the people of the state of Minnesota, who read
newspapers, and this means a large percentage of the population. Harry
M. Wheeiock, the editor and proprietor of the paper, and postmaster of
Fergus Falls since 1914, is prominent in the public life of Otter Tail county.
Harry M. Wheeiock was horn at Fredonia, Xew York. June 14, 1859, a
son of Theodore Bainbridge and Eva (Jennings) Wheeiock, the former of
whom, born in Mendon, Worcester county, Massachusetts, is still living at
the age of eighty-one years, and the latter born in Connecticut, died 111
1880. at Duluth, Minnesota. Mrs. Wheelock's father was superintendent of
a woolen mill at Bridgeport, Connecticut. Theodore B. Wheeiock and wife
were the parents of two sons: Harry M., the immediate subject of this
review, and Leland L., who is now- a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Harry M. Wheeiock received his education in the normal school at
Fredonia, Xew York, and at an early age became a printer's apprentice,
and after completing his apprenticeship at Fredonia, worked at his trade in
various parts of the East and West. In 1882 he settled at Fergus Falls,
this county, to assist in the establishment of the Daily Telegram, and for
two years he was connected with that paper. In [884, in partnership with
Capt, I. D. Wood, Mr. Wheeiock established the Fergus Falls Democrat.
\ fev years later he became connected with the Fergus Falls Journal, as
local editor. In 1893 Mr. Wheeiock severed his connection with the Fergus
Falls Journal in order to become receiver for a bicycle factory. In [895
Mr. Whet-lock established the weekly newspaper which hears his name, lie
I a prize for a suitable title, and for a number of issues, the paper
I
I
I -Wk^ - "If
Jr
i
AKUV M. WIII'.KI.dCK.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. • 65
appeared with simply a question mark for the heading. The name,
Wheelock's Weekly, was finally decided upon as a suitable name.
Mr. Wheelock is widely and favorably known as an active newspaper
worker, and one who understands all departments of a modern newspaper.
He is rated as one of the best writers and managers in the state, and it can
be truthfully said that the pen in his hand is mightier than the sword. In
191 4 Mr. Wheelock became postmaster of Fergus Falls by appointment
from President Wilson. Fie is a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and is first vice-president of the Editorial Association of
Minnesota.
Some years ago Mr. Wheelock was married to Alice Josephine Buck,
who was born in Rochester, Minnesota.
CAPT. OSMER C. CHASE.
Among the old-time residents and well-known citizens of Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, is the venerable Capt. Osmer C. Chase, steward of the Minne-
sota state hospital, at Fergus Falls, for the past twenty-six years, having
been appointed to the position in 1889. His long tenure of service in this
position is a tribute not only to his skill and his ability, but also to the genial
personality of which he is possessed and which has made his tenure a most
pleasant experience in the official life of this great institution.
A native of Darian, Genesee county, Xew York, Capt. Osmer C. Chase
was born in 1838, and is the son of John and Sophia ( Dimock) Chase, the
former of whom was a native of Otsego, New York, and the latter of
Northampton. Massachusetts. In 1841 the entire Chase family removed
to Ohio, where John Chase became a farmer and storekeeper in Geauga
county, about twenty-four miles from Cleveland. It was here that
Osmer C. Chase was reared. He was a student at Hiram College when
the Civil War broke out, and this seriously interfered with the completion
of his education. In 1861 he joined the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry
under Wade and Hutchins and saw active service for some time. He was
later transferred to Company E, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regi-
ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a company of which he was instrumental
in organizing and of which he became captain. He was honorablj dis-
charged in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 7, 1865, and upon this occasion was
presented with a beautiful gold watch and chain by the survivors of his
company. After living in Ohio for a time, Captain Chase left the state
for the oil regions of Pennsylvania and there he remained for a few months.
While a soldier in the Union army his parents had removed to Lake Gene-
va, Wisconsin, and in the year 1866 Captain Chase also joined his parents
(5b)
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66 OTTER IV
in the state of Wisconsin, purchasing
There lie engaged in farming for si
and established a general store, which he operated for four
he came to Fergus Falls and opened a store for a year un<
( ). C. Chase, and later for some time under the firm name
& Company. Subsequently, however, he sold the store to a
engaged in the manufacture of cheese at Fergus Falls.
large factory and did a prosperous business for three or fi
he sold out. In 1889 Captain Chase entered the employ of
steward of the state hospital, a position which he has so ably held for more
than a quarter of a century.
In 1869 ('apt. Osmer C. (base was married to Delia Potter, and they
are the parents of two daughters, Etta May and Alice Catherine. The
former is now the wife of Dr. H. J. Lafhtte, and the latter is the wife of
E. J. Fairbanks. Mr. and Mrs. Chase are well known in the social and
civic life of Fergus halls and Otter Tail county and are popular among all
classes of people. Captain Chase is a prominent member of the Masonic
fraternity, having joined this historic order at Flkhorn, Wisconsin, and
having later affiliated with Corner Stone Lodge No. 00. of Fergus halls.
Minnesota. He is a good man and a good citizen, well known and highly
respected in the county which has been his home tor so many years.
WILLIAM P. BAYLEY
The world is always willing to honor self-made men, men who, by
their own exertion and industry, step by step mount the ladder of success.
Among the men well known to Fergus Falls and Otter Fail county. Minne-
sota, who have succeeded in this way is William P. Bayley, who is engaged
in the real-estate, loan and collection business. Mr. Bayley is a native of
St. Lawrence county. New York, having been born in Massena, June [O,
[857. lie is the son of William M. and Laura M. 1 Felch) Parley.
The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. Bayley was a native of Ireland
and a farmer by occupation, who immigrated to America and settled in
Vermont in an early day. In 1835 the family moved to New York state.
The late William M. Bayley was a farmer by occupation and his wife, a
native of Vermont, was of Welsh descent, her father having been a clergy-
man, who was drowned at sea. William P. Bayley is the fourth child in
a family of five children. lie was reared on a farm and received his early
education in the district schools of New York state. When Mr. Bayley
was sixteen years old he entered the high school at Massena, where he was
graduated at the age of twenty. In 1878 he moved to Alexandria, Minne-
sota, where he was employed for two or three years in the farming imple-
(ITTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 6j
nient business. In 1883 he tno.ved to Fargo, North Dakota, and was there
employed by the Walter A. Woods Harvester Company. For several years
previously, he had been quietly yet persistently equipping himself for the
practice of law. In 1886 he located in Fergus Falls, where he continued
in the study of law. being admitted to the bar on March 22, 1888. After
bis admission to the bar, Mr. Bayley opened a law office in Fergus Falls
and engaged in the practice of law, in the real-estate, loan and collection
business. He has a large clientage in Otter Tail county and enjoys a large,
prosperous and growing business.
On January 31, 1884, William P. Bayley was married to Amanda L.
Stearns, a native of New York state, having been born at Louisville, New
York. Mrs. Bayley is the daughter of A. C. Stearns, a scion of an old
Fnglish family. After her graduation from the high school, Mrs. Bayley
attended the Lawrenceville Academy and then taught school in the state
of Xew York until the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Bayley have
one son, Charles S., who was born on June 12, 1885, at Alexandria, Minne-
sota.
William P. Bayley is a Democrat in politics and was a member of the
city council of Fergus Falls for several years and a delegate to the Kansas
City convention, which nominated William J. Bryan for the presidency.
In iqoo Mr. Bayley was chairman of the Democratic county central com-
mittee of Otter Tail county. He is one of the active and progressive men
and citizens of Fergus Falls and is interested in everything which pertains
to the development of this great county.
ROBERT HANNAH.
The Co-operative Building Association, while not an institution pecu-
liar to America, has served a splendid purpose in the material development
of this great country. It has served an especially valuable purpose in the
development of the great state of Minnesota and especially Otter Tail coun-
ty. Among the men who now live in Otter Tail county and who are prom-
inent in the administration of building associations is Robert Hannah, of
Fergus Falls, a native of Scotland, who, aside from his interests in various
building associations, is personally engaged in the farm loan and mortgage
business.
Robert Hannah was born at Ayrshire. Scotland, in i860, and is the
son of John and Mary (Miller) Hannah, both of whom are deceased. Mr.
Hannah's father was a farmer in Scotland. He was reared on the farm
and received his education at the Ayr Academy.
In 1882 Robert Hannah immigrated to America. After arriving in
this country, he came west to Minneapolis, where be remained for one year.
68 OTTER TAIL COUNTY.. MINNESOTA^
Subsequently, he became inspector of western farm mortgages for the Globe
Investment Company, at Boston. During the period of eight or nine years
when he was associated with the Globe Investment Company, Air. Hannah
also had offices in Kansas City, Missouri, and at other places.
On January 2, 1892, Mr. Hannah came to Fergus Falls and engaged
in his present business. He not only handles farm mortgages, but he is
secretarv of the Northwestern Building Association, an incorporation
organized in 1904. Moreover, he was secretary of the Otter Tail Building
and Loan Association, organized in 1895. These concerns have been instru-
mental in building up many towns in Otter Tail county, and, in fact, in the
surrounding country, because they have furnished a liberal supply of money
on easy terms to men who were interested in the development of this county.
Robert Hannah's wife, before her marriage, was Mary Ely, a native
of Northfield, Vermont, and to them has been born one daughter. Louise.
Mr. Hannah is a director of the First National Bank, of Fergus Falls.
GEORGE O. WELCH, M.D.
The state of Minnesota takes great pride in the character of and admin-
istration of its public institutions. An important feature of the efficient
management of the state institutions of Minnesota consists in the long
tenure of its administrative officers, who have proved themselves qualified
for the positions they fill. Institutional management in many states has
been inefficient merely because capable men have been sacrificed for politics.
Fortunately, this is not the case in Minnesota. Dr. George O. Welch, the
superintendent of the state hospital at Fergus Falls, was appointed to his
present position in 1892. nearly a quarter of a century ago. Having ably
discharged the duties of this responsible position, he has since continued in
office from year to year regardless of the varying fortunes of politics.
Doctor Welch is a man who was well trained not only for the technical
aspects of his office, but for the general aspects as well. He is a native of
Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Charles W. and Angenora (Hawes)
Welch. Doctor Welch received a common-school education in Boston and
was graduated from the historic select school, Chauncy Hall, in Boston.
He began his career in the office of the Old Colony Railroad Company and
remained with the company for five years, after which he entered the Boston
University Medical School to prepare himself for the practice of medicine.
After being graduated from this institution, he occupied a subordinate posi-
tion in the state hospital at Westboro. Massachusetts, for five years and
then spent one year in Europe in special work pertaining to special features
of his profession. In 1892 Doctor Welch was appointed superintendent
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 69
of the Minnesota state hospital at Fergus Falls and has held this position
continuously ever since. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, hav-
ing joined this historic order in South Boston, but, upon coming to Minne-
sota, became affiliated with Corner Stone Lodge No. 99.
Dr. George O. Welch was married to Phoebe M. Lyon, the daughter
of James W. and Harriett (Crandall) Lyon, and to them has been born one
son, Geoffrey W.
OTTO M. HAUGAX. M.D.
Among the very prominent physicians of Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
and especially of Fergus Falls and vicinity, is Dr. Otto M. Haugan, a native
of South Dakota, where he was born on a farm on May 7, 1868.
After having lived in the state of South Dakota until he was fifteen
years old, Otto M. Haugan entered the Red Wing Seminary in 1887 and
nine years later was graduated from the University of Minnesota with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the meantime he was elected superintendent
of the schools of Otter Tail county and served in this position from 1895
until 1898. In 1902 he was graduated from the medical department of
Northwestern University at Evanston, receiving the degree of Doctor of
Medicine.
Since 1902 Doctor Haugan has been engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession in Fergus Falls. Here he has built up a large and profitable prac-
tice, but he is quite as well known in the public affairs of Otter Tail county
as in the medical profession. Doctor Haugan is a member of the American
and Minnesota State Medical Associations, and of the Park Region Medi-
cal Society.
AXCEL C. BAKER. M.D.
Prominent in the medical profession of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail coun-
ty, Minnesota, is Dr. Axcel C. Baker, who is a native of Rochester, Minne-
sota, and the son of Ole and Lena (Olson) Baker.
Doctor Baker's father and mother came to America about 1870 and
located near Rochester, Minnesota, where the father operated a hardware
store for several years. He is now living retired.
Axcel C. Baker obtained his early education at Rochester, Minnesota.
Afterward, he attended the University of Minnesota and was graduated
from the academic department in 1807. lie made a splendid record at the
University of Minnesota and one of which he has every reason to lie very
proud. After finishing the academic work at the University of Minnesota,
where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Dr. Baker attended
■JO OTTER 1A1I COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Northwestern University Medical School, at Chicago, and was graduated
from that institution in 1901, receiving the degree of Doctor of .Medicine.
After spending two years in the Wesley hospital, at Chicago, as an
intern, he came to Fergus Falls in 1903 and here engaged in the practice oi
medicine. During the past twelve years his practice has steadily increased
and he now enjoys a large and prosperous patronage.
By Doctor Baker's marriage to Catherine Hudson, the daughter of
Thomas C. and Eliza Hudson, there have been horn four children, Norman
H., Katheryn, Charles E. and Mary.
Doctor Baker is prominent in the Masonic circles of Fergus halls.
l>eing a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99. He is also a member of the
Park Region Medical Society, the Minnesota State Medical Association and
the American Medical Association.
FRANK N. WHITTAKER, D.D.S.
One of the best-known citizens of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and the first college-trained dentist to locate in Fergus Falls, is
Dr. Frank N. Whittaker, a native of Minneapolis, where he was born on
May 16, 1869. Doctor Whittaker's father, who is still living at Llanerch,
a suburb of Philadelphia, was one of two children born to his parents. The
other was Charles Whittaker, a veteran of the Civil War, who died in
Minneapolis. Doctor Whittaker's mother, who before her marriage was
Helen Noble, and who was his father's second wife, came from a distin-
guished pioneer family of Minneapolis, her parents having settled on the
present site of the Hennepin county court house. Mrs. Helen (Noble)
Whittaker was one of three children born to her parents. She had two
brothers. James and John 11.. the latter of whom was a thirty-third-degree
Mason, who died in the city of Minneapolis. Many years ago Doctor
Whittaker's father removed from the state of Minnesota to Delaware
county, Pennsylvania After living in Minneapolis for a time he had
removed to Minnetonka Fake, near Minneapolis, where for a time he owned
a farm. Later he owned a small farm in Virginia, where he lived for a
few years and then removed to Delaware county, Pennsylvania, settling at
Llanerch, a suburb of Philadelphia, where he now lives retired with his
son Robert, a child by his third marriage. Doctor Whittaker's mother died
in 1872 and his father later was married to a Miss Jennings, who is now
deceased.
Born and reared in Minneapolis. Minnesota, Frank X. Whittaker
attended the public schools of Minneapolis and later spent two wars m the
Minneapolis high school. After the high school curse lie entered the
department of dentistry at tin- University of Minnesota and was graduated
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. J I
in the class of 1893. After his graduation Doctor Whittaker removed to
Fergus Falls and for eight months was employed in the dental office of Dr.
R. H. Phalon. After working for Doctor Phalon for eight months Doctor
Whittaker bought his office and began the practice of his profession on his
own responsibility on February 1, 1894. Altogether he has practiced den-
tistry in Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, for a little more than twenty years
and during this period has given his time exclusively to his profession, hav-
ing built up a large patronage in this county. He is known here not only
as a skilful dentist, but as one of the leading citizens of Otter Tail county.
In 1898 Doctor Whittaker was married to Mrs. Jessie Crippen, a native
of Wisconsin and a daughter of Col. O. McFarland, who immigrated to
Otter Tail county in 1X80 and purchased a farm on the shore of Ten Mile
lake, where he lived until his death. Doctor and Mrs. Whittaker have no
children.
The Whittakers arc members of the Episcopal church of Fergus Falls
and Doctor Whittaker is a vestryman in the church. He is a Republican
in politics, but has never aspired to office. All in all, it may be said that
Dr. Frank N. Whittaker is one of those professional men and citizens whom
many communities delight to honor. He has worthily discharged his duties
as a professional man and a citizen. Not only is he well known throughout
Otter Tail county and especially Fergus Falls and vicinity, but is popular
wherever known.
JAMES H. BELL.
The firm of Maire & Bell is well known in the business and commercial
life of Fergus Falls and is one of the leading hardware companies in this
section of the state. The secretary of the firm is James H. Bell, who is a
native of New York state.
James H. Bell was born in the town of Dexter, Jefferson county, New
York, January 10, 1854, and is the son of William and Betsy (Seeber) Bell.
Mr. Hell's father and mother were born in New York state. His grand-
father and his grandmother were natives of Ireland.
James II. Bell was reared on the home farm and obtained his educa-
tion in his native town. After growing to manhood he taught school in
New York state, but in February, t88i, came west to Fergus Falls and
purchased land in Buse township, where he carried on farming until 1894,
when he engaged in the hardware business in Fergus Falls in partnership
with Mr. Maire.
By Mr. Bell's marriage i" Clara J. Wiley, the daughter of Jefferson
Wiley, there have been born two children, William J. and Clara I.. Mr-.
Bell died on October 10, 1912. Of their two children, William J. was
•/2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
educated in the public schools of Fergus Falls. He attended the Princeton
Theological Seminary, at Princeton, New Jersey, and is now a missionary
of the Presbyterian church and is stationed at Virginia, Minnesota. Rev-
erend Piell was married to Helen Hunt, of St. Paul, Minnesota. Clara L.
Bell resides at home with her father.
TOHX P. HAWK.
One of the oldest merchants in point of continuous business activity in
the history of Fergus Falls, [Minnesota, is John P. Haave, who was born
twenty-five miles east of Trondhjem, Norway. January 14. 1S39. the son
of Peter and Solo (Floren) Haave. the former of whom was a farmer in
Norway. Both parents died in Norway.
In 1867 John P. Haave and wife emigrated to America, and after
landing on the Atlantic seaboard the family came west, locating in Wana-
mingo township, Goodhue county, .Minnesota, where John P. Haave farmed
for a year. During the remaining three years 111 which he lived in Goodhue
county, he was occupied with various kinds of work. In 1871 he removed
to Fergus Falls. Minnesota, where he worked during the summer months
111 a saw-mill, and in the winter months in a blacksmith shop. This period
of his life covered altogether eight years.
In 1884. in company with Olive Haave, Mr. Haave purchased the gro-
cery store of John Halbeerg, and this partnership arrangement continued
for eight or nine months, when John P. Haave stated to his partner that
there was not enough in the business for both of them, that he would with-
draw his capital and pay for what groceries his family had used in addition
and ask nothing for his services during the period of eight or nine months.
Olive Haave declined to agree to this arrangement, but after a few days'
deliberation he also offered to withdraw from the concern, which he did.
This was in 1X84. and since that period John P. Haave has continued in
business in Fergus Falls. His first store was located on the present site
of the office of the Urgblad. In [888 Mr. Haave moved to his present
location under the Riverside flats.
\,,t onlj lias fohn P. Haave been successful in business, but he has
also liven successful m the political life of the county. He served as county
commissioner of < >tter Tail county from [896 to 1000. and has held various
municipal and local offices, for many years Mr. Haave has been a trus-
tee of the Park Region Lutheran College, and is a devoted and earnest
member of the Lutheran church, to the support of which he is a liberal
contributor.
Since coming t>> Fergus Palls. Minnesota, Mr. Haave has witnessed
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 73
many important changes, not only in the material development of this city
and county, but in the personnel of its citizens. Today he ranks as a good
man and a good citizen, and is well and favorably known throughout Otter
Tail county.
HENRY A. WINTHER.
One of the prosperous commercial concerns of Fergus Falls, Minne-
sota, is the John A. A. Winther & Son, dealers in lumber and building
material, of which Henry A. Winther is the junior partner.
Henry A. Winther, a native of Cold Spring, Stearns county, .Minne-
sota, was born on January 12, 1875. He is the son of John A. A. and
Eline (Hanson) Winther, the former of whom was born on June 11, 1836,
in Denmark, and who in 1 86 1 . when twenty-live years old, immigrated to
America, landing in New York city. Subsequently he came west to Minne-
apolis, where he followed the cooper's trade for a time. He then removed
to Nashville, Tennessee, during the War of the Rebellion and was there
obliged tn employ Southern sympathizers whether he desired or not. After
the war he returned to Denmark on account of the death of his father and
remained in his native land for two years. Upon his return to America he
settled at Cold Spring, Stearns county, Minnesota, where he took charge of
the lumber business owned by Waite, Clarke & McClure. After living
at (old Spring for five years, in March, 1880, Mr. Winther came to Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, and the following year, in company with B. A. Clarke,
engaged in the lumber business. Subsequently, however, he sold out to
Mr. Clarke.
In 1883 John A. A. Winther opened a lumber yard at Elizabeth, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. This yard is still in operation. In 1890 he pur-
chased the lumber yard of Edward Mc< iullough, in Fergus Falls, and this
yard is also still in operation and is managed by Henry A. Winther, the
junior partner, who became associated in the business in 1899.
Mr. and Mrs. John A. A. Winther were the parents of six children,
namely: Henry A., the subject of this sketch: Mary K., who is now Mrs.
George W. Savage and who resides in Towa : August A., who married Annie
llanert: Bates C, who is engaged with his brother, August A., in the fruit
growing business at Lindsay. California: Arnold S, who is in the mining
business in Utah; and William, an electrician of Fresno, California.
Henry A. Winther was married in kji.) in Eva 1\. Huxmann, of
Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Winther have one child, Henry A.. Jr., born
mi September 4. 1915. Mr. Winther'- parents make their home in Los
Angeles, California, on accounl of the severit) of the Minnesota climate.
I'lie California climate agrees with them much better at their time of lite
JOHN II. GRASS.
\s president oi the Grass Clothing < ompany, of Fergus Kalis, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. John II. Grass is a conspicuous figure in the busi-
ness life of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county. He is the founder of the
business which now bears his name and with which for more than thirty-
five years he has been connected.
John II Grass, a native of Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he
was born on March i, 1850, is the son of Vnthony and Catherine ( Noblet)
Grass, both of whom were natives of Alsace, then a province of France.
Anthony Grass's parents were Joseph and Barbara Grass, who came to
America when Anthony was twelve years old. They located in Detroit,
Michigan, where the father engaged in manufacturing boots and shoes.
Later, however, he sold out the boot and shoe business and engaged in
farming in the state of Michigan. He remained on the farm until [844,
when the family removed to Wisconsin, settling at Spring Prairie in Wal-
worth county, where he engaged in farming the remainder of his life. Jos-
eph Grass, the paternal grandfather of John II.. was one of the progressive
men of Ins time as well as a most skilful and successful farmer. Both lie
and his wife lived to advanced ages. Joseph Grass died at the aye of
eighty-six and his wife at the age of eight-one years. They had four chil-
dren, of whom Mr. Grass's father. Anthony, was the first born. The other
children were Barbara, Abbie and Rosabelle.
Anthony Grass was reared on the home farm in Wisconsin, where he
remained until 1N60. when he removed to Racine county. Wisconsin, pur-
chasing two hundred acres (,f land By his marriage to Catherine Noblet,
there were horn nine children, of whom John II. was the fourth. Nichols,
the first horn, is deceased. The others were Abbie, Catherine, \nnie. Jos-
1 ph, h rank". Julia and Edward.
John 11. Grass was educated in the public schools of the state of Wis-
consin and at Rochester \cademy. He also attended the Burlington high
school, but quit school when eighteen years old to engage in the mercantile
business at Burlington, Wisconsin, where he worked as a clerk for four
vears. \fterward he went to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and managed a store
owned by his former employer, Joseph Crane. There he remained for
three years, when, in company with B. C. Drake, he purchased a stock of
g Is and operated a -tore in partnership with Mr. Drake for a year and
li He 1 1 m n -..Id out to his partner.
In 1879 Mr. Grass came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and commenced
business with Osmer C. Chase. Subsequently Mr. Chase sold out his inter-
est 11 the mercantile business to a Mr. ('.rant and in 1 SS 1 the linn name
changed to Grass, Morrison & Grain. This partnership arrangement
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. J^,
continued until 1890, when Mr. Grass and partners split up the store. One
took the groceries, one took the dry goods and Mr. Grass took the clothing-
department. He conducted the business alone until February 15, 1 9 1 5 .
when it was incorporated under the name of the Grass Clothing Company
The incorporators were J. H. Grass. St., and J. H. Grass, Jr.
In [876, some three years before coming to Minnesota, John H. Grass
was married to Adella Silvernail. of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. Mrs.
Grass is the daughter of Peter Silvernail and has borne her husband two
sons, Charles F. and John H., Jr. The former married Christianna Larson
and they have two children. Harriett and Alice. The}- reside in the state
of .Montana. John II. Grass, Jr., is associated with his father in the Grass
( lothing ( Company.
In addition to the mercantile business which hears his name. John II.
Grass is also a most successful farmer. He owns two splendid farms in
Orwell township, to which he gives considerable attention. He is especially
interested in breeding Guernsey cattle and Percheron horses.
Mr. Grass is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of FJks.
DAVID M. BROWN.
One of the thriving industries of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is the Fergus Casket Works, of which David M. Brown has
been secretary and executive officer since its organization in [897. Not
only has he been prominent in the industrial life of Otter Tail county, but
lie has likewise been prominent in the civic and political life, having served
at one time as mayor of Fergus Falls and as a member of the Fergus Falls
council.
David M. Brown is a native of Vblney, Oswego county, Ww York,
where he was born on October '1. [857. lie is the son of David L. and
Harriet (Harris) Brown, tin- former of whom during liis active career
was a successful farmer. Fie is now living retired in New York state.
Mr. Brown's mother passed away in the Empire state in 1900. There were
six children in the family, four of whom are still living.
David M. Brown received In- early education in Fulton, Oswego coun-
ty. New York, and at Mexico Academy. While he was still a lad in his
teens and while his education was still incomplete, he took up salesmanship
and worked during the evenings and summers and on Saturdays selling
fruit tree- for a large nursery. Later he taughl school during the winter
months for several terms.
In [882 Mr. Brown came to Fergus Falls and with Leonard \nu-s. of
Oswego, \'cw York, and Geo. G. French, of Mexico, New York, together
j6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
with Charles J. Wright, of Fergus Falls (the firm name being Ames,
French & Company), three thousand acres of land were acquired, of which
fifteen hundred acres was farm land. The farm land was located at
French, Carlisle township, and the timber land in the township of Dora,
Otter Tail count}'. This company was organized for the specific purpose
of cultivating the land for profit and eventually selling it. The business
continued until 18S9. when Mr. Brown took up life insurance work, having
become at that time assistant manager of the Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany, of New York state. After holding this position until 1897 -^r-
Brown assisted in the organization of the Fergus Casket Works, and became
the secretary and manager of the concern, positions which he still holds.
He is one of the chief officers of this concern and has had much to do with
its prosperity and growth.
On December 12. 1883, David M. Brown was married to Henrietta
Bisnett, a native of Fulton. Xew York. They have one son, David L., who
is the assistant manager of the Fergus Casket Works.
Mr. Brown is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons. Also he is the exalted ruler of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America.
WALTER B. WINDSOR.
One of the largest industries in Otter Tail count}- is the manufacture
of flour and one of the largest manufacturers of Otter Tail count}- is Wal-
ter B. Windsor, the secretary of the Fergus Flour Mills Company, which
makes a specialty of manufacturing flour from the celebrated "'Park
Region" wheat. The Fergus Flour Mills Company is a consolidation of the
Otter Tail mill and the Fergus flour-mill.
Walter T>. Windsor is a native of Wheatcheif, Xew Jersey, where he
was born on November 21, 1850. He is the son oi William II. and Sarah
(Battin) Windsor, the former of whom was a well-known business man, of
Xew York city, having been engaged there for man}- years in the lire insur-
ance business. 1 luring all of this time, William IT. Windsor lived in Eliza-
beth, Xew Jersey. In his later years, he moved to the western part of Xew
York state, where he and his wife lived until their deaths.
Walter B. Windsor received his carl\' education at Canaseraga, Alle-
gany county, Xew York. Practically all of his education was received in
innate schools. After he had grown to manhood, he learned the drug-
gist's trade in I lornellsvillc. Xew York, but in 1883 immigrated to the
Dakotas and after taking up some land made his headquarter- at Aberdeen,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 77
South Dakota, and engaged in the fire insurance business on an extensive
scale.
In August, 1899, Mr. Windsor came to Fergus Falls and in partner-
ship with David A. Tennant purchased the Otter Tail flour-mill, which was
operated for one year. In 1900 he purchased the Fergus flour-mill and
consolidated the two mills into the Fergus Flour Mills Company. In 1904
they purchased a mill in Fargo, North Dakota, and in 1912 they purchased
the Globe flour-mill in Perham, Otter Tail county. In addition to 'their
consolidated mill, they, therefore, own two additional mills. Compara-
tively, these three mills have a large capacity and the firm enjoys a large
local trade in Otter Tail county and does a large business in other parts of
the country. From the very beginning, the business has been a prosperous
one and its success has been due not only to the wide knowledge which Mr.
Windsor has of the milling business, but to his relations with his patrons,
which have always been of a most cordial character. Although a prom-
inent citizen of Otter Tail county, Mr. Windsor is a man of most modest
and unassuming parts.
In October, 1891, Walter 1'.. Windsor was married, in Faribault. Min-
nesota, to Sarah Tennant, a native of St. Lawrence count}-, Xew York.
Mr. and Mrs. Windsor have two children. Robert and Harold, who live at
home with their parents.
HORACE PICKIT.
The only merchant now living in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who was
in business in this city as long ago as 1873, is Horace Pickit, who was born
in Edwards, St. Lawrence county, Xew York, in 1842, and who is the son
of J. B. and Sarah (Woodcock) Pickit.
The late T. B. Pickit operated a general store in Edwards for a number
of years and was postmaster for thirty-five years. He was also interested
in a large ax and wagon manufacturing company and held many local
offices. In fact, he was the leading citizen of the town. In 1880 he and
his wife came west .to Fergus Falls and remained for a time, when they
removed to Motley, Morrison county, where he and his wife lived until
their deaths.
Horace Pickit received his early education in the district schools ami
at the academy at Gouverneur and Pottsdam, New York, after which he
worked in his father's store. When he was twenty-one years old he
engaged in business for himself in Edwards until 1872, when he made a
pleasure trip to California. On August 9, 1873, Mr. Pickit came to Fer-
gus Falls. His brother was already here in business and they entered into
70 OTTER TA UN IV. MINNESOTA.
partnership under the firm name of Pickit Brothers, which continued for
five years, when they dissolved. Horace Pickit then operated the business
alone.
A few years later Horace Pickit built a large brick building on the
southeast corner of Mill street and Lincoln avenue, and in this building
operated a furnishing goods store on the .Mill street side. A Mr. Moore
operated a dry-goods store facing on Lincoln avenue.
In [890 Mr. Pickit became the postmaster of Fergus balls under the
administration of President Cleveland and at the next door mi Mill street,
north, conducted a tailor ship and later a furnishing goods -tore. Subse-
quently, however, he sold out and put in a line of cigar-, taking at the -ante
time the agency for the Northern Express Company, which agency Mr.
Pickit still has.
Main vears ago Mr. Pickit was married to Celinda E. Peck,. by whom
two children have been horn, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Pickil
i- an affable gentleman and is highly respected by the citizens of this city.
|()11X W. PETERS! )N.
\mong the many residents of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who arc natives
of Sweden and who have been successful in their adopted country, i- John
VV. Peterson, the present superintendent of the electric lighl plant at Fer-
gus Falls.
John VV. Peterson was born in the southern part of Sweden on July 31,
[858. and is the son of Peter and Hannah (Nelson) Peterson, in 1 S 7 5
the family came to America and. after moving to Chippewa county, Minne-
sota, settled near what i- now the village of Maynard There the father
homesteaded a tract of land which he operated and where he lived until his
death.
John VV. Peterson received Ins early schooling in his native land and
in America, lie attended the public schools of Granite balls, Minnesota,
and of Litchfield, in Meeker county. After finishing hi- education he was
first employed in a -lore in Litchfield for one year and then went to Minne-
apolis, where he wa- able to obtain a position with the Swan & Bush Elec-
tric Company. In the meantime Mr. Peterson attended ni-lu school, where
he studied electricity, in order to better equip himself for hi- business.
\fter six month- he wa- employed by the St. Paul, Minnesota, Gas Light
Company, and wa- associated with that compam for four years. Mr. Peter
1. ii Hun operated the power house for eighteen month-, which is located in
Fan Claire. Wisconsin. lie then came to Little ball-, where be was
emploved by the Little Falls Lower and Light Company for five years.
In iSqe, Mr. Peterson came to Fergus Falls a- superintendent of the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ~< I
electric light plant of this city, a position which he has creditably filled dur-
ing a period of many years.
By Mr. Peterson's marriage to Ellen Benson there has been horn one
daughter, Florence K.. who lives at home with her parents; a son. William
Edwin, died at the age of sixteen months.
Mr. Peterson is a member of the Minnesota Electrical Association and
i- prominent in the civic life of his home town. He is well known in
Fergus Falls and is highly respected by all of the people with whom he has
o >mc in contact.
WATSON T. BEL]
Among the active business men of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who have
been connected with the business life of the city for man}- years and who, as
the proprietor of a popular grocery, enjoys a large and lucrative patronage,
is Watson T. Bell. Mr. Bell deserves to be considered as one of the pioneers
of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county. He is prominent in the fraternal
circles of the city and is otherwise well known in this section of the state.
Watson T. Bell was horn on August 14, [853, at SugaT Creek, in
Walworth county, Wisconsin, lie is the son of William and Adeline (Fair-
child) Bell, the former of whom came to Wisconsin from Cattaraugus
county. New York. William Bell was a carpenter by trade. He emigrated
in Walworth county, Wisconsin, at an early date and there followed his
trade, and it was there that Watson T. Bell grew to manhood.
Having learned the printer's trade. Mr. Bell finally moved to Milwau-
kee, Wisconsin, where, for some time, he worked at his trade. Still later
he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed as a type setter on
the Chicago Tribww until [882. \t that time Mr. Bell moved to Fergus
falls, Minnesota. Realizing that there was an opportunity for a large
grocery, he. in partnership with Oscar Brown, opened a retail grocery in the
Wright block on Hi-mark avenue, east, and was in that location for eighl
or 1
nne years, when they moved to Lincoln avenue, west, near the presenl
site
of the Golden Rule building, where, in addition to groceries, they car-
ried
a large line of ylass and crockery.
In [ 002 the partnership between Mr. Hell and Mr. Brown was dissolved.
Mr.
Bell moving at that time to his present location, 114 Lincoln avenue,
wesl
lie now deals exclusively in groceries and has a large trade, which
has
come to him not only because he fully understands the needs of his CUS-
ton*
.ts, hut because of his honorable and uprighl dealings with them.
Mr. Bell's wife, before her marriage, was Margaret Gorman, who
has
home him one son, Dr George f... now a well-known and successful
dent
ist of Fergus falls. | >,■ George E. Bell married Edith Vfortensen, the
So OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
daughter of Nels J. Mortensen, a retired druggist of Fergus Falls. Dr. and
Mrs. Ceorge E. Bell have one daughter, Catherine.
Watson T. Bell is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99. Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and the .Modern Woodmen of America.
HON. ELMER I.LLSWORTH ADAMS.
As the editor of Otter Tail county's leading newspaper for many years,
and as a banker and business man. Hlmer Ellsworth Adams is one of the
best-known citizens of Otter Tail county. His life and career are intimately
identified with almost every phase of the development of this great county.
Elmer Ellsworth Adams, journalist and business man, is a native of
Waterburv, Vermont, where he was born on December 31, 1861, a son of
Daniel K. and Ann (Hale) Adams, both of whom also were natives of the
state of Vermont. Daniel K. Adams, who originally was an iron manu-
facturer, emigrated to Minneapolis in 1879, and engaged in contract build-
ing. His death occurred in St. Paul in [912, he and his wife having reared
a family of four children, Dayton, Elmer E., Wilbur and Alice.
Elmer E. Adams was educated in the public schools of Morrisville,
Vermont, and at the University of Minnesota, being graduated from the
latter institution with the class of 1884, ami on the 17th of February, 1884,
arrived at Fergus Falls, this county, as the editor of tin- Fergus Fulls Daily
Telegram. In March, 1885, the Telegram was consolidated with the Fergus
Falls Journal, and Mr. Adams became editor of the consolidated newspaper,
continuing in that capacity until 1912, when he was succeeded by W. L.
Robertson.
In addition to the presidency of the Fergus Falls Journal Company, a
position which Mr. Adams now holds, he is also presidenl of the First
National Hank, president of the Northwestern Building Association, and of
tin- Otter Tail Loan Association, and secretary of the Rvd Liver Milling
1 1 impany.
hi [890 Elmer E. Adams was supervisor of the federal census for the
fifth Minnesota district, am! in toon he was supervisor of the census for
the seventh Minnesota district, For many years he was a member of the
hoard ..I' regents of the University of Minnesota.
member of the state Legislature for four terms a
lower house of the Minnesota Legislature at the
at at the University of Minnesota In was a
fraternity.
In [890, Elmer Ellsworth Adams was marri<
Rochester, Minnesota, and to this union have he
lie
also
has served as a
ltd
is a
membe
r of
the
pre
-cut
time.
Whi!
le a
mei
nher
of the
Chi
Psi
Ml t
0 Fi
mm O
.wles
. at
en
horn
three
child
ren,
SWORTH AIiAAb
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 8l
Marjorie, Dorothy Q. and Samuel P., all of whom arc living at home with
their parents.
Mr. Adams is prominent as a member of the Chippewa Club, of Fergus
Falls. He is a gentleman of wide information as a banker and a forceful
newspaper editor and writer, being widely recognized as one of the most
forceful editorial writers in Minnesota. His large success in life has come
as a natural consequence of his natural force of character and grace of per-
sonality and he deserves to rank as one of the foremost citizens of Otter
Tail county, it being reasonabl) tain that history will accord to him a
conspicuous place in the annals of this section of the state.
RI( ;l \RD I. ANGUS.
Richard J. Angus, a successful business man of Fergus Falls. Minne-
sota, who has been engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business in
this city since 1891, is a well-rounded man and citizen. He is popular
among the people of Otter Tail county. Rarely does anything occur in
Fergus Falls in which he does not take a leading part.
Richard J. Angus, who is a native of Scotland, was born at Bathgate
on February [6, 1863. His father, the late Alexander Angus, was a mer-
chant in the old country. The family came to America in 1880, and after
settling in Minnesota engaged in farming.
Educated at the city of Bathgate, Mr. Angus later entered the Univer-
sity cf Edinburgh, where for some years he was a student. When Mr.
Angus was nineteen years old. he engaged in the real estate business with
Miller & McMasters, of Fergus Falls, and was employed by this firm for a
period of six years. It was here that he laid the foundation of the success
which was ti> crown the efforts of his later years. In 1888 Mr. Angus went
tn Neligh, Nebraska, where he became assistant manager of the Nebraska
office of the Globe Investment Company, of Boston. Massachusetts. The
next year. [889, Mr. Angus was transferred to the Kansas City office as
cashier of the combined Nebraska and Kansas office-. Two years later.
in [891, he returned to Fergus Falls and, having already obtained .1 good
Start in life, boughl OUl the real-estate business of F. \V. Bumham, who had
succeeded to the business of .Miller & McMasters. This business has been
successfully earned mi for a period of nearly a quarter of a century, and it
ha- given .Mr. Angus an opportunity t'> be of real service in the agricul-
tural and commercial life of Otter Tail county. ^mong his various inter-
ests he owns farms jn this county and mi the White Earth reservation, and
city property, among which is a third interest in the Manhattan building,
where his office is located.
,(,bi
82 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
.Mr. Angus lias served several terms as alderman of the fourth ward
on the city council in Fergus Falls. The gin id work of Richard J. Angus
floes not appear in a brief statement of facts concerning his life's career,
llis ways of doing good are so varied and extend to so many unexpected
quarters that they cannot well be set forth in this place, lie is, however,
one of the "live wires" of Fergus Falls and prominent in many phases of
its life. Mr. Angus is a member of several fraternal and secret orders,
including, among others, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He
is also treasurer of the Federated church.. No interest is beneath his notice
and no interest exists in this thriving city either too large or too small to
gain a part of his attention, lie is fund of the people of Fergus Falls and
the people are fond of him and cherish the work he has done and is doing.
\DIX NELSON
Adin Nelson, a well-known citizen of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and
the principal butter-maker for the Fergus Co-operative Creamery Associa-
tion, is a native of East Union, Carver county. Minnesota, where he was
horn on July 20, 1876. He is the son of Nels and Inga (Anderson) Nel-
son, who had a family of nine children. The following children are -til!
living: Jonah M.. a resident of Minneapolis ; Nels G., a resident of Carver
village; Mrs. Christine Svvanson, who lives in Carver; Mrs. Lena Scott, of
Ionian. Scott county, Minnesota: Leonard, who lives at Bemidji ; and
Emma, who married llenn Hotting, and lives at Bemidji.
Mr. Nelson's father came to America in 1869 and his mother three
years later. They settled in East Union, Carver county, Minnesota, where
Nels operated a flour-mill and where he was the head m.iller for five years.
He then purchased a farm and was engaged in Farming the remainder of
his life.
Adin Nelson was reared on the farm and received his education in
Easl Union, Carver county, Minnesota. \fter completing his education he
managed his father's farm for three years after his father's death, and
then found employment in the creamery for a couple of years. After he had
obtained a general knowledge of making butter, he attended a dairy-farm
school and, after completing his studies there, he returned to Fast Union
and became butter-maker for the Easl Union creamers. Altogether, Mr.
Nelson was employed by the Easl Union creamery for seven years.
In 1007 Adin Nelson came to Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and has since
operated the Co-operative creamery a1 this place. He is a member o1 the
Butter-Maker's Association, both Mate and national, and Vasa Orden of
Fergus Falls.
I'.\ Ins marriage to Anna L. Arneson, a native of Easl I'niou. Carver
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 83
county, Adin Nelson has four children, Margaret, Doris, Wilma and
Hernia. The Nelson family are all members of the Swedish Lutheran
church. They are regular attendants at church services and contribute lib-
erally to the support of the church in every way.
HERBERT E. WEBBER.
Herbert E. Webber, the well-known manager of the E. J. Webber
Company, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, whose family history is recounted in
the sketch of his deceased father, was born on April 21, 1884. It may be
said in this connection, however, that his father, who passed away in IQ05,
was one of the most progressive citizens in the history of Fergus Falls.
Herbert E. Webber obtained his elementary education in the public
schools of Fergus Falls, and after finishing the high school course he
attended Northwestern University, at Chicago, and was a student there in
the law department. Mr. Webber expected to continue his course in law
until graduation, but his father's untimely death, in 1005, changed his plans
and he returned home to take up his father's work.
.Mr. Webber has charge of all of his father's business and is capably
and successfully installed as its manager. He is president of the Fergus
< laskel Works, a position which his father held at the time of his death,
and has many other business responsibilities.
Herbert E. Webber was married on February 3, 191 5, to Rose Frank-
oviz, a native of Fergus Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Webber are popular in the
social life of Fergus Falls and entertain frequently at their hospitable and
comfortable home in this city. Mr. Webber is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
CHRISTIAN O. UTNE.
Among the residents of Fergus halls. Minnesota, who have been suc-
cessful in its business and commercial life, is Christian O. Utne, the present
secretary of the Fergus Falls Woolen Mills Company, who is a native of
Norway.
Christian O. Utne was horn on March 23, 1882, and is the son of
Oliver C. and Ellen Torine < Ryan 1 Utne. The Utne family, consisting of
the father and mother and five children, came to .America in [886 \ iter
arriving on the Atlantic seaboard, they came West to Dalton, ( )tter Tail
county, Minnesota, where the father purchased a farm and on which was
standing a small frame house. Later on he built a larger house There
were ten children in the Utne Family: Mattie. Amanda. Emma, who is
deceased; Christian, who married Edith Suniu, a native of Whhv and the
84 OTTER 1 H COl M'V. MINNESOTA.
daughter of Andrew and Mar) Sunju, and has two children, Ellen Marie
and Dorothy Isabel; Sarah; Andrew O. is a professor in the Park Region
College; Theodore, who is principal of the high school at Norwood; form,
who lives on the old farm: Emma, who is a teacher by profession; and
1 >ora, who lives at home.
Christian O. Utne received his early education in Dane Prairie. Later
he attended the Northwestern College at Fergus Falls and later Red Wing
Seminary and Moorehead State Normal School. After completing his
studies, he taught school in different places for seven years.
In 1910 Mr. Utne became associated with the management of the Fer-
gus Falls "Woolen Mill Company, which position he now holds. He is a
successful business man and a valuable citizen, one who takes a commendable
interest in public enterprises and worthy public movements.
MARTIN T. NELSON.
Of the well-known business firms in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, there
may be mentioned the firm of Nelson &• Thoreson. who operate two distinct
lines of business, the Fergus Fuel Company, which deals in coal, lime,
plaster and cement, and the Marble and Granite Works.
Martin T. Nelson, the senior member of the firm of Nelson & Thore-
son. was born on November 15, 1873, and is the son of Tollef and Marit
(Larson) Nelson, the former of whom was born in 1837 and who, in 1856,
with his brother, sailed for America. Tollef was then but nineteen years
old. With his brother, he landed at Quebec. Canada, and not having enough
money to reach their destination they borrow-ed some and by boat finally
reached the state of Michigan, after which they worked their way several
hundred miles, finally reaching Big Canoe, Iowa, where their uncle lived.
They remained with him for a time and then moved to Waseca county,
Minnesota, where they worked a farm on the shares for a time. Afterward
they came to Freeborn comity and also worked at farming on the shares.
Finally, they purchased a yoke of oxen and drove to Tumuli township, in
Otter rail county, taking up a homestead near the village of Halt. ml There
Tollef Nelson farmed until his death.
Tollef and Marit (Larson) Xelson were the parents of twelve chil-
dren, four of whom died in infancy: Carrie, who is now Mrs. T 0
Udbye, of Fergus Falls; Nels T. who is a lawyer and editor; [nger, who
married F. C. Svensrud, and lives on a part of the old homestead; Lars,
who lives on the homestead in Tumuli township: Martin T., who is the sub-
jecl of this sketch: Anton, who is .1 resident of Canada; Thore L. who is a
barber in Fergus Falls; and Eline, who married Emil Brusven.
Martin T. Nelson was reared on the home farm, and after completing
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 85
his education taught school for two years in Norman county and two years
in Otter Tail county. Afterward he engaged in the coal, lime, plaster and
cenu-nt business and. in 1908, went into the marble and granite business.
The title of the firm was originally Partridge & Nelson. This partnership
arrangement continued for one year, and afterward Mr. Nelson was alone
until 191 2, when he took his present partner into the business.
By his marriage to Gena Molden, the daughter of Olie Molden, Martin
T. Nelson has one son, Thomas O., who was born ott September 27, 1907.
The firm of Nelson & Thoreson has been unusually successful in busi-
ness and has succeeded in building up a large trade and a valuable patronage
in this community. Much of this success is due to the splendid ability and
genial personality of the senior member of the firm. Martin T. Nelson.
LOWELL I. LANGNESS.
Lowell I. Langness, a well-known merchant of Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, who has been engaged in business at Clitherall longer than any other
man in the history of the town, was born at Rodness, Smaalennes, Amt,
Norway. August 7. 1864, and is the son of Iver A. and Amelia (Anderson)
Langness. Mr. Langness' father was born in 1829 and his mother in 1826.
They were married in Norway, and after their marriage Iver A. Langness
came to America and located in Goodhue county, Minnesota, in 1868. Two
years later the family came to America, and in 1874 they settled in Leaf
Mountain township. Otter Tail county. Here the father took a homestead
of one hundred and sixty acres. He cleared the land and improved it in
many ways and lived on this farm until his death, in 1901. His wife died
in 1905. They were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and
were among the organizers of the Zoar congregation. They were active in
religious work until the time of their deaths. They were the parents of
six children, of whom August and Carl are deceased. The living children
are: Julius, Lowell !.. Alava and Anna.
Lowell I. Langness was educated in Leaf Mountain township and in
Nidaros township. 1 [e was reared on a farm and lived on the farm until he
was twenty-two years old. when he engaged in threshing in this count)
.After having been engaged in the threshing business for three years Mr.
Langness attended the St. Cloud Normal School and the Curtis Business
College al Minneapolis. He came to Clitherall in the fall of i8gt and
engaged in the grain business as a buyer for the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany. Later he built an elevator, hut sold out about 1901 and moved to
North Dakota, where he took a claim of one hundred and sixty acre-, \fter
proving up on the claim he returned to Clitherall, and in the fall of [905
engaged in the general mercantile business. Mr. Langness owns hi- own
86 OTTER 1 \ll COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
building. He has built up a prosperous business and enjoys a large patron-
age from the farmers of this community.
On October 28, 1896, Lowell T. Langness was married to Minnie
Nyberg, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She was born in Tintah, Wilkin
county, Minnesota, in 1875. and is the daughter of Charles and Caroline
Nyberg, the former of whom lives in Fergus Falls, the latter being deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Lowell I. Langness have no children.
Mr. Langness is a member of tin- Modern Woodmen of America at
Clitherall. He has been active in the Farmers Alliance and was a delegate
to the national convention of Modern Woodmen of America, at Toledo,
Ohio. Mr. Langness is independent in politics, but this does not mean
that he takes no part in politics. On the contrary, he has always been rather
active. Mr. Langness has served as clerk of the village and has also served
on the council. lie was township clerk for a number of years. Mr. and
Mrs. Langness are members of the Presbyterian church and take an active
interest in religious affairs.
A brother of Lowell 1. T^tngness. Julius 1. Langness, who resides in
Nidaros township, was born in Norway, November t. 1858. He was edu-
cated in Norway and in 1870 came to Goodhue county. Minnesota. Four
years later he settled in Otter Tail count}', was reared on a farm and edu-
cated principally in the schools of this county. He is a farmer by occupa-
tion and in 1885 purchased seventy acres of land, to which he lias since
added until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 33. He
also has eighty acre in section 4, of Leaf Mountain township.
Julius I. Langness was married in 1885 to Lelah Doty, who was born
in 1864 in Minnesota, and who is the daughter of Gideon and Lucinda
Doty. They now live at Spicer, Minnesota. Eleven children have been
born to Mr. and. Mrs. Julius 1. Langness. as follow: Merrill. Minnie.
George, Cleveland. Jennie. Mice, Vernon, Maud. Lawrence. Lloyd and Ray-
mond.
Julius I. Langness is a general farmer and stockman. He has never
aspired to office.
OLE J. FOSSEN.
The proprietor of the popular Roller Feed Mills on South Mill street,
of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Ole J. Fossen, was horn at Throndhjem, Nor-
way, and is the son of lens O. and Christena Fossen. who came to America
in 1865. After landing on the Atlantic seaboard, the family came west to
Minnesota and settled in Goodhue county, where they rented a farm and
remained until [870, a period of live years. In 1870 the Fossen family
removed to Otter Tail county and settled in Dane Prairie township, where
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 8/
they homesteaded a tract of land. This farm was located in section 6.
There the family erected a house and continued to live until about 1900,
when Mr. and Mrs. Jens 1 >. Fossen removed to Fergus Falls. After remov-
ing- to this city, Jens O. Fossen retired from active life.
Ole J. Fossen received his early education in the public schools of
Goodlme county and in Dane Prairie township of Otter Tail county. He
attended the old school known as district No. 28. In 1884 Mr. Fossen left
the home farm and came into the city, working for the Fergus Flour Mill
Company for ten years. In 1894 be purchased an interest in the Beardsley
& Langley mill, and the firm became known as Beardsley & Fossen. It was
operated under this name for a period of five years, when Mr. Fossen pur-
chased Mr. Beardsley's interest in the mill. Under the management of Mr.
Fossen the mill has been verv successful and has done a large business in
the grinding of feed and the sale of flour and feed.
By his marriage to Olive Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Fossen have had three
children, namely: George is a civil engineer and resides at St. Paul, Minne-
sota ; Theodore is a bookkeeper employed by the First National Bank, of
Fergus Falls; Flenry is a graduate of the Fergus Falls high school. Mrs.
Fossen is a native of Norway. Aside from his purely private business inter-
ests. Mr. Fossen is prominent in the fraternal circles of the city. He is a
member of the Sons of Norway and of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men.
OLAF J. SCHEI.
Prosperous as a merchant in the commercial life of Fergus Falls, Min-
nesota, Olaf J. Schei, who is engaged in the retail sale of clothing and
furnishing goods, is a native of Kenvon township, Goodhue county. Minne-
sota, where he was born in 1868.
.Mr. Schei is the son of Johanes P. and Lena (RosvohH Schei. the
former of whom was born in Yter Pen, and the latter born in Yerdolm.
Norway. Mr. Schei's parent- came to America via Quebec, Canada, in
[867, alter a voyage lasting six weeks on the Atlantic ocean. The voyage-
was made in a sailing vessel. After landing at Quebec, Mr. Schei's parents
came direct to Goodhue county, Minnesota, settling near the village of
kenvon. Both father and mother worked out on the neighboring farms the
first year, and during the second year they broke ground. In the winter
he cut cord wood and broke ground in the summer. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs.
Johanes P. Schei moved to ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, and, after locat-
ing in Tordenskjold township, the] homesteaded land and still live on this
farm. The) have reared a family of ten children.
Olaf I Schei received bis elementary education in Tordenskjold town-
88 OTTER viv, MINNES01 \.
ship and was reared on the home farm. In [89] he settled in Fergus Palls,
entering the emplo) at thai time of J. II. Grass, the well-known clothier.
There he learned tin- clothing nd after being associated with Mr.
Grass for seven and one-half years, in [899, engaged in the clothing busi-
ness "ii his own responsibility. Mr. Schei has been remarkably successful,
owing principally to his pleasing personality and to his grasp of the clothing
business.
B\ his marriage to Signe Vinje, a native of Kongsvinger, Norway,
Olaf J. Schei has four children, Helen T., Russell J., Vernon O. and Har-
old W.
Mr. Schei is a member of the Sons of Norway, the Modern Woodmen
of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of I Iks
ALBERT LARSON.
Kuril in Sweden on March 4. 1853, Allien Larson, a successful mer-
chant of Clitherall, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, 1- the son of Lars and
Anna i Erickson) Asleson, both of whom were born in Sweden. They were
married in their native land and immigrated to Filmore county. Minnesota,
in [868 In [872 Mr. and Mrs. Lars Asleson moved to Leaf Mountain
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and took a homestead of one hun-
dred and sixty acre-. Subsequently, they moved to clitherall. where Lars
Asleson -pent his last year-. He died in [903 at the age of eighty-four
years. His wifi iO] at the age of seventy-three They were the
parent- of eleven children. Betsey, Albert, Jennie John, Maria, Anne, (.'ani-
line, Matilda. Lewis, \inelia and Ellen. Of these children. Anne. Matilda,
Lewis, \inelia and Ellen arc deceased.
Albert Larson was reared on a farm in Otter Tail county and edu-
cated in the public schools of Leaf Mountain township. When Mr. Larson
enough, he began working on his father's farm. He later pur-
chased a farm in Leaf Mountain township from Charles J. Wright. He
added to this farm until he owned three hundred and fort) acres of land.
situated in sections 15 and [6. Mr. Larson now has one hundred and eighty
acre- of that farm. In August, hioN. Mr. Larson moved to Clitherall and
purchased the -tore which he now occupies. He is engaged in the general
mercantile business and also owns stock in the Clitherall drain Associa-
tion, and in the Clitherall Co-operative Creamery Company.
On December 11, [880, Albert Larson was married to Lena II.
who was born, in Norway on August 15. [864, and who is the daughter
of Halvor and Ragena 1 Martinson) Halverson, both of whom were natives
of Norway. Mr. Larson's father remained in Norway, but her mother
came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and after living for a few years in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. SO,
Faribault and Red Wing- came to Otter. Tail county in 1873 and settled in
Leaf Mountain township, where she died on February 4. iqoj, at the age
of eighty-five. Her husband had died many years previously in Norway.
They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are living-
Rebecca, Alary, Robert. John, (lie. Sever and Lena.
Mr, and Mrs. Albert Larson have thirteen children, Lloyd Arthur,
John Alfred, Ole Rudolph, Rachel Amanda, Alma Augusta, Henry Marvin,
Mabel Josephine, Selma Matilda, Ida Amelia. Clifford Clarence, Edna Grace,
Gladys Lillian and Lena Lenora, all of whom are living.
Although Air. Larson is independent in politics, he has always been
active in local affairs. He has served as a member of the council since he
came to Clitherall and also as clerk of the village. Mr. and Airs. Albert
Larson and family are members of the United Lutheran church.
JOHN H. LOKEN.
One of the successful merchants of Clitherall, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is John H. Loken, who is a native of Norway, where he was
born on July 30, 1S68.
John H. Loken is the son of Hagen J. and Gura (Helseth) Loken,
both of whom were born in Norway. Air. Loken's father was born on Octo-
ber 13, 1833, and bis mother on June 6, 1830. After their marriage in
Norway, they immigrated to America and settled in Wisconsin in 1870. ,
On July to, 1871, they settled in Otter Tail county, taking a homestead
of one hundred and sixty acres in section 8, of Nidaros township. Hagen
J. Loken improved bis farm in many ways. He erected good buildings
on the farm and lived upon this old homestead until March 16, 1909. His
wife died on December 5. 1905. They were members of the L'nited
Lutheran church. They had a family of five children, of whom Gunder,
the youngest, died in infancy. The living children are Johanna, John H.,
Josephine and Jens.
John H. Loken was reared on his father's farm and educated in the
public schools of Nidaros township. For a number of years he was engaged
in farming. When be was twenty-one years old, in 1880. Mr. Loken pur-
chased his Father's farm, [n [909 he moved to Clitherall and engaged in
the hardware and furniture business. Since thai time he has built up a
large and prosperous patronage in Clitherall and vicinity. Mr. Loken owns
his own place of business as well as his residence in Clitherall. He owns
stock in the Clitherall drain Association and also in the Co-operative
Creamerv Association and the banners' Elevator Company at Yining. Min-
nesota.
In [803 John 11. Loken was married to Johanna Johnson, who was
<)0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
born in Sweden. April 21, [873, and who is the daughter of Andrew and
Frederika Johnson. They came from Sweden to America in 1889 and
settled in Leaf .Mountain township, where Mrs. Loken's father died in
1904, at the age of about seventy-three years. I lis widow is still living and
1- now seventy-eight years old.
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Loken have four children: Mabel, born on
July [3, [897, who was educated at the Park Region Luther College, of
Fergus Falls; Henry, October 31, 1000: Gordon, April 8, 1005: and Law-
rence. August 28, 1007.
Mr. Loken ha- served as president of the village of Chtherall for two
years and is now a member of the Clitherall council. lie was clerk of the
school board of district No. 53, for twelve years ami served as supervisor
of the township for three years. Altogether. John H. Loken is one of the
most prominent citizens of Clitherall township and one of its must highly
respected citi/ens and business men.
WDUl'.M GUSTAFSON.
Horn in Sweden on January X. 1860, Andrew Gustafson, a well-known
lumber dealer of Clitherall, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is the son of
Gustav Person and Louisa (Ryberg) Gustafson, both of whom were horn
in Sweden in 1832. They were married in Sweden and there Mr. Gustaf-
son's father died in iqii. His mother is still living in her native land and
is now eighty-three years old. The seven children horn to Gustav Person
Gustafson and wife are: Carl, Andrew, Aunett, Peter, Louisa. Caroline
and Anne, all of whom are living. Of these children. Louisa is the wife of
Peter Ericksen, of Garfield, Douglas county, Minnesota. With the excep-
tion of Andrew and Louisa, the remainder of the family still live in Sweden.
\ndrew Gustafson was educated in the public schools of his native
land, lie came to America in [882 and settled in Douglas county, Minne-
sota, where he lived until 1902, when he settled .11 Clitherall. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and engaged in the lumber business. Here Mr. Gustaf-
son has built up a most prosperous and growing business in lumber. Prior
in coming to Clitherall, he was engaged in the lumber business at Garfield,
:ars. Mr. Gustafson is a stockholder in the
tnd also a stockholder in the Chtherall Co-
He is now president of the Clitherall council
l' the seho.il board since he came to Clitherall,
four wars. IK- was also a member of the
1 he resided in Douglas county.
on was married to Louisa Angus, who was
is the daughter of Robert and Elsie Angus.
in 1 )' mglas count}'
for ten
Garfield < Ireamery
Compam
operative < Teamen
( ompam
and has served ;is i
1 member
with the exceptii m
of the la
school board of G;
trfield, wli
In [892 \ndt
ew Gusta
horn in Minnesota
. and wh(
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. QI
-Mrs. Gustafson's father is deceased, but her mother is living in Garfield,
Minnesota. Mr. and Airs. Gu'stafson have four children. William S., Amy
C, Roger A. and Anna C.
Air. and Air.-.. Andrew Gustafson are members of the Presbyterian
church at Clitherall. They are prominent, not only in religious work, but
take an active interest in all public matters.
ADS IT C. HATCH.
One of the most prominent business men and citizens of Otter Tail
county, Alinnesota, and, in point of years, the oldest merchant in Battle
Lake, Minnesota, is a native of Dane county, Wisconsin, where he was
born on July 12, 1855.
Adsit C. Hatch is the son of Lorenzo and Clara E. ( Adsit J Hatch,
both of whom were natives of New York state, the former having been
born on March 17, 1822, and the latter on September 29, 1821. Mr. Hatch's
paternal grandparents were Wells and Alary (Rexford) Hatch, who were
natives of Connecticut and New York state, respectively. They immi-
grated from New York state to Virginia, where they both died. Mr. Hatch's
grandfather was killed during the Civil War. He was a soldier in the First
Virginia Cavalry. His death occurred in 1862, when he was seventy-four
years old. Timothy Hatch, who was Adsit C. Hatch's great-grand-
father, was the son of Jethro Hatch, a major in the Revolutionary War.
Adsit C. Hatch is in possession of a sword which Jethro Hatch carried
during the Revolutionary War. Majnr Jethro Hatch participated in the
battle of Ticonderoga. Timothy Hatch, the son of Jethro Hatch, enlisted
in the Revolutionary army at the age of seventeen and took part in the
battle of Saratoga. He was a pensioner at the time of his death in i<Sst>
at the age of ninety-six years. The Hatch family is of English descent.
Mr. Hatch's maternal grandparents were Stephen and Elizabeth 1 I Deri
Adsit, natives of Ww York state. They immigrated to Dane county, Wis-
consin, and there they both died.
Mr. Hatch's father moved to Virginia when he was eighteen years old.
For several years he was superintendent of public works in the Districl of
Columbia. In [852 his parents located in Dane county, Wisconsin, and
there took up a farm. Lorenzo Hatch died in Dane county in lune, [911.
His wile had died in [861. They had fo„r children, Susan, Man. Clara
ami \dsit. Lorenzo I latch was a Democrat 111 politics, a member of the
Legislature and deputy provosl marshal (hiring the ( ivil War. lie was a
member of the Presbyterian church.
\dsit ( '. Hatch was reared in Dane county. Wisconsin, on a farm and
educated in the public schools. He completed his education at Albion
Q2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Academy, the Wisconsin Stale University and was graduated from a busi-
ness college at Madison. Until he was twenty-one years old. Mr. Hatch
lived on the farm. Shortly after his twenty-first birthday he went to Texas
where he lived for two years. He then returned to Wisconsin and lived
for two vears and then established himself in business at Evansville. .Mr.
Hatch came to Battle Lake in 1881 and has been continuously in business
since that time. He has the longest business career in this town of any
man new in business. Mr. Hatch owns the grain elevator at Battle Lake,
farm lands in Otter Tail county and other important industrial and financial
interests.
On March 9, 1890, Adsit C. Hatch was married to Louisa Sahol, of
Battle Lake. Minnesota. To them have been born eleven children, all of
whom are living, namely: Susie. Agnes, Charles, llattie. Edith, Carrie, Alice.
Elizabeth. Dorothy, Hester and Lorenzo.
Few men have taken a more active interest in the work of the Minne-
sota Anti-saloon League than Adsit C. Hatch. He is an implacable foe of
the liquor traffic and an ardent believer and advocate of temperance. Mr.
Hatch is independent in politics and has never aspired to office. The
Hatch family are all members of the Lutheran church and take an active
interest in religious affairs.
MARTIN ROSYOLD.
Martin Rosvold. who is a well-known and highly-respected farmer oi
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who has made a success of his chosen
vocation, was born at Trondhjem, Norway, March 5, 1858, and is tin son of
Peter and Annie (Volen") Rosvold.
Mr. Rosvold's parents were also born at Trondhjem and grew up there
and were married. The father came to America in r.867, leaving his family
in Norway. He lived in Goodhue county, Minnesota, for three years and.
in [869, his wife and five of the six children came to join him. In 1870
the whole family moved to Otter Tail county and settled in Tordenskjcld
township near the Lutheran church, where they homesteaded one hundred
and sixtv acres of land. Later, however, they -old this farm and purchased
.me hundred and sixt) acres in Dane Prairie township. This land was
mainly covered with timber. Mr. Rosvold cleared the land and. from year
to year, erected substantial outbuildings, including a house, barn and granary.
\bout fifteen years ago, he retired to a small forty acre tract of land in
rorden kjold town-hip and died there two years later. Ills wife had .lied
in [896. The) were members of the Lutheran church and reared a family
1 children, seven dying early in life. The names of the children in
fhe order of their birth were: Martin, the subjed of this sketch: Andor.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 93
who lives in Portland, Oregon ; Karen, who is the widow of Sam Kloostad
and lives in Duluth, Minnesota; Anna, who lives with her brother, Martin;
Andreas, who is a farmer in North Dakota; Olaf, who made his home prin-
cipally with his brother, Martin, died in Otter Tail county; Ole, who died
at the age of three years; the eighth child died in infancy; Anna Margaret,
who died at the age of twelve years ; John, who died in childhood ; and two
who died early in life.
Martin Rosvold received a meager educational training in district No.
43, of Dane Prairie township, and was reared on the farm. When he was
twenty-four years old. he moved to Port Ransom, North Dakota, where he
took up a homestead of one hundred and one acres of land and pre-empted
another one hundred and sixty. He cultivated practically all of this land,
except titty acres which were devoted to pasture, and engaged in general
farming until 1900, when he returned to Otter Tail county and purchased
his father's farm, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Rosvold has erected
new buildings, including a house, barn, granary and garage. He is engaged
in diversified farming.
When the Rosvold family came to America, they spent from seven to
nine weeks on the sailing ship, transportation facilities being very poor at
that time. The}- were compelled to change many times from the cars to
a ship and hack again to the cars on their way from Quebec to Minnesota
and it was a long, hard trip. On moving from Goodhue county, Mr. Ros-
vold and his father's family spent twenty-two days in all on the trip. Mr.
Rosvold's parents and the six children rode in a covered wagon. The roads
were terrible and it rained most of the time. The cattle were driven through
and some member of the family was compelled to drive them. On arriving
in Otter Tail county, the family spent some time in a mere shack with
straw thatch for shelter. After breaking three acres of the land, the family
had luit two dollars. Leaving one dollar with his wife, Peter Rosvold
started for Goodhue county with an ox team, where he knew he could obtain
work, there being no work in this vicinity. The nearesl postoffice at that
time was Clitherall. Peter Rosvold started for Goodhue county in Novem-
ber and, after his return, built a small log house. The next year he began
to clear the land. During this period, he had hut one cow and the family
was often compelled to live on dry bread and black prairie tea. Peter Ros-
vold, however, lived to see better days and his old age was spent in comfort.
I [e died at the age of seventy-five.
Martin Rosvold was married on July 28, 1885. to ( Hena Eggen, a native
of Norway, who was also horn near Trondhjem and who is the daughter
of Olaf Eggen. The Eggen family came to America anil settled in Dakota.
Mrs. Rosvold's mother died in Fargo and her father afterward settled in
94 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Ransom county. Mr. and Mrs. .Martin Rosvold have been the parents of
fen children: Karen, who died early in life; Paul Oscar, who died at the
age of two years; Astrid, who married Albert Hoversten, of Waseca, Min-
nesota, both of whom were educated in the University of Minnesota; Alfred,
who helps on the home farm, is a graduate of the agricultural department
of the University of Minnesota; Nora, who was educated in the Fergus
Falls high school, teaches in the public schools and lives at home; Annie,
who is a student in the University of Minnesota; Olaf, who lives at home;
Martha Olena, who died in infancy; .Agnes and Margaret, both of whom live
at home.
Mr. Rosvold has always been independent in politics. He supports
measures and men rather than parties and party emblems. He served many
years as a school director and has always been keenly interested in educa-
tion, as the exceptional opportunities which he has given to his children so
well prove. The Rosvold family are members of the Swan Lake Lutheran
church.
EDWARD L. AASNES.
Born on June 10. 1835, m Norway, Edward L. Aasnes, a prosperous
farmer of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a son
of Lars and Ellen Knutson.
Mr. Aasnes's parents spent their entire lives in Norway. His father
was a glass-blower by trade, and was employed in a glass factory in his
native land. Mr. Aasnes is one of nine children born to his parents:
Andrew, the eldest, was also a glass-blower by trade, and died in Norway;
< )le, who was a turner by trade, also died in Norway; Cornelius, who was a
retired farmer, and who came to St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county. Min-
nesota, in 1867. died 111 June, 1915, at Fergus Falls; Lawrence, living 111
Norway; Rasmina lives in Norway; Anna, living in Norway with her hus-
band; AiUlf. living in North Dakota; John, who died at the age of four
years; Edward I... of Dane Prairie township.
Edward L. Aasnes was educated in the public schools of his native
land, and worked at various occupations until r866, when he emigrated to
,-a. \tter living in the latter state for one year,
iy, Minnesota, and settled in St. Olaf township
with whom he lived for three years. In 1870
ty-eighl acres of land in Dane Prairie township.
At ibis time the Indians still roamed over the
around to this section to hunt. However, they
truly pioneer conditions Mr. Aasnes continued
nd and erected substantial buildings from time
America,
settling first 111 h.<
he came
to ( liter Tail com
with his
brother. Cornelius,
Mr. Aasi
les hi »mesteaded sb
a u<l here
built a log hou-e.
prairies ;
md came fi ir miles
were ver
y friendly. Undei
i" impro
\e and clear his ];
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 95
to time. He prospered as a fanner and has been able to add forty acres
more to his original holdings, and now owns one hundred and eighty acres.
In [880 Edward L. Aasnes was married to Aletta Olson, a native of
Norway, born in 1845, at ^I|>ss. Mrs. Aasnes is a daughter of Ole and
.Martha ( Larson 1 Olson, both of whom died in Norway. Mrs. Aasnes came
to America in 1S71, and has a brother, Otto, and sister living in Chicago.
Her sister, Lena, is the wife of Jens Olson.
Edward L. Aasnes and wife are the parents of two children, Oscar,
who lives at home and operates the home farm, and Emma Matilda, who
died September 12, 1886, at the age of six months.
Upon coming to America Mr. Aasnes identified himself with the Repub-
lican party, and served for thirty years as a supervisor in Dane Prairie
township. Mr. Aasnes and family are members of the Lutheran church, in
which they have always taken an active interest.
OLE CHRISTIAN NELSON.
Prominent in the business life of P.attle Lake, Minnesota, is Ole Chris-
tian Nelson, who has been continuously engaged in the mercantile business
at Battle Lake since the early eighties and who is now doing business in
Battle Lake under the firm name of O. ( '. Nelson & Company.
Born on February 17, [857, in Norway, Ole Christian Nelson is the
son of Nels and Helena (Johnson) Nelson, also natives of Norway, who
were born in [827 and [825, respectively. Mr. Nelson's father was a
farmer by occupation, and died in 1899. On September 15, 1901, Mrs.
Helena Nelson came to Battle Lake. Minnesota, and died here on October
16, 1901. They were the parents of five children, of whom two, both named
Martenns. are deceased. The living children are, Ole Christian, Josephena
and Hans.
Ole Christian Nelson was educated in the public schools of Norway
and was confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of fifteen years. He
worked in the lumber-mills and on the railroads of Norway until the spring
of t88o, when he came to America and settled at Stillwater, in Washington
county, Minnesota, where he was employed by Isaac Staples until [881,
when he moved to Fargo, North Dakota. On July o. 1 SN 1 , Mr. Nelson
moved to Battle Lake, Minnesota, and for a time, stopped with Han- Gil-
bertson. He got employment here on the railroad and worked until Octo-
ber 8, [88l, when he returned to Washington county, Minnesota, to work
for Mr. Staples. In March. iKK_>. Air. Nelson came hack to Battle I .ako
ami has resided here ever since. In June, [882, he bought a one-half inter-
est in the Rustof & Dol meat market, and two years later, purchased the
other one-half interest and operated the business for a period of twelve
96 >'l|i:; TAIL iniNTV. MINNESOTA.
years. In the meantime he had erected several stores. He first embarked
in the grocery business and then branched out in the clothing business and
finally in the general mercantile business. His store was burned in 1906
and rebuilt in 1907. He has one store, twenty-five by eighty feet, and just
north of that has erected another building, forty by ninety feet. In addi-
tion to his private business interests. Mr. Nelson owns stock in the flour-
mill and is one of the directors of the company.
< in February 26, 1895, Ole C. Nelson was married to Matilda Nickel-
son, whu was born at Baldwin, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, January 31.
1876, and who is the daughter of O. M. and Serine (Olsdatter) Nickelson,
natives of Norway, where they were born on September 30, 1844, and 1845,
respectively. Mrs. Nelson's parents moved to Wisconsin during the sixties,
but later returned to Norway. They immigrated to Battle Creek. Wiscon-
sin, in 1885, and settled on a farm. In iqi i they sold their farm and moved
to Battle Lake, where Mrs. Nelson's mother died on October 4. 1913. Mrs.
Nelson was the eldest in a family of seven children, the others being, Gusta,
Margaret, Eliza, Oscar, Josephine and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Christian
Nelson have been the parents .if six children. Orville. Helmer S.. Cameron
(deceased), Helen. Robert and Carl.
Mr. Nelson has served as a member of the Battle Lake town council.
He and his wife and family are members of the Lutheran church and take
an active interest in religious affairs.
REV. DITLEF G. RISTAD.
Rev. Ditlef < r. Ristad, president of Park Region Luther College at
Fergus Falls, has won for himself a conspicuous position in the educational
life uf Otter Tail county and of the -tate of Minnesota. Educated in the
schools nf his native land and in the best colleges and universities of this
country, he i- a man of striking personality and b\ reason of In- tolerant
political, social and religious views enjoys the confidence of a large circle of
friends in this section of Minnesota, lie is a rr
of the people, in the broadest sense of the word a
city improvement committee of Fergus Falls, has
beautification of that splendid city.
Born in the province of Namdalen, Norway, the Rev. Ditlef G, Ristad
is the -"ii of George ami Johanna 1 Bergitte) Ristad, the former of whom,
a farmer by occupation, also had charge of die government forests, lie
died in hi- native land in [904. lli- beloved wife, mother of the subject of
this sketch, i- -till living. The Ristad family is a historic one in Norway
mil has an unbroken history of four hundred year- in one locality. \ part
"i the original house of 1",^-. which ha- been clapbdarded two or three
iter
i"
and
ail e<
lucati >r
as
the
pres
idem
of
the
d 1
unci
1 to
do w
ith
the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 97
timeSj and where Ditlef G. Ristad was born, is still standing and is now four
hundred years old. The first boards put on over the logs were fastened by
means of wooden pegs, this being long before nails were in use. The last
boarding was in 1812, but these boards were put on with nails.
Ditlef G. Ristad attended the public schools of Norway and subse-
quently took a three-years course at the State Normal School, after which
he taught in the high school for a time and served as a private tutor for
three years. He served three years in the army and on September 1, 1887,
left his native land for America. Upon landing he immediately proceeded
to St. Paul, Minnesota, and for some time turned his hands to anything he
could find to do. He worked in the streets and in the stone quarries and
was planning to go to Xew Zealand, where he had relatives who were inter-
ested in mining projects. About that time he received a letter from a cousin
of his mother's, who had heard of his being in America. This cousin gave
him a position in his general store at Mindora, Wisconsin, where he remained
until 1889, in the fall of which year he entered the Lutheran Theological
Seminary at St. Paul, from which he was graduated in the summer of 1892.
He then accepted a call from the church at Koshkonong, Dane county, Wis-
consin (a church that was dedicated in 1844 and had the first ordained pastor
from Norway), where he served as pastor until 1900, in the meantime
( 1896-97) taking a post-graduate course in the University of Chicago.
During the year 1894 and again in 1904 the Rev. Mr. Ristad traveled exten-
sively in Europe. In 1900 he was elected principal of the Albion Academy
at Albion, Wisconsin, and remained there until 1906, when he accepted a
call from the Park Region Luther College at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and
has served continuously as president ever since. He is an efficient instructor
and a man of splendid executive attainment, who by his own personal force
has been instrumental in building up the college of which he is the honored
president.
By Ins marriage to Sara Moltzan Johnson, a native of Milwaukee. Wis-
consin, Rev. Mr. Ristad has had two sons. George Rolf and Robert Nicholas.
The Rev. Ditlef G. Ristad is what might be called a "number one"
man and citizen, one who has worthily discharged his duties in all the rela-
tions of life and who has meritoriousl) attained a position of honor and
trust in the community of his residence. For years he has been a valued
contributor to the leading Norwegian newspapers and magazines, both in
this country and in Norway and has displayed a keen interest in the
"P.ygdelag" (provincial societies) movement. Mr. Ristad occupies a very
high position in the councils of his communion in this country and served as
a member of the committee which prepared the "Lutheran Hymnary," the
(?b)
C)8 OTTER I Ml COl XIV, MINNESOTA.
official hymn-book of the Norwegian Lutheran church in America, and was
one of the editors of the "Lutheran Hymnary, Jr.," a bilingual hymn-book
for young people. He also has translated a number of the best English
hymns into the Norwegian tongue and has translated the standard Nor-
wegian hymns into English.
JENS P. JENSEN.
Jens P. Jensen, a prosperous farmer of Dane Prairie township, is a
native of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he
was born on March 2, 1871. Mr. Jensen is the son of Peter and .Maren
Christine (Jensen) Jensen, who were born in Denmark and who came to
America before their marriage, the father about 1867 and the mother about
two years later.
Peter Jensen was eighteen weeks on the water in coming to America.
Cholera broke out on the ship in which he made the voyage to America and
about one-half of the people on the ship died and were buried at sea. The
ship was quarantined in the New York harbor for many months before the
survivors were permitted to land. After coming to Otter Tail county, Peter
Jensen homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and was then mar-
ried to Christine Jensen and settled on the farm, living there until ion;.
when he sold out and moved to Los Angeles, California, which has been his
home since, with the exception of three years spent on a farm near Los
Angeles. Peter Jensen was compelled to clear his land and cut off the tim-
ber, before he could raise a crop on his homestead farm in this county.
The first white men who came to this country through Tordenskjold
were Peter Jensen, his brother, Christopher, Jens and Hans Jacobson. Peter
Jensen built a house immediately after coming to this county and a part
of this house is still standing. He also built a log barn, but in later years
before leaving the county erected a frame barn. He was a school director
for many years and also held ether important township offices, lie was a
Democrat in politics and one of the organizers >>i the Sverdrup Mutual Fire
Insurance Company. Roth he and his wife are devout members of the
Lutheran church and he was one of the founders of the Tordenskjold town-
ship church. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Anna mar-
ried John M. Clark and lives in Los Angeles, California; Jens P. is tin-
subject of this sketch; Hans is a farmer of Dane Prairie township; Minm
is the general manager of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company of
Minneapolis, Minnesota; Andrew is a farmer in Orphena, Idaho; Mary.
who married Gust Sunday, resides at Ocean Beach, California: Alexander
is a farmer in California: Andrea, who was the twin brother of Andrew,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 99
died at the age of fourteen years in 1892; and George Franklin died at the
age of nine months.
Jens P. Jensen was educated in the public schools of Tordenskjold
township and for many years attended school district No. 95. He was
reared on the farm, and having learned the carpenter's trade followed this
trade for some years, working in both the East and the West. After his
marriage in 1906, Mr. Jensen engaged in farming. Previously he had pur-
chased eighty acres of land in Dane Prairie township, and after his marriage
settled on this farm. Shortly afterward he erected a modern house and barn
and other substantial outbuildings. Mr. Jensen is interested in the local
creamery and in the telephone company.
On May 26, 1906, Jens P. Jensen was married to Hannah Christiansen,
a native of Dane Prairie township and the daughter of Peter and Mary
Christiansen, who were old settlers from Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Jens P.
Jensen have four children, Pearl Marie, George Afton, Kermit James and
Harriet Elizabeth Marian.
Although a Socialist in politics, Mr. Jensen has never aspired to office.
He is known in this township as a successful farmer and an enterprising
citizen.
HANS P. TENSEN.
Born on his father's farm in Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county.
September 26, 1872, Hans P. Jensen was educated in district No. 95, of
Tordenskjold township. Mr. Jensen first attended school in a store build-
ing and later in a small log school house. He was reared on the home farm,
and when he had grown to young manhood removed to Wilkin county,
where, for a number of years, he managed a farm near Foxhome which
was owned by his father.
After remaining near Foxhome from 1892 until 1900, Mr. Jensen
returned to Dane Prairie township, settling with his brother, Jens, on one
hundred and sixty acres of land in section 13. Here he built a house and
for the next six years lived as a bachelor. During the fall he was engaged
in threshing and in the winter time was engaged in the operation of a saw-
mill.
On April 6, 1904, Thomas P. Jensen was married and, although he is
still engaged in threshing, he operates the farm. Mr. Jensen's wife, before
her marriage, was Anna Christina Tollefson, a native of Sweden and the
daughter of Carl A. and Britta (Ash) Tollefson, who are old settlers in
Otter Tail county. Mrs. Jensen's grandfather, Andrew Tollefson, home-
steaded land in Dane Prairie township about 1868. He died here in 1907.
Mrs. Jensen's parents are still living.
IOO OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
Mr. and Mrs. Hans P. Jensen have been the parents of four children,
Blanche, Frances, Henry Arnold, who died at the age of nineteen months,
and Margaret Amanda.
Hans P. Jensen has always been independent in politics. He is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America. For many years he has
served as supervisor of Dane Prairie township. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen are
members of the Lutheran church. They are regular attendants at church
services and are liberal supporters of the church.
OTTO E. SCHACHTSCHNEIDER.
Although a comparatively young man, Otto E. Schachtschneider, who
was born in the northern part of Germany, October 6, 1884, has experienced
many of the hardships of pioneer life and knows what it is to perform hard
labor.
Mr. Schachtschneider is the son of Robert and Bertha (Perleberg)
Schachtschneider. The former was the son of Johan and Fredericka
(Schesserj Schachtschneider, who was born in the northern part of Ger-
many. Johan Schachtschneider was a laborer and died in his native land at
the age of forty-eight. He was the father of fourteen children, of whom
five came to America. The grandmother also came to America and died
at the home of Mr. Schachtschneider's father in 1910. Of the five children
who came to America, Herman is a farmer of Dane Prairie township;
August is a laborer and lives at Canton, Ohio; Otto is a farmer and lives
near Underwood, in Sverdruf township; Bertha married Max Miller; and
Robert is the father of Otto E. Schachtschneider. The maternal grand-
parents of Otto E. Schachtschneider were August and Fredericka Perle-
berg, who came to America from Germany about 1895 and, three years
later, immigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. They died in Tor-
denskjold township, after having reared a family of twelve children, all of
whom came to America.
Mr. Schachtschneider's father was born in the northern part of Ger-
many and his mother in the same part of the same country. They grew
to maturity and were married in their native land. Like his father, Robert
Schachtschneider was a laborer in his native land. In 1885 the family came
to America and settled at Cleveland, Ohio. There he became a member of
the Lumberman's Longshoremen Association and was engaged in loading
boats until 1897. Tiring of city life and desiring a better opportunity for
his children, he came to Minnesota, settling in Dane Prairie township, Otter
Tail county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres
of limber land in the southeast quarter of section 23. Although many
people may believe that pioneering was a thing of the past in 1897. never-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IOI
theless, a part of Dane Prairie township was an unbroken wilderness in
those years. Robert Schachtschneider and his family experienced all of the
trials of pioneer life. They first built a small house which is a part of
their present, though much enlarged, home. As the farm was cleared a
new barn was erected and finally, by industry and co-operation on the part
of the whole family, the farm was sufficiently cleared to support the family
and yield a profit besides. Both parents are still living on the farm. Robert
Schachtschneider is an ardent Republican. He and his wife had four chil-
dren, of whom Herman died in infancy; Otto E. is the subject of this
sketch; Charles lives on a part of the home place; and Anna married Charles
Drews and lives in section 7, of Dane Prairie township.
Otto E. Schachtschneider was educated in the parochial schools of
Cleveland, Ohio, and was still a mere lad when his parents moved to Minne-
sota. He experienced the hardships and inconveniences attendant upon
clearing a large farm and became accustomed to hard work. His father
growing old in 1908, Mr. Schachtschneider began renting the place and
has continued so ever since. He is a general farmer and raises very fine
crops.
In 1910 Otto E. Schachtschneider was married to Bertha Boeder, who
was born in Dane Prairie township. They have five children, Elmer, Arnold,
Anna, John and Arthur.
No family deserves more credit for what it has accomplished in the
face of adverse circumstances than the Schachtschneiders, and no young
man in this township is more highly respected than Otto Schachtschneider,
the subject of this sketch.
THOMAS LARSON.
The late Thomas Larson, who was a well-known citizen of Dane Prairie
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who was prominent in the
civic and political life of his community during his life time, was torn at
Chicago, Illinois, August 18, 1857.
Mr. Larson was the son of Peter and Christine Larson, who were
natives of Norway and who grew to manhood and womanhood in that
country. Peter Larson was thrice married. After coming to America he
was married in Chicago, Illinois, to Christine Larson. Shortly after his
marriage, he moved to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he lived for a
Eew years. In 1872 he moved to Otter Tail county, homesteading one
hundred and sixty acres in the southern part of Dane Prairie township,
which at that time was a wilderness. During the next few years, he improved
the farm and erected modern buildings, living on the farm until his death
in [905 His widow is still living and makes her home with her son. Chris-
102 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
tian. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Louis is a farmer
in one of the western states; John lives one and one-half miles east of the
Thomas Larson farm; Thomas F. was the third child; Carrie, who married
Jens Peterson, is deceased; Christian lives on his father's homestead farm;
Anna, who is a resident of Fergus Falls, has been twice married, the first
time to Christian Dahl and the second time to Sorren Larson; Henrietta,
who is deceased, was the wife of John McGrath, who is also deceased;
Martin is a farmer in Tumuli township; Ludwig is a dentist at Finley. North
Dakota; and Emma, who married Andrew Eollingmoe, lives in Fergus
Falls.
Thomas Larson was e cated in the common schools of Fergus Falls
and in the high school. H was reared on the farm and in 1892 purchased
about two hundred acres of land in Dane Prairie township, immediately
thereafter erecting a new barn and a new house. lie lived upon the farm
until his death and was always engaged in general farming. Some years
before Mr. Larson's marriage, he operated a threshing machine and a well-
drilling outfit, and drilled many wells in Otter Tail county, but at the time
of his marriage he sold his threshing machine and well-drilling outfit.
On March 26, 1892, Thomas Larson was married to Mary Thompson,
a native of near Trondhjem, Norway, where she was born on December 25,
[862. Mrs. Larson is the daughter of Bernt and Inger (Guldseth) Thomp-
son, who came to America in a sailing vessel in 1864. After living in Hud-
son county for two years, they moved to St. Olaf township. Otter Tail
county, in 1866. After living there for one year, they moved to Dane
Prairie township, and homesteaded a quarter section of land in section 21.
There they lived for some years and then sold out to their son, Nels B.,
purchasing one hundred acres of land across the lake, where Mrs. Larson's
father died on August 16, 1002. The mother lived with her daughter,
Mrs. Larson, until her death on July 3, TQ.04. They were the parents of
twelve children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Larson's father was a man
of retiring disposition. When he came to Otter Tail county, he traveled
from Hudson county to St. Paul by rail and then up the Mississippi by boat
to St. Cloud. From St. Cloud, he traveled by ox team to Otter Tail county.
spending two weeks on the way. He was an ardent Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Larson were the parents of two children. 1 . .r.i,
born on March 3, 1894, who was graduated from the Park Region Luther
College in iqii and, after attending tin- St. ('loud normal, has been engaged
in teaching; and Bernhard, January 6, 1807. who was educated in the public
schools. The father of these children, the late Thomas Larson, died on
March 15. 1908.
Mr. Larson was an ardent Republican and served in many positions
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IO^
of trust and responsibility. He tilled the office of township clerk for fifteen
years and was also a member of the school board from the time he was
twenty-one years old until his death. He could always be found at Repub-
lican conventions and was extremely popular in politics. Had he lived, he
would have been a candidate for the Legislature. Mr. Larson was a mem-
ber of the Swan Lake Lutheran church and his widow is an active worker
in this church today.
LOUIS CORNELIUS OLSON.
Louis Cornelius Olson, a member of the an of Olson Brothers, who
operate a retail business in clothing and men's furnishings at Battle Lake,
Minnesota, is a native of Clitherall township, wl ere he was born on March
22, 1883, on a farm.
Mr. Olson is the son of Christian and Louise (Hanson) Olson, who
were natives of Eidsvold, Norway. Mr. Olson's parents came to America
separately about i860 and. after arriving in America, settled in Goodhue
county, Minnesota, where they were married. One year later they immi-
grated to ( )tter Tail county, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Clitherall township, at a time and place where the nearest railroad
station was at St. < loud, sixty miles away. The Olson homestead farm
was originally wild land.
Christian Olson built a dugout souk- forty rods away from the present
house, and after two years replaced this dugout with a log house. From
time to time, additional acres of the farm were put under cultivation and
'Mr. Olson came eventually to own two hundred and forty acres, some of
which was covered with timber. Eventually, the log house was replaced
with a commodious frame house, in which the family lived until the spring
of 1007. when they sold, the farm and moved to Battle Lake, where they
have since lived retired. Christian Olson is seventy-one years old and his
good wife, who is also still living, is only three years his junior, lie has
been prominent in the political and civic life of this county and, until recently,
voted the Republican ticket, but is now identified with the Prohibition party.
He and his wife arc members of the Free Lutheran church.
Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Christian Olson, the eldest
died in infancy; Marvin 1\.. who is the manager of the Dwight Farm and
Land Company and the Farmers' Elevator Company, resides at Dwight,
North Dakota: Henry is the postmaster at Battle Lake and the partner of
his brother in the clothing and furnishing business: Thorvald and Hans
both died at the age of eighl years; Louis Cornelius is the subject of this
sketch; Thea is the wife of Charles Peterson, a farmer of near McCluskey,
North Dakota; Mary, who is unmarried and at home, is employed as assist-
104 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ant postmaster; Hattie, who taught for some years at Wadena and later at
Battle Lake and lives at home.
Louis Cornelius Olson was educated in the public schools of Clitherall
township and at the Park Region Luther College. He lived on the farm
until 1910, managing the farm after his father had retired. In 1910 Mr.
Olson homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Meade county,
South Dakota, and there he lived for eighteen months, when he returned
to Battle Lake and became assistant postmaster under his brother, Henry.
After serving one year as assistant postmaster, Mr. Olson engaged in part-
nership with his brother. They purchased the H. L. Wagner clothing and
furnishing business on Lake street and this business is now managed by
Louis C. Olson.
On September 21, 1907, Louis C. < >lson was married to Emma Peter-
son, a native of Sweden and the daughter of Peter Nelson. Mrs. Olson
came to America to join her brothers, who were already in this country.
Mr. and Mrs. Olson have no children.
Louis C. Olson is independent in politics. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Free Lutheran church.
TOSTEX JACOBSON.
Tosten Jacobson, an enterprising fanner of Dane Prairie township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on the farm where he now lives in
Dane Prairie township. November I, 1876. Mr. Jacobson is the son of
Hans and Mallena 1 Torstenson) Jacobson.
Mr. Jacobson's paternal grandparents were Hans and Mary Jacobson,
who were natives of Denmark and who spent their entire lives in that conn-
try. The grandfather was a soldier in the army and a farmer by occupa-
tion. They were the parent- of three sons, of whom Hans, the father of
Tosten, was the eldest. The other two children were Sakereas, who died in
Montana, where he was a fanner; and Jens, who was a tailor in Minne-
apolis and died there. The paternal grandfather was twice married and
had two daughters by his second marriage, who died in Denmark. Mr.
Jacobson's maternal grandparents were Torsten rorstenson and Mallena
Knutson, natives of Norway, who immigrated to America about l868,
settling in Tordenskjold township, where the maternal grandfather home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and where both he and his
wife died. They had two sons and four daughters. Of these, Martha died
at the age of eighteen years in Norway: Brita, who married Uberl Joseph-
son, died in Tordenskjold township: Mallena is the mother of Mr. Jacobson;
Kari. who married Samuel Moklo, lives near Battle Lake; Martha, the
widow of Jacob Thompson, lives near Underwood: Tosten. who lives in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IO5
Tordenskjold township, is referred to elsewhere in this volume; Knut died
unmarried in Otter Tail county.
Mr. Jacobson's father was born on June 20, 1840, at Guslau, Denmark,
and his mother born on June 12, 1852, near Christiana, Norway. She was
brought to America by her parents when sixteen years old. Her husband
came to America when he was thirty years old, being accompanied to this
country by his brother, Jens. They came to this country in a sailing vessel
and spent three weeks in making the voyage. After stopping about one
month in southern Minnesota, they came to Otter Tail county and intended
to take up a homestead. After arriving in this county, they purchased a
team of oxen and a wagon. Jens homesteaded a tract of land in Tordensk-
jold township. Mr. Jacobson's father, Hans Jacobson, homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres in section 12, of Dane Prairie township. After-
ward he erected a log house on Jens' homestead farm and then erected a
log house about ten rods east of his present house.
The brothers worked together clearing and breaking the land. Later
each was able to buy a team. Hans Jacobson kept on with his improvements
and lived in the original house until his death in 1887. His widow is still
living. She is a member of the Tordenskjold township Lutheran church
as was also her husband, who was the founder of the church. Hans and
Mallena (Torstenson) Jacobson were the parents of six children. Mary.
who married Ole Eggen and lives in Orwell township; Tosten, the subject
of this sketch; Jacob, who lives at home; Martin, who is a farmer in Orwell
township and married Mary Sunberg; Hannah, who lives at home; and
Jens, who died at the age of two years. Mrs. Hans Jacobson had one child
by a former marriage, Jensena, who i- now the wife of Alfred Samison, of
Montana.
Tosten Jacobson was educated in the public schools of < >tter Tail county
and was reared on a farm in this county. In partnership with his brother,
Jacob, he took over the management of the home farm and ha< since
operated it. They are engaged in general farming and stock raising and
have been very successful. Under the able management of the two brothers,
the farm has been kept in a very high state of cultivation. The buildings
are all well painted and thoroughly modern. Tosten Jacobson is a member
of the Lutheran church. Formerly, he was a member of the Modern \\ ood-
men of America.
Mrs. Hans Jacobson, the mother of Tosten Jacobson. has lived on the
present farm for forty-seven years. When the family first came to ' >tter
Tail county. Indians were plentiful in this vicinity, but were always friendly.
Mr. Tacobson himself remembers the Indians very well and especially when
they came to watch him plowing as a boy. In tin'-; vicinity the Indian- were
[06 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
honorable and upright in their relations with the white settlers and were
never known to steal. Mr. Jacobson himself furnished bread to one Indian
during a period of about ten years.
HANS P. BERG.
Of the citizens of Vining engaged in business, Hans P. Berg is one
of the best known. A man who has taken an active interest in the develop-
ment of the county and the promotion and advancement of the town of
his residence, he is among those men who for their part in community
affairs are given a conspicuous rank in the roll of citizenship of Otter Tail
county.
Hans P. -Berg was burn in Trondhjem, Norway, July 13, 1849, the
son of Haldor Haldorson and Guriana Ivorson, who were born at the same
place, the father in the year 1822 and the mother in the year 1819. Haldor
Haldorson was a shoemaker in his native land, a trade which he followed
for some time and then engaged in the business of a contractor and builder
until his death in the 1894. he and his wife being drowned in a flood which
overswept their small farm in tiiat year. To Haldor Haldorson and Guriana
[vorson were born two children: Hans P., the subject of tins sketch, and
Gunirius H., who was a merchant at Surrey, North Dakota, where he died
during the winter of 1915, his remains being brought to Vining, Minne-
sota, "ii February 22, for interment.
Hans P. Berg was educated in a public school which moved from farm
to farm, in Norway, stopping for two days in each week where students
were brought together. After his school days Hans P. Berg worked for a
time on a farm, and in 1871 went to the city of I rondhjem, where lie learned
the trade of a horse-shoer and blacksmith, later following his trade for
sewn years with the cavalry of Norway, and then after a short time he
came to America, in 1881, and located at the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota,
where for the next two months he was employed at a saw-mill. Later Hans
P Berk went to Underwood where he took a position with the Kellogg
( hair Company, where he remained for one and one-half years and then
came to the town of Vining and established a. blacksmith shop which he
conducted for about five years. He then went to the Pacific coasl ami located
in British Columbia and then in the state of Washington, later returning to
( i;ter Tail county and settling on a farm of eighty acres which he had home-
teaded in the year [883. Mr. Berk lived on his farm for about two years
and then became a wheat buyer for tin- fanner-' Elevator Company, a busi-
ness which lie followed for sixteen years. In [895 I Ian- P. Berg entered
into partnership with the linn of Nyhus & Berg, a business in which Mr.
vas interested for eleven years when he disposed of his holdings and
OTTER TAIL Oil'XTV. MINNESOTA. IO~
returned to the business of buying wheat until the year 1911, when he
established a store for the sale of flour, feed and grain, together with farm
implements, a business in which he is now successfully engaged. Hans P.
Berg has erected a splendid building fur his business and among other
improvements has built a modern home, where he lives.
Not only in business pursuits but in public life, has Hans P. Berg been
an important element of the citizenship of Yining and of ( >tter Tail county.
Mr. Berg has served well as a member of the village council and at the
present time is the occupant of the important office of assessor. In politics
.Mr. Berg is an ardent Republican. Hans P. Berg is a member of the United
Lutheran church and he is affiliated with the society of the Sons of Norway.
During the year 1873 Hans P. Berg was married to Marit Anderson,
who was born in Norway, in which country she and Mr. Berg were mar-
ried and a year after the marriage she came to America to join her husband
who had preceded her. and about five years later she died. Hans P. and
Marit Berg were the parents of one daughter, who married Ole Anderson,
an insurance man.
Hans 1'. Berg was married, secondly, during the year 1905, to Martha
Berg, who was the daughter of Olaus Berg and wife. Olaus Berg was a
farmer who lived near Battle Lake. He died about the year 1898. To the
second marriage of Hans P. Berg no children were born.
Hans P. Berg is one of the men of Otter Tail county who have done
much for the progress and advancement of living conditions and for the
promotion of business prosperity in the locality, and is a man who, with
his wife, are esteemed and highly respected residents of the town of Vining.
HENRY OLSON.
Henry Olson, who has served as postmaster at Battle Lake. Minnesota,
for the past fifteen years and who is vice-president of the First National
Bank of Battle Lake and is now engaged in partnership with his brother
in the mercantile business at Battle Lake, is a native of Clitherall township.
I )tter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was born on August iq, 1873. Mr.
Olson was born three and one-half miles south of Battle Lake.
Mic parents of Henry Olson ate Christian Olson and Louise (II
Olson, who were born at Eidsvold. Norway. They came separately to
America before their marriage, his father in [867 and his mother in [868,
and settled in (i lhue count v. Minnesota, where they were married. In
1870 they moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Clitherall township. The land was prairie and the
nearest railroad was at St < 'loud, sixty miles away. Christian Olson built
a dugout about forty rods from the present house and began to cultivate
108 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the prairie. After two years he built a log house. He prospered and, in
tune, came to own two hundred and forty acres, including some timber
land. Finally, he built a frame house, where he lived until the spring of
1907, when he sold the farm and retired to a home in Battle Lake, where
he and his wife are now living, the former at the age of seventy-one and
the latter three years his junior. Christian Olson has filled many township
and local offices. Formerly he was identified with the Republican party,
but lately has been voting the Prohibition ticket. Both he and his wife are
members of the Free Lutheran church.
Christian and Louise (Hanson) Olson were the parents of nine chil-
dren, the firstborn died in infancy; Marvin R., who lives at Dwight, North
Dakota, is manager of the Dwight Farm and Land Company and manager
of the Farmers' Flevator Company; Henry is the subject of this sketch;
Thorvald died at the age of eight years; Hans also died at the age of eight;
Louis Cornelius is referred to elsewhere in this volume; Thea married
Charles Peterson, a farmer living near McCluskey, North Dakota: Mary,
who is unmarried, is the assistant postmaster at Battle Lake and lives at
home with her parents; Hattie is a teacher and lives at home. She taught
for some years in the Battle Lake schools and later in 'Wadena, but on
account of ill health had to lay down the work.
Henrv < llson was educated in the public schools of Clitherall township
and at Battle Lake. He was reared on a farm and began life as a clerk
for < )rris Albertson ai Battle Lake in 1891. After working for Mr. Albert-
son for three years, he was employed for three years as a traveling sales-
man for a wholesale fruit company. In 1897. in partnership with Christ
Leithe, Mr. Olson, under the firm name of Olson & Leithe, engaged in the
mercantile business in the building now occupied by P. J. Elseth. After
being engaged in business for three years, Mr. Olson was appointed post-
mister on March 21, 1901, and has served continuously as postmaster ever
since.
Mr. Olson confined his activities to the postoffke until October 1, 1913,
when he went into partnership with his brother, Louis C, and purchased
the II. L Wagner clothing and furnishing store, which has since been
operated under the firm name of Olson Brothers. Mr. Olson owns the
building in which the store is housed and lives over the store. He is vice-
president of the hirst National I 'auk of Battle Lake and has served in this
capacity since its organization in the early pari of 1007.
In August, 1896. Henry Olson was married to Lizzie Olson, the daugh-
ter of Hans Olson Ekeberg, an old settler of Henning, Minnesota. Mis.
Olson was born near Faribault, Minnesota, and died on April 15, 1900,
leaving two children, Ilarlev Luman, horn on September 8. 1898, and Ethel
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IO9
Lizzie Isola, April i, 1900. Mr. Olson was married, secondly, on June 18,
1901, to Julia Herness, a native of Eagle Lake township and the daughter
of Lars Herness, an old settler of Otter Tail county, who came here in 1868.
To the second marriage, there have been born two children, Ruth Henrietta,
born on October 7, 1908, and Reuben Joseph, May 25, 1910.
Mr. Olson has served a year as a member of the village council. He
and his wife and the members of the Olson family belong to the United
Lutheran church and are active in the work of the church. Henry Olson
is a good man and a good citizen. He has been conscientious in the per-
formance of every public duty and has prospered in his own private affairs.
CHRISTIAN E. BERG.
Among the men of success in business pursuits at Vining, Otter Tail
county, is Christian E. Berg, who as a merchant of hardware and furniture
has brought to the community its only convenience in this line, and who
as a citizen in private life and as the occupant of public office has taken no
minor part in the advancement and progress of the various activities of the
locality.
( hristian E. Berg was born in Norway twenty miles north of the city
of Trondhjem, the son of Olaus and Rebecca I 'erg. who were born at
Trondhjem, and later were married in the same locality, Olaus Berg was
a farmer who owned extensive land interests in Norway where he lived
until about the year 1889 when, with his wife, he came to America and
settled in Everts township, northeast of Battle Lake, in Otter Tail county,
where he died. His wife. Rebecca Berg, moved to the town of Vining,
where she died some time later. Olaus and Rebecca Berg were members
and active workers in the United Lutheran church. To the marriage of
Olaus and Rebecca Berg were burn the following children: Christian E.,
the subject of this sketch; Martha, who married Hans P. Berg, a merchant
of Vining, Minnesota: and Kari, who married Martin ECnutson and lives
northeast of Battle Lake.
( hristian E. Berg was educated in the public school in Norway, from
which he was graduated and then studied for two years in a college of his
native land. In 1887 he came to America and located at Battle Lake.
Minnesota, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Everts
township and there lived for about twenty years, after which he came to
the town of Vining and was employed in a hardware store until the year
1906. when he established himself in the hardware and furniture business,
in which he has since been engaged, being the only merchant of the town
carrying a like stock.
• 'hristian E. Berg is also interested as a stockholder in the Farmers'
IIO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Elevator Company, at Vining, and also interested in a similar industry at
Cattle Lake. Air. Berg has served his community in the office of justice of
the peace, as treasurer of the school district, and tot ten years was school
director, also being for seventeen years supervisor of the township of
Everts, in politics Air. Berg is an ardent Republican.
Christian E. Berg is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
an organization which honored him by his election to the office of consul.
Air. Berg is also affiliated with the Sous of Norway, for which organization
he served some years as secretary. Christian E. Berg never married.
Christian E. Uerg is one of the highly respected and honored men of
Utter Tail count}" and a man who is recognized as one of the leaders in
business affairs and in general matters of the county.
THOMAS A. RANSTAD.
Thomas A. Ranstad, a prosperous automobile dealer of Battle Lake,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who was formerly engaged in railroad work,
but who has lately been engaged in various lines of the mercantile business,
is a native of Flekkefjord, Norway, where he was born on August 10, 1858.
Mr. Ranstad is the son of Aslak and Karen (Tonette) Ranstad. Mr.
Ranstad's parents never came to .America. His father was a farmer and
landowner in his native land and both bis father and mother died in Nor-
way. They were members of the Lutheran church and reared a family of
three children, Andreas, who was a farmer, is deceased; Mallena, who died
when seven years of age; and Thomas A., the subject of this sketch, who
was the only one of the family who ever came to America.
Educated in the public schools of Norway and reared on the farm.
Thomas A. Ranstad was employed on the farm until he had reached his
majority, when he came to America. Upon reaching this country in 1879,
Mr. Ranstad located at Willmar, Minnesota, where he divided his energy
and activities between the farm and railroad work. For two years he was
foreman of the yards of the Great Northern railroad at Breckenridge and
had the honor to lav the first rail from the Aberdeen branch of the Great
Northern railroad at Breckenridge in [886. During [886 and a part of
[887, Mr. Ranstad spent six months in Norwaj on a pleasure trip, but upon
his return to America resumed his position as foreman of the (beat Northern
yards at Breckenridge. Subsequently, he became roadmaster of the Aber-
deen branch of the Greal Northern and. in the spring of 18S8. left the rail-
road work and for a time lived at Rutland. North Dakota, where he was
engaged in the retail sale of flour, feed. fuel. etc. 'The next year, he engaged
in the hardware and machinery business and continued in tin'-; business until
[896, when be came to Battle lake and engaged in the same line of business
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Ill
on Lake street. ['\\<> years later, in [898, Mr. Ranstad took .; partner into
the firm, which became that of Ranstad & I Ian-en This partnership lasted
eight years and a large and prosperous business was built up. In 1912 Mr.
Ranstad sold out the hardware business but still retains his interest in the
implement business. In 1912 he became the agent in this section for the
Ford automobiles and is engaged in this business in partnership with J. I!.
Thompson. The firm handles about seventy-five automobiles each year.
In 1S89 Thomas A. Ranstad was married to Gurine Olson, a native
of Wisconsin, and to them have been born three children. Albert, Carl and
.Millard. Albert is employed in a wholesale hardware store at St. Paul.
Carl is a barber at Battle Lake. .Millard is employed by the International
Harvester Company at St. (loud. The mother of these children died in
1897. and alwut 1901 Mr. Ranstad was married to Hilda Lundberg. To
this second union have been horn four children. Harold. Lloyd, Helen and
Beatrice.
In [912 Mr. Ranstad and Mr. Thompson built a new garage out of
concrete. It is a substantial building, forty by one hundred and forty feet.
Mr. Ranstad was one of the organizers of the Otter Tail county sanitarium,
lie ha- been a member of the board of directors since its organization. This
sanitarium is located on Otter Tail lake.
Mr. Ranstad has served a year as mayor of Rattle Lake and two years
as a member of the school board. He is also a member of the village coun-
cil. In politics, Mr. Ranstad is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America.
OSCAR F. LARSON.
Oscar I . Larson, farmer, of Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, was
born on June 29, 1857. in Sweden, and is a son of Lars and Anna Ander-
son, lie was educated in the schools of his native country, and assisted his
father on the farm until 1883, when he came to America, settling at Wilkes-
barre, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the coal mines. In 1885 he came
to Otter Tail county, remaining one year, and for the next five years was
employed in various pursuits in different state-. In [890 he bought his
presenl farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, in Carlisle town
ship, where he has ^ince lived. Mr. Larson has put all the improvements
on his place, where he has followed general farming and -tock raising,
including eight or nine good cow-. In politic-. Mr. Larson i- an independ-
ent voter. He is a member of the United Lutheran church. In .addition
to buildings and other valuable improvements, Mr. Larson ha- planted a
line grove and a g 1 orchard near his house.
Lars \mlcr-on. father of ( War F., was born in [809, in Sweden, as
112 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
was also his wife, Anna Anderson. They were farmers and spent their
entire life in their native country.
( (scar F. Larson was united in marriage, in 1890, with Christina John-
son, a native of Norway, by whom he has had two children: Alma L.,
who became the wife of 'William A. Gardiner, and has one child. Harold:
Roy, the second child, is at home with his parents.
Mr. Larson is a splendid example of the thrifty and industrious citi-
zen, and his career has been characterized by a marked degree of success.
REV. GEORGE J. RAUCH.
Born in Metre Grove, Oak township, Stearns county, Minnesota. Sep-
tember 10. [881, Rev, George J. Ranch, pastor of the church of Our Lady
of Victory, of Fergus Falls, this county, is the son of Michael and Ann
Dorothy (Weber) Ranch.
Michael Rauch was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and his wife also a
native of the German Empire, having been born near Mainz. Michael
Rauch was but three years old when he came to America with his parents in
1857. After landing in America, they came to Minnesota, locating at St.
Joseph, in Stearns count}', where they remained for one year and then moved
to Meire Grove, in the same county, and it was in Stearns county that
Michael Rauch was reared to manhood. Father Rauch's mother, wdio
before her marriage was \nn Dorothy 'Weber, came to America in 1867
with her parents, who settled at Meire Grove.
Michael Rauch grew to manhood in Stearns county anil, after attain-
ing maturity, took up farming as a business. Later he became a contractor
and builder and about [883, moved to Melrose. Minnesota, and in iqio
moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he is still living. It was at
Melrose that Father Rauch grew to manhood and obtained his early schooling.
In 1804 George J. Rauch entered St. John's < 'ollege, where he received
a classical education. ! [e was a student in St. John's Seminary for five years
and at St. John's College tor six years, altogether a period of eleven years.
Ordained to (be h( h priesthood at Melrose, bather Rauch became assistant
pastor of the church at Si. Boniface and paster of St. Patrick's church.
In 1008 be was transferred to Fergus Falls, where he has enjoyed a
wider opportunity for Christian work. Before long he realized the need for
the erection of a new church and. having gone about it systematically, was
able, in mi |, to complete a mosl desirable edifice of brick, which has a seat-
ing capacity of from four to live hundred people, and at the same time
erected .1 commodious and comfortable parish house.
Rev. George J. Rauch has performed a splendid work in the parish
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. II3
of Our Lady of Victory and is gradually growing in influence and favor.
His fine personality and his kindly Christian bearing have endeared him to
the hearts of all who live in his parish as well as to the community at large
and he enjoys the profound respect of all.
CHARLES A. LUND.
Charles A. Lund by his administrative ability and his powers as a busi-
ness man, has lent new dignity and prestige to a family whose name has
been honorably linked with the history of Otter Tail county for a period of
over thirty years. As a son of one of the most successful agriculturists of
the section of Minnesota in which he lives, he has stood as an exponent of
that strong and noble manhood which characterized so admirably the life
of his father. His career has been one of consecutive industry and his
success has nut been an accident, but a logical result. As cashier of the
bank at Vining, he has served with a devotion to duty which has been both
profitable and pleasing to the public at large. Charles A. Lund is a son
of Andrew Lund, whose life was remarkable for its great achievement and
unqualified success.
Andrew T. Lund was born near Namsos. Norway, on the 22nd of
August, 1848. He was the son of Torger Balzerson, a native of Alstahaug,
Helegeland, Norway, and Boletta Margaretta Anderson, a native of Fosnes,
Norway. Torger Balzerson followed the occupation of a sailor and a pilot
most of his life. After a life of activity and success he retired to his farm
at Lund, where he spent his last days with his children. His death occurred
in 1864. Both parents were devout members of the Lutheran church. Of
the family reared by the parents of Andrew Lund; Annie, the wife of
Alexander Gjisness, came to America with her brother, Andrew, and died
in 1912, in Wisconsin; Peter lived at Lund, Norway, on the farm left by his
father until his death, which occurred in March, 191 5; Martha, the widow
of Peter Eide, still lives in Norway, but has a son Peter residing in Folden
township, and a son Anton who is living in Canada; Maren, the widow of
Andrew Thorstep, lives in Helegeland, Norway; Thea. the widow of Ben-
jamin Hanson Lund, resides in Lund, Norway; Ellen, who married Helge
Gundtedt, a teacher, died early in life, leaving a son Magne who is at the
present time residing in Vining; Andrew is the father of the subject of this
sketch, and Edward T. is a resident of Vining. The third child. Olava,
married Eric Menzen and after his death became the wife of Peter Arnsson.
She is buried in Norway.
As a boy Andrew Lund chose a life on the sea, and at the age of seven-
teen decided to cross the Atlantic ocean. After landing in America he went
(8b)
114 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
to Hudson, Wisconsin, where he was occupied in the winter in the lumber
business and in the spring he obtained employment on the St. Croix river.
For ten years he worked on the boat line and during- that time gained many
valuable experiences and made many acquaintances He formed a very
interesting acquaintance with Senator .Moses E. Clapp.
in the spring of 1868, Andrew T. Lund married Annie Amundson, at
Hudson. In the spring of [879, lie and his wife came by rail to Perham,
Minnesota, and from there to Xidaros township the}' went by a team of
oxen. After settling in Nidaros township they began the task of home-
steading eighty acres of land, which was located in section 2. The farm,
which was a wilderness, was gradually transformed into a cultivated tract
of land under the management of Mr. Lund. After a short period of
residence on the farm the community life in that section was brightened
by the fact that the Northern Pacific railroad would cut through that town-
ship. In 1881, the building of the road was completed and the village of
Lund sprung up (which was later changed to Vining), a place named in
honor of the family of which Charles Lund is a member. To the village
since that time, have been drawn other lines of enterprise until now in its
attractiveness it remains a worthy monument to him whose name it honors.
During his early days on the farm Andrew Lund was not wholly
occupied with its duties, he found time to enter other fields of work and
on account of his ability was readily chosen as a leader. He became agent
for the Andrews & Gage Grain Elevator Company, and as his business grew
to large proportions, Mr. Lund was soon able to lease the elevator, and when
his success was assured he bought out the entire plant. Aside from this
line of work Mr. Lund was also engaged in the general mercantile business.
in partnership with Ole T. Xyhus. For twenty years Mr. Lund held the
appointment of postmaster and executed the duties of that office in an effi-
cient manner. M he continued to succeed in various lines of business enter-
prise. Mr. Lund from time to time added to his land possession-, until at the
time of his death he was owner and manager of two thousand acres of
land, and was known throughout that section of Minnesota as one of the
largest landowners in Otter Tail county.
In 1004 Mr. Lund organized and placed on a linn basis the Hank of
Vining, with he and hi- sons as stockholders. In [908 the hank was incor-
porated as Lunds' State Bank, with Mr. Lund as president, an office he held
until December 16, [908, when his death occurred. The hank had a capital
stock of ten thousand dollars and a very handsome surplus at the time of
the death of its president. In the affairs of education Andrew Lund always
expressed a deep interest, ami was often called upon to assist in school
affairs lie served as trustee of Concordia College, at Moorhead, and also
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 115
was trustee of St. Luke's hospital, at Fergus Falls, an institution he helped
to organize. As a Republican he was honored with positions of high stand-
ing and at the time of his death had held every township office. He was at
one time a candidate for the Republican nomination to Congress and in
the convention held the balance of power, which his withdrawal threw to
the forces of Frank M. Eddy. As a candidate for the state Senate Mr.
Lund gave another exciting race and during his life gave evidence of a
deep enthusiasm for Republican party and its cause.
Andrew Lund was able to enter many fields of endeavor and carry
out successfully every undertaking. He was devout in religious affairs and
through his efforts the United Lutheran church at Vining was erected and
placed on a firm foundation. As a member of the church he did everything
in his power for its welfare. He donated the ground for its location and
even solicited funds for the erection of the present building. Mr. Lund
was president of the Sons of Norway. He was also a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Andrew T. and Annie (Amundson) Lund were the parents of the fol-
lowing children : Thea became the wife of Rev. J. C. Herre and is living in
New York city; Melvin resides in Vining. as a farmer and a lumberman;
Charles is the subject of this sketch; Oscar is a merchant in Vining; Harry
A. manages the homestead farm; Andrew T. is president of the bank and
is in the real-estate business; Fmil A. resides at Vining; Gundrun married
Thoe Thoen, of Thoen Brothers clothing store at Minneapolis, and Boletta,
who married William Huntington, a merchant, lives in Paynesville, Minne-
sota. Mrs. Andrew Lund passed away on the 3rd of July, 1904.
Charles A. Lund was born in Hudson. Wisconsin, on the 14th of
October, 1878. His early education was received in the public schools of
Vining and after completing the common-school course, he attended school
at Concordia College, from which institution he was graduated in the class
of 1896. His education was completed in the St. Paul College of Law. from
which he received the degree of LL.B. in 1904. He was admitted to the bar
but after a short time returned to Vining where he helped his father organ-
ize the bank of which institution he has been cashier since its organization.
The business of the bank lias steadily increased and in 1913 a new brick
building was erected, containing vaults modeled after those in the National
Bank of Fergus Falls. The bank' at the present time has over one hundred
depositors. Mr. Lund is executor of his father's estate, though a large part
of it was divided previous to his death.
The farm of two hundred acres near the village of Vining occupies a
great deal of the attention of ( harles Lund. He is a breeder of Shorthorn
cattle of which he has forty-six head. His aim is to rear onlv purebred
Il6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
stock. In 19 1 2 Mr. Lund erected a modern house and barn and has two
silos on the place. The barn was destroyed by a cyclone.
Following the example of his father, Charles Lund has remained loyal
to the cause of the Republican party. He is president of the village of
Vining. He is a member of the United Lutheran church.
On the 30th of June, 1908, Charles A. Lund was united in marriage to
Matilda Westberg, a resident of Fergus Falls, and the daughter of August
Westberg, a member of one of the oldest families in Otter Tail county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Lund the following children have been born :
Corrinne Elizabeth, who was born on October 18. 1909, and Wesley Carlton.
April 28, 1912, and died on June 30, 1914.
Mr. Lund has been chairman of the school board, succeeding has father
in 1909. He has the honor of having built the first consolidated school in
Otter Tail county, which is a step in advance of the educational system in
this section. For a distance of two miles around the school site children
are brought each day to the up-to-date building, where the influence is
more lasting and the conditions more healthful than those found in the old-
time district school of the rural community.
CHRIS EYTEN.
In 1880 Mr. Evjen left his native home in Norway for the more
attractive advantages of the United States, and here he has acquired the
reputation of being one of the most prosperous and successful merchants.
At Carlisle, Minnesota, where he carries a modern stock of merchandise.
his reputation for straightforward dealing is not only well known in that
vicinity, but has reached far beyond the limits of the community.
Chris Rvjen, merchant, of Carlisle, Carlisle township, Otter Tail county,
was born on February 3, 1861, at Trondhjem, Norway, and is a son of
Nels and Evjen (Tngeburg") Evjen. His education was obtained at the
public schools of Norway, and after finishing his studies, he assisted his
father on the farm for a time, leaving Trondhjem. Norway, for America
on April 14, 1880, arriving in this country on May 17. He first worked in
Olmstead county, at Rochester, and on April 1. t88i, came to Carlisle and
was emploved on a farm at this place for a few years. In 1887 Mr. Evjen
began farming for himself on a rented farm. In 1800 he bought the store
which he now owns and operates, carrying on a general merchandise busi-
ness. On March [8, [891, Mr. Evjen was appointed postmaster of Carlisle,
and in 1005 was made agenl for the Greal Northern railroad. He has
been a large Inner of -rain from the lime of locating at Carlisle. Politi-
cally, he has always been an independent voter in both local and state
politics. He has taken an active interest in matters of local interest, serving
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. II7
as clerk of Carlisle township for twenty-eight years, and for the same length
of time served as constable.
Nels and Evjen (Ingeburg) Evjen, parents of the subject of this
sketch, were born in Norway, where they followed farming for a living.
The children born to this marriage were: Louisa, Andrew, Regina, Rage-
hild, Chris, Christian and John.
Chris Evjen was united in marriage, May 27, 1887, with Johannah
M. Hexum, daughter of Martin Hexum, to which union the following
children have been born: Ida, Carl. Minnie, Alta, Otto (deceased), Otto
II, Elmer (deceased), Elmer II and Mary.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Evjen hold the respect and admiration of a large
number of friends and acquaintances at Carlisle and the surrounding terri-
tory, where their success has been earned. Mrs. Evjen has been school
clerk of this district for fourteen years. Mr. Evjen is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America, and is also a member of Lodge No. 59,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Fergus Falls. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Evjen are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
OLE T. NYHUS.
One of the pioneers among the merchants of Otter Tail county is Ole
T. Nyhus, who, in the early days of the town of Vining, established a gen-
eral merchandise store and took an important part in the building up of
business interests and the general welfare of the locality. Mr. Nyhus has
been a successful storekeeper through a period of many years and a man
whose citizenship has been of permanent good to the county and one who
today is prominent in the public affairs of the town and vicinity.
Ole T. Nyhus was born at Rengerike, Norway, on August 22, 1859,
the son of Truls and Christi (Knutsen) Nyhus, both of whom were born
in Norway, where the mother lived until her death, in 1885, after which
the father, Truis Nyhus, in [886,-came u> America ami joined a son. Sivert,
of Henning township, Otter Tail county. In his native land Truls Nyhus
was a small fanner, who cultivated well his limited acreage. To Truls and
Christi Nyhus were bom the following children: Knnt. who is a retired
farmer of Henning township; OK- T., tin subject of this sketch; Sivert,
who lives on a farm in Henning township; Even, who died in Norway, in
[885; Inga, who married Knut Nyhus, and who lives near Bemidji, Minne-
sota, and Hans, who is a farmer of Leaf Lake township.
ollowing his education in the public schools of Nor-
way, worked at general farm duties until 1881, when he came to America
ami settled at Faribault, Minnesota, reaching that place <>n June r6, (88l
During the spring "f [882 Mr. Nyhus came to Otter Tail county and
Il8 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
worked on the farms in this community for the next rive years. In 1887 he
established a general merchandise store in Vining, on a site next to that
which he now occupies. When he organized his business, Ole T. Nyhus
built for his storeroom a rude wooden structure which served until the year
[898, and then he erected a brick-veneered building, in size twenty-six by
seventy-two feet, where he now conducts his business with a stock valued
at from ten to twelve thousand dollars.
Ole T. Nyhus established his business in partnership with Knut Uggen,
who, in the year 1887, sold his interest to A. T. Lund, who continued in
the conduct of the store with Ole T. Nyhus until the year 1908, when Mr.
Lund died and his son, Oscar Lund, succeeded his father, in a firm under
the name of Nyhus & Lund. This company is one of the oldest in the entire
county, its senior member, Mr. Nyhus. being the oldest merchant in the
town of Vining, Minnesota. The firm of Nyhus & Lund is not only a
thorough success, with its thriving merchandise business, but the enterpris-
ing proprietors have enlarged the scope of their business dealings an.! have
added a real-estate department which is consummating some of the large
deals in real estate of the locality. In addition to their regular stock, this
firm has acquired a farm of two hundred and forty acres of land in Folden
township.
In politics, Ole T. Nyhus is a Republican and as a member of this
party lie has been elected to and served well on the town council, and also
has been the occupant of the office of president of the village board. Mr.
Nyhus is a leading member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Vining
and he is affiliated with the organization of the Sons of Norway. In private
life Ole T. Nyhus has filled his place competently and graciously and he is
recognized as one of the strong elements in the active life of Vining, and of
Otter Tail county. Ole T. Nyhus has never married.
ANTON B. TRANA.
Without the opportunity for educational advantages, and denied special
training for business. Anton I'.. Trana was able to apply the determined and
persevering nature of the native Norwegian and rise to a prominent place
in the public life of his community and to win the respect and esteem of his
fellow citizens and associates. The life of \ntoti I!. Trana is representative
of a type which has done much for Otter Tail county, and he is a man
whom the residents delight in honoring.
\nton B. Trana was born near Stenkjer, Norway, on October 28,
1874, the son of Rasmus and Johanna Trana. both natives of Norway, in
which land they lived and were married. In [882 they came to America
.Mid settled in Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county, where, in 1883,
OTTER TAN. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IK)
Rasmus Trana, took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. The
land was covered with timber, which Rasmus Trana proceeded to clear,
during which time he and his family lived in a "cellar," later building a
substantial house, a place where he lived until his death, in 1893. Johanna
Trana survived her husband anil lives at Henning, she now being seventy-
seven years of age Rasmus Trana was of a quiet and retiring disposition,
lie was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation with
which his widow now worships. To Rasmus and Johanna Trana were born
the following children: John R., who is a farmer near Plaza, North
Dakota: Martin, who conducts a feed-mill at Almora. Minnesota: Johan. a
United States mail rural deliveryman at Henning, Minnesota: Albert, who
is the proprietor of a restaurant at Almora: Mary, who married Iver E.
Johnson, and lives at Norman, Washington; Anton B.. the subject of this
sketch: Richard, who died at Missoula, Montana, in 1903; and Gina. who
married O. M. Trana. and lives at Colfax, North Dakota.
Anton P.. Trana received hut little education as a result of poor edu-
cational facilities in the vicinity of his childhood home, and therefore Mr.
Trana is largely a self-taught man. During his life Anton P.. Trana has
engaged in various lines of endeavor, among which was a position as grain
buyer for the Andrews Grain Company, of .Minneapolis, while he lived at
Vining, Minnesota, from [905 to [915, when he was made the agent of the
Dower Lumber Company, at Vining, a line of work in which he is yet engaged.
In igoj Anton B. Trana established a confectioner)1 store at Vining, a
business which he conducted until July. [915, when he disposed of his
interest in this husiness. During the administration of President Roosevelt,
.Mr. Trana was honored by his appointment to the office of postmaster at
Vining, an office which he served with dignity and with efficiency for eight
years. In political affiliation, Anton B. Trana is a Republican.
( )n May 5, 11)03. Anton B. Trana was married to Julia Johnson, who
was born at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of John S. Johnson
and wife, who were early settlers in Otter Tail county. Mrs. Julia (John-
son) Trana died on January 29, 1012. To this union no children were
born. (In June 10. [914, Mr. Trana was married, secondly, to Lydia Pet-
erson, who was born at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Nels
Peterson and wife. Nels Peterson being one of the earliest settlers of the
community. To the marriage of Anton and Lydia (Peterson) Trana was
born one sou, Howard, who was horn on June 13. 1015.
\nton B. Trana is among the men who have done greal things for
(liter Tail county and for the town of Vining, a man who has the con-
fidence of all and one who. with his wife, occupies a conspicuous place in the
various walks 0f life in the locality.
120 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
FR \NK FJESTAD.
Among the prominent citizens of Carlisle township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and one of its most successful farmers, is Frank Fjestad, who
was horn in Norway, November 12, 1847, and who is the son of Erek
Haug and Tore P. Field.
Mr. Fjestad's parents were farmers in Norway and reared a family of
twelve children. They spent all of their lives in their native land. Frank
Fjestad was educated in the common schools of Norway and in Jnne, 1867,
came to America. From June to December, 1867, Mr. Fjestad lived in
La Crosse, Wisconsin, and from La Crosse he emigrated to the state of
Texas, where he remained a year and one-half, working for a gardener.
He returned to La Crosse and then moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota,
hut remained there scarcely a week. when, in 1869, he moved to Carlisle
township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and
sixty acres, the farm upon which he now lives. The land was a barren
waste at that time and there was not even a tree standing on the entire
farm.
Mr. Fjestad lias erected all of the buildings and has made all of the
improvements upon the land, as well as planted all of the trees. He has
done most of the improving with his own hands. When Mr. Fjestad
started in life he had only fifty dollars, one cow and a pair of steers. Today
he owns nine hundred and ninety acres of land, all of which is well improved.
besides many thousand dollars' worth of personal property. Shortly after
he settled on his claim, he started freighting for the government and the
first year hauled freight from St. Cloud to the forts. Later he hauled
freight from Benson and was employed in this business altogether during a
period of three years.
Later, Mr. Fjestad hauled flour from Fergus Falls to all surrounding
points, including Morehead. Subsequently, however, lie engaged in farm-
ing, and his life in these early days was a hard struggle, as his farm was
far from a railroad. Ii was thirty-five miles to the postoffice and sixt)
miles to mill. Nevertheless, Mr. Fjestad prospered from year to year and.
as the years wore on. gradually accumulated more and more land and
added t0 his pi iSS<
In 1872 frank Fjestad was married to Taaline 1'. Spaberg, who was
horn on May 5, i'v'"5- in Norway, To them have been horn ten children:
Edward l;.. who was horn on November t8, 1 Ny .; : Peter F., ("let. .her 22.
[875; Clara I'., deceased, December t6, 1X77: Theodore 1".. January 5.
in-.,, died in infancy; Thea F., October t8, r88r ; Ellen F., deceased.
October 8, r 883 ; Theodore Ufred, December 20, [886; fnga Marie. May
17. iSNm: Lena. May 26, [893; and Oscar Ferdinand, December 5, [895.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 121
Mr. and Mrs. Fjestad and all of the members of their family are
identified with the Norwegian Lutheran church in Carlisle township. Mr.
Fjestad is a Republican in politics. He has served as township trustee and
has been treasurer of the township since its organization. For many years
he was a school director and is now treasurer of the school board. He is
also treasurer of the Farmers Elevator Company at Carlisle.
There is no better-known citizen in Carlisle township and, in fact, in
the adjoining townships than Frank Fjestad. No man has taken a more
prominent part in public affairs than he and no man is more capable natur-
ally of aspirin"' to the position of leadership than the subject of this sketch.
HANS O. LARSON.
Hans ( ). Larson, who is conducting a successful mercantile business at
Battle Lake. Minnesota, where he is a member of the firm of O. C. Nelson
& Company, is a native of Goodhue county, Minnesota, born there on
September g, 1869.
Mr. Larson is a son of Ole and Catharine (Hansen) Larson, natives
of Norway, the former of whom was born on January 13, 1841, and the
latter on November 12, 1840. Ole Larson and family emigrated to America
in 1867, settling- first in Goodhue county. Minnesota, and in 1870 they
removed to Otter Tail county, taking a homestead in Clitherall township.
They also owned forty acres of land in Sverdrup township. They were the
parents of three children, Hans O., Lauris and Minnie, the last named being
the wife of Alfred Okeson, of North Dakota. Ole Larson and all his fam-
ily are devout members of the Free Lutheran church.
f Tans O. Larson was reared in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and
received his education in the public schools of his home township. He lived
on his father's' homestead farm until he reached the age of eighteen years,
when he was employed as a clerk by Mr. Ubertsen, of Rattle Lake, with
whom he remained for sewn years. Lie then entered the employ of O. C.
Nelson, and after eight years of service became a member of the firm,
which was organized in 1007.
Hans O. Larson was first married, in [892, to Bertha Andersen, who
was born in Norway in 1872, the daughter of Alfred \.ndersen. \fter her
mothers' death, in Norway, Bertha Andersen came with her father to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, in 1X711. and located in Tordenskjold township.
Alfred \ndersen now lives in North Dakota. Hans O Larson and his
first wife were the parents of two children. Oliver Alexander and I eonard
Morgan. The mother of these children died in 1S00. and on September 6,
inii. Mr. I arson was married to Martha Sett, who was born in Clitherall
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, a daughter of Vndrew and Anne
122 OTTER TAIL C'olXTY. MINNESOTA.
(Julius) Scott, both of whom were natives of Denmark, who emigrated
to America and settled in Otter Tail county. Mrs. Martha Larson's mother
died in 1914, while her father still lives on his farm in Clitherall township.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson and family are members of the Free Lutheran
church, and take an active interest in the affairs of the church. Mr. 1 -ar-
son has served three years as a member of the town council at Battle Lake.
He is a Republican, and takes considerable interest in local and national
political affairs.
JOHN KILL.
The gentleman whose name appears above, although a native of Wis-
consin, is of Norwegian lineage, and it is with a certain degree of pleasure
and satisfaction that a briefly outlined biographical -ketch is here presented
for perusal, and also as a matter of future reference for the progeny which
he leaves behind.
John Kjer. farmer, of Fergus Falls, Carlisle township, Otter Tail
county, wa.s horn on August 28, [864, in Portage county, Wiscons
on of Goren and Martha Kjer. His education was obtained at the
hools of his native county, a.fter which he was employed with his
father on the farm until twenty-one years of age. when he began farming
for himself on the place which he still owns in Carlisle township, where he
re ided until [896, when he moved to South Dakota and took up a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, in which venture he was fairly suc-
cessful. In 1909 Mr. Kjer sold his farm in South Dakota and moved back
to his home in Carlisle township, Otter Tail count}', which he has improved
with substantial buildings, and where he carries on general farming and
stock raising. Politically, he has always given his supporl to the Republi
can 1 tarty, but has never -ought public office.
Goren and Martha Kjer, parents of the subject of this -ketch, were
both born in Norway, where Mr. Kjer as a young man was a day laborer.
coming later to America and settling in Portage county, Wisconsin, where
he took up a homestead. During the summer before the Great Northern
railroad was built through Fergus Falls, be came to Otter Tail county and
bought two bundled acres in Carlisle town-hip. to which he afterward
added one hundred and twenty acres more, where be -pent the remainder
of his life in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs, Kjer were the parents of
nine children. Politically, Goren Kjer was a Republican, and in religion,
he belonged to the Norwegian Lutheran church.
fohn Kjer was united in marriage, in [898, with Mary Arlandson. by
whom he has bad three children: Edward, Tohn and Myrtle
OTTER t'AII. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 12}
Mr. Kjer is a man of upright character, and his splendid farm, which
he keeps to a high standard, is one of the attractive places of Carlisle town-
ship.
NICOLAI O. FIELD.
Xicolai O. Field, a well-known citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota,
who is engaged in the postal service at Olympia, Washington, is a native of
Carlisle, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was born on October 22,
1874.
Mr. Field is the son of Ole N. and Anne (Thorpe) Field, and the
grandson of Nels Fjeld, as the name was spelled in Norway. Ole X.
Field emigrated to America in [868 and immediately thereafter came west
to Fillmore county, from which place, in 1870, he moved to Carlisle, Otter
Tail county. Here he took a homestead and lived until his death. There
were three children in the family, two of whom are living: Peter O., of
Frazee, Minnesota, a well-known citizen, merchant and mayor of the city;
and Nicolai <».. who is clerk in the postofhee in Olympia, Washington.
The father of Peter O. and Xicolai O. Field died in 1888, and Xicolai
worked at anything he could turn his hand to until 1903, when he moved
to Olympia, Washington, where he is now engaged as a clerk in the post-
office. tie began in the postal service in 1906.
By his marriage to Anna Holman, the daughter of Mrs. M. Benson,
of Verndale, .Minnesota, Xicolai O. Field has one daughter.
Mr. Field is a member of the Elks, the Foresters of America and
Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
HENRY COLBJORXSEN.
Henry Colbjornsen. well-known farmer and stock raiser, of St. Olaf
township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in the city of Chicago, on
November 8. 1868, the son of Colbjorn and Jennie (Holverson) Colbjorn
sen, who were natives of Norway, where they lived until the year 1864. they
at that time emigrating to America and after landing at New York City
they went immediately to the city of Chicago, where they lived for aboul
five years and then moved to Otter Tail county, in the year 1X70. locating
on a farm which Colbjorn Colbjornsen secured in Clitherall town-hip.
Through pioneer days, with hardships and trials, this pioneer citizen and
farmer succeeded in those things which he attempted. lie sold his farm in
IQ13 and moved to North Dakota. In the family of Colbjorn and Jennie
Colbjornsen were ten children.
I_'4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Henry Colbjornsen received his education in the common schools of
CHtherall township. Otter Tail county, after which he worked on the farm
of his father until the year 1891, when he purchased his present farm of
one hundred and sixty acres of land in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county,
where he is successfully and extensively engaged in general agricultural
pursuits. In addition to his farm duties, Henry Colbjornsen is engaged in
the operation of a threshing machine throughout the township and vicinity.
In 1890 Henry Colbjornsen was married to Lena Harness, and to this
marriage have been born two children, Louisa and Effie.
Politically, Mr. Colbjornsen is affiliated with the Republican party, and
while he has not taken any especial part in the political or official life of the
community, he is a citizen who is valued for his part and his efforts in the
ranks of private citizenship and for his interest in the promotion of the
general welfare of the community where he lives.
S. A. SWANSON.
One of the leading druggists of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and
one of its best-known citizens, is S. A. Swanson, a native of Fergus Falls,
where he was born on July 19, 1873.
S. A. Swanson is the son of John and Selma (Jensen) Swanson, who
were natives of the province of Swalland, Sweden, and who came to
America in 1870. Subsequently, John Swanson. arrived at Benson, Minne-
sota, which was then the terminal of the Great Northern railway, and from
there walked to Fergus Falls, which was at that time a straggling village,
containing only a few people who lived in log shanties. Upon arriving in
Fergus Falls, John Swanson homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Western township, which he cleared and upon which he erected
buildings. Very soon after coming to the county Mr. Swanson was mar-
ried and lived on the homestead farm for eight or nine years, after which
he moved to Amor township and obtained possession of three hundred and
twenty acres of land, which lie proceeded to clear and improve. After living
upon the farm until [914 he moved to Fergus Falls and retired, but -till
owns the Amor township land, lie was a general farmer and stockman
during Ins active career and served in many township offices, lie is a stanch
can. John Swanson :i\<<\ wife are members of the Lutheran church
,vas one of the founders of the Amor congregation,
Mr. and Mrs. fohn Swanson are the parents of six children, three
son- and three daughters, of whom S. A. is the eldest; Carl is a painter and
paper-hanger of Fergus balls: Oscar i- station agent at Detroit. Minnesota:
Lvdia, who married Will Ekman, lives on the farm in Amor township;
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I 25
Huldali is a stenographer in the court house at Fergus Falls; and Olga is a
stenographer in the county auditor's office at Fergus Falls.
Educated in the puhlic schools of Amor township and in the academy
at Minneapolis, S. A. Swanson came to Battle Lake, Minnesota, in 1891
and was employed by Dr. M. S. Jones in his drug store for four or five
years. Afterward he attended the Minneopolis Institute of Pharmacy and
was graduated with the class of 1900. Upon completing his pharmaceutical
education, he worked for Doctor Jones until 1914, when he purchased the
drug store, which is the only drug store in Battle Lake. Naturally, Mr.
Swanson has a large and growing patronage and business. The stock would
invoice at the present time at about forty-five hundred dollars.
In 1904 S. A. Swanson was married to Huldah Lindquist, a native of
Vasa, which is situated near Red Wing, Minnesota. Mrs. Swanson is the
daughter of N. I'. Lindquist. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanson has been born
one son, Robert, who was born on December 5, 1906.
S. A. Swanson has long been prominent in the fraternal circles of this
county. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Modern Woodmen of America and the United Order of Workmen. Mr.
Swanson votes the Republican ticket, but has never taken a special part in
politics.
ALBERT G. WHITSON.
Yumbered among those who have stood representative of marked pro-
gressiveness and civic loyalty in Fergus balls and who have contributed a
large share to the industrial and civic advancement of the community is
Albert Whitson, who is one of the prominent business men in that section
of Minnesota in which he lives. In his chosen field of endeavor he has
accomplished most valuable results through his earnest and well-directed
business policies. A man of recognized ability and judgment, he is regarded
as an authority on questions of civic importance, and as a consequence of
his admirable traits of character has reached a position of distinction in his
chosen field of industry.
Albert G. Whitson was born near Smith Falls, Canada, on April 18,
1867, and is a sOn of John and Jane (Lawson) Whitson, representatives of
an honored family, known in Minnesota for almosl fifty years. His father
was a fanner and miller by vocation and the family were in modest financial
circumstances during tin- early years of tin- subject of this sketch. The
parents left Canada in [868 ami moved to Granville Mills, M
where the father engaged in the milling business for ten years. The family
then moved to Owatonna, Minnesota, where Mr. Whitson returned to the
occupation of farming, until the year 1884. In the spring of that war he
120 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
came to Otter Tail count) and settled in Aastad, six miles from Fergus
Falls. Shortly after his arrival in that township John Whitson was made
foreman of the waterworks, which was in the course of building at that
time.
As a boy Albert Whitson received his educational advantages in the
schools of Northfield and Owatonna. The career of the subject of this
sketch has been oik- of various occupations, the first of which was railroad-
ing. Later he engaged in fanning in ( (rwdl and the wide experience gained
in these two fields proved to be extremely valuable to him later in life. In
1004 lie moved to Fergus Falls and engaged in the livery business. Later
he was associated with a Mr. Elliot, and took over the control of the ice
plant on Stanton avenue. They ;old out to John W. Campbell in July,
K)I-.
The business of Elliott & Whitson was opened in the same year, when
they bought out F. II. Gary, dealer in coal, lime and cement. Since that
time the firm of Elliott & Whitson has been doing an unusually successful
business. In his chosen field of work. Mr. Whitson has made a large circle
of friends, bis ability and thorough business methods have won for him a
place of distinction.
The marriage of Albert Whitson to Mary Elliott, the daughter of John
Elliott, was solemnized on January 9, iSqo. They are the parents of the
following children: Elsie and Emilie, who are teaching school at Western;
George and Sidney, who are at home with their parents. In fraternal
affairs Mr. Whitson has always taken an active interest. Tie is a member of
the Odd Fellows lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America. In his
political relations he is affiliated with the Republican party.
PETER LEIN.
One who has made a record of large and numerous accomplishment in
connection with the practical affairs of life is Peter Lein, who is recognized
as one of the most enterprising, resourceful and influential business men of
his community. I lis life has been such as to entitle him to a place of dis-
tinction and unqualified public esteem. Through his own ability and efforts
he has won success and has given his share to community development and
prosperity.
Peter Lein was born in 1S56, in Trondhjem, Norway, and is the son
ii Peter and Barrel (Peterson) Lein. both of whom are deceased Bis
father died in 1005 and her mother in iNoj. When the subject of this
sketch was just twenty-four years old he came to America, in .March. t88o.
He landed at Halifax and went by train to Montreal, w beta' he remained a
month. From there he went to Winnipeg, where he was employed for two
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. \ 2J
years by a railroad company during its period of construction. His busi
ness career was initiated in [882, when he came to Fergus Falls and. with
his brother, operated a butcher shop for a year. I lis next held of business
activity was in the grocery store owned by Xels Elden, where for live Near-
he was employed as an assistant. During his engagement in business there
he was married to .Mary Ann Sten, a native of Norway, and a woman of
much persona] charm.
In the fall of 1888 Air. Lein began an independent career as manager
of the grocery which he now owns. A man of distinctive initiative and
progressive ideas, he is a valued member of the community in which he
lives, lie is extremely popular with all of his customers, whom he endea-
vors to please to the best of his ability. His diligence in business is equaled
only by his devotion to Ins family, which includes his wife and four children.
His eldest son, Bennie, is assistant cashier of the Scandia Bank. The other
children are Emil, who is married and living in Minneapolis; Conrad, a
graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and Laura.
Aside from his business interests. Mr. Lein has always been interested
ii! societies that promote good fellowship. He is a member of the Sons of
Norway and of the Odd Fellows.
FRANK H. STRAUB.
One of the substantia] business men of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the
proprietor of a popular jewelry store of this city and a man who is inter-
ested in everything which, in any way, mighl promote the best interests of
his home city, is Frank H. Straub.
Frank II. Straub was born in 1857 at Lockport, Michigan, 'a town
which I- now called Three Rivers. I lis parents were William and Harriet
(Shomaker) Straub, the former of whom was a carriage maker by trade.
but who, during the greater part of his life, was engaged in the mercantile
business. The family emigrated to Minnesota in 1863 and located at Win-
nebago, an Indian agency near Waseca. In 18(15. two wars later, the
family moved to Morristown, in Rice county, where the father engaged
in carriage making. Three years later the family moved to Faribault,
Minnesota, and there Mr. Straub embarked in the mercantile business, after
which he moved to Fergus Falls and engaged in the real-estate business.
He died in this city in [886. His wife survived him many years, passing
away in 1010.
Frank IT Straub obtained his earh education at Faribault. Minnesota,
and grew to manhood in this state. When he was old enough he clerked
in a jewelr) store and later operated a store in Northfield for Hunter &
Son. '
128 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In 1S80 Mr. Straub moved to Groton, South Dakota, where he home-
steaded a tract of land, which he commuted in 1882. In the fall of the same
year he came to Fergus Kails and, in partnership with a Mr. Hunt, engaged
in the jewelry business. Six years later Mr. Straub bought Mr. Hunt's
interest and has since conducted the business alone.
By his marriage to Katie A. Ionian, a native of Maine and a descend-
ant of the Jordans who came over to America from England, Frank H.
Straub has six children, Katherine, who was horn in Fergus Falls, Minne-
sota, in 1892, and died at the age of five and one-half years; Francis, 1894,
and died February 1. 18117; Winnifred, November, 1897: Lloyd J., 1899;
Margaret L., July. 1001 : and William F., 1004.
Frank II. Straub was a prominent and useful member of the city
council at the time when the last city charter was adopted. At the present
time he is one of the water and light commissioners of Fergus Falls. Mr.
Straub is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Knights of Pythias.
REV. TAMES MOODY
The Rev. James Moody, professor in charge of Northwestern ( ollege
and pastor of the Swedish Lutheran church at Fergus Falls, this county, is
a man who has attained notable distinction in educational and ministerial
work. He is one of the most distinguished educators now residing in Otter
Tail county and his character, one of signal exaltation and purity of pur-
pose, is widely admired by the people of this count)-.
Born in Kekvatten. Vermland, Sweden, the Rev. Mr. Moody is the son
of Peter and [ngeborg 1 Anderson) Moody, who with their family emigrated
to America in [864, proceeding to Ft. Snelling. by the way of Quebec. Can-
ada. From Ft. Snelling the family removed to Carver county, where they
rented a farm and remained until after the close of the Civil War. after
which they removed to Moores Prairie, now Cokato, and homesteaded land.
There the father built a log house and was engaged in farming until his
death in 1904.
James Mood) received his early schooling in the district schools of
this state and at the Swedish-American College al St. Peter. He was a
student at the latter institution for three years and then spent sjN years al
Seminary, Rock island, Illinois. \fter
his ordination, the Rev. Mr Mood) received his first charge at Crookston
and St. Hilaire, where he remained for eight years From Crookston and
St, Hilaire he was transferred to Battle I ake. in Otter Tail county, where
he remained for ten vears. In [906 the Ri -\ fames Mtoodv was transferred
IV. JAMES MOODY.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 129
to Fergus Falls, as professor in charge of Northwestern College and as
pastor of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, over which he is still
presiding pastor. His influence in Fergus Falls and vicinity has been a
large factor in the spiritual and moral awakening of the community, his
personality and kindly Christian leadership proving a most wholesome fac-
tor here among the people with whom he has labored.
The Reverend Mr. Moody married Augusta W. Johnson, who has borne
him live children, James R., Huldah V., Ruth A., Edna A., and Mildred
T. The Moody family are popular in the social life of Fergus Falls and
are a credit to their worthy parents, who have reared them in the love of the
Christian religion and in the principles of righteous and noble living.
C. MURRY HUNT.
One of the prosperous and long-standing industries of Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, is the cigar manufacturing business operated under the name of
Hunt Brothers, which is owned by C. Murry Hunt.
C. Murry Hunt was born on July II, 1868, at Manchester, Iowa, and
is the son of Walter G. and Susan E. (Blood) Hunt. The former was the
.son of David Hunt, who was horn near Buffalo, New York. Walter G.
Hunt was born on August 8. 1843, m Harmony. Chautauqua county, New
York. When the Civil War began he was living in Delavan, Wisconsin.
He enlisted on August 12, 1862, in Company D, Twenty-second Regiment,
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and saw active service during the war. He
was honorably discharged on June 28, 1865, at Milwaukee. In September,
1865, he removed to Manchester, Iowa, wdiere he worked as a farmer and
where he was married to Susan E. Blood. To this happy marriage there
wen born three children, Clarence M., Frank L. and Elizabeth.
The family removed to Nora Springs, Iowa, and in the spring of 1879
emigrated to Fergus halls. Minnesota. In the spring of 1879 they took a
homestead in Star Lake township, and lived there for three years, when
they returned to Fergus Falls, where they still live.
When he was sixteen years old, C. Murry Hunt began life on his own
responsibility. For a few years he was employed at various kinds of
work, anything which he could find to do. Subsequently he learned the
cigarmaker's trade from Alexander Van Praag. and was employed by Mr.
Van Praag for a period of ten years. In December, 1892, Mr. Hunt
engaged in the manufacture of cigars on his own account under the name of
Hunt Brothers. The name is still in use. although C. M. Hunt owns the
business.
Mr. Mum manufactures several brands of cigars, among which are the
(9b)
I30 OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
"Hunt Imperial," "Hunt Imperial, Jr.," "Hunt's Commander,'- "Hunt's
Havana Special," "Ralph Emerson," "Fergus, Jr.," "Factory Smoker," and
"662." The Hunt factory is an attractive building constructed of brick and
situated on Lincoln avenue, west. Air. Hunt employs thirty-five men. His
trade is confined mostly to Minnesota. North and South Dakota.
Some years ago C. Murry Hunt was married to Etta M. Broun, a
native of Illinois, by whom he has had one son, Clarence L., born on
October 7, 1893. Clarence L. Hunt is employed in his father's office.
Mr. Hunt is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Modem Woodmen of America, the Knights of Maccabees, Knights of
Pythias, the Modern Samaritans, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Flks.
J. V. MATTHEWS.
J. V. Matthews, a successful business man and a highly-respected citi-
zen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who is engaged in the livery business and
who operates a feed and sale stable in this city, is a native of the town of
McHenry, in McHenry county. Illinois, where he was born in 1856.
Mr. Matthews is the son of John Warren and Mary (Scanlan) Mat-
thews, the former of whom was born in Xew York state and the latter was
born in Canada. In [857 the family emigrated to Lake City, Minnesota,
making the latter part of the journey up the Mississippi river in the steamer
'"Milwaukee.*' J. V. Matthews remembers distinctly the boat as she plied
up and down the river, it being identified at that time by two large gilt
globes between her smokestacks. In Lake City. Minnesota, Mr. Matthews'
father was engaged in the livery and sales business in the days before the
railroads, and also operated a mail stage line between Winona and Red
Wing.
Mr. Matthew^, when a mere lad, attended tin- first school established in
Lake City, Minnesota. The school eventually became a normal school.
After growing to manhood, Mr. Matthews learned the barber's trade, which
he followed for thirt) years, working in Winnebago City, Blue Earth and
Devil's Like. North Dakota. In May. [883, he came to Fergus Falls and
engaged in the barber business, which he followed until 1005. when lie
purchased the livery business owned 1>\ George (i. Matthews, his brother.
I. V. Matthews was married to Mary R. Smith, the daughter of John
and Mar) Smith. They have no children.
Mr. Matthews is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Modem Woodmen
of America, and tin- Benevolenl and Protective Order of Elks.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. [3I
OLE M. HEXUM.
The subject of this biographical sketch is descended from a fine old
family of Norway, and his parents came to America many years ago. Mr.
Hexum stands out prominently as one of the rising farmers in his locality,
where he has demonstrated strong individuality and ability in his chosen
vocation.
Ole M. Hexum, farmer, of Carlisle, Otter Tail county, was born on
September 18, 1876. on the old homestead in Carlisle township, and is a son
of Martin H. Hexum and his wife, Marit (Grafts) Hexum. His education
was obtained at the public schools of Otter Tail county, after which he was
trained along agricultural lines under his father's instruction. He has
farmed on the home place since iqoi, doing general farming.
A biographical sketch of Martin. H. Hexum is presented elsewhere in
this volume.
Ole M. Hexum was united in marriage, first, with Clara Ejestad, who
was born on December 16. 1877, and died on July 28, 1904, and by whom
he had two children, Morris F. and Thoralf M. Mr. Hexum was married,
secondly, to Matilda Firmer, who was born on January 25, 1886. which
union has been blest with the following children : Myrtle. Olga and Martin.
Mr. Hexum has won an enviable popularity as one of the younger
agriculturists of Carlisle township, where he takes an active part in the
affairs of the community, doing his part in advancing the interests of the
public. He is a man of sterling qualities, practicing the principles of
scrupulous honesty in all his business dealings.
GEORGE CAMPBELL.
The people of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, consume annually a great deal
■ if ice cream, most of which is made by the Campbell firm, who not only
manufacture ice cream, but also soft drinks, under the linn name of the
Fergus Ice Cream Company.
George Campbell, who, with his father, Alexander Campbell, is engaged
in the manufacture of ice cream and soft drinks at Fergus Falls, was born
in Saratoga township. Winona county. Minnesota, in 1872. He is the son
of Alexander and Mary (Coulter) Campbell, the former of whom was a
farmer for main' years, but is now in partnership with his son in Fergus
Falls.
After having remained on the home farm until he was twenty-seven
years old, George Campbell moved to Mcnahga. about six miles from
Wadena, and was engaged there in farming for about si\ years. Subse-
quently, however, he moved to Wadena and remained fur eighteen
I32 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
coming' finally to Fergus Falls in 1909. Immediately thereafter Mr. Camp-
bell engaged in the manufacture of ice cream, to which he has added milk,
cream and butter, and supplies most of the grocers of Fergus Falls daily.
He also has a large trade outside of Fergus Falls. Mr. Campbell has a
model plant and has built up a nice business for the short time during
which he has been located in this county. On account of his personality
and the superiority of his products, his business is growing day by day and
month by month.
Mr. Campbell's wife, before her marriage, was Gertrude I. Bradt,
who was born in Fremont township, Winona county, Minnesota. Mr. and
Mrs. Campbell have one son, Lawrence, who was born on May I, 1901.
George Campbell is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is highly
respected by the people of Fergus Falls and vicinity.
TUSTUS PICKIT.
Among the well-known merchants of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and
among the pioneer citizens who belong to a past generation, was the late
Justus Pickit, a prominent citizen of Otter Tail county for forty years, who
died on June 7, 1913.
The late Justus Pickit was born in Edwards, New York, on July 2,
1837, and spent his boyhood and early manhood in the Empire state. When
the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Ninety-second Regiment. New
York Volunteer Infantry. After the war. in 1869, he came west to St.
Cloud, Minnesota, where he engaged in the mercantile business in partner-
ship with J. B. Abbott.
In 1871 Mr. Pickit came to Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and erected a
frame building on the present site of the Scandia Land Company, at the
corner of Lincoln and Mill streets, where be had a general mercantile store.
Mr. Pickit served as postmaster of Fergus Falls for four years under
the administration of t lie late President Harrison, and during his advancing
years was retired from business. He lived quietly in the later years of his
life. He took a prominent part in the progress and development of Fergus
Falls and was very successful as a business man. especially as a merchant.
Bv his marriage, in Herman, New York, to \im 1 M. Peek, a native
of Fowler, New York, the .laughter of Daniel and Martha (Fuller) Peck.
there were horn four sons; Horace E., who lives in Fergus Falls; Leslie
J"., who lives in Los Vngeles, California, who married Efne Straub; Robert
C., who is employed in the auditor's office at St. Paul, and Ralph E., of
Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie J. Pickit have four children.
1 '. married Mamie Snyder, and they have an adopted daughter,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 33
Gertrude. Ralph E. married Carrie Cotterell, and they have no children.
Mrs. Justus Pickit's father was for many years connected with the Fuller-
ville Iron Works, at Fullerville, New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Pickit reared a family of splendid children, who in the
various communities where they live are leading honorable and useful lives
and who are a credit not only to their parents, but to the community where
they spent the earliest years of their lives.
A. M. ANDERSON.
Jt is a difficult task to do justice to any individual within the limited
space accorded in a volume of this character, where so many must be
given the credit which they have honestly and deservedly earned. To Mr.
Anderson, however, especial honor is due because of the struggle through
many hardships through which he has passed, and the eminent financial
success which he has achieved, thus enabling him to pass the remaining
years of his life in comfort.
A. M. Anderson, farmer, Fergus Falls, Carlisle township, Otter Tail
county, was born on January 8, 1856, in Norway, and is a son of Michael
and Julia (Olson) . Anderson. He came with his parents to America in
1 86 1, locating in Allamakee county. Iowa. His opportunities for receiving
an education were limited, attending for a short period at the public schools
in Iowa, and about the same length of time in Minnesota. As a young man
ii was always necessary for him to work very hard, and in 1885 he began
farming for himself on his father's farm in Martin county, Minnesota,
which he afterward bought, and which he sold in 1902, coming to Carlisle
township, Otter Tail county, where he bought a tract of two hundred and
eighty acres, eighty of which he sold in 1913, and now owns two hundred
acres, on which he has put all the buildings and other improvements. In
addition to following general farming, Mr. Anderson conducts a dairy,
and is a stockholder in the Fergus Falls Creamery. Politically, he is a
strong Democrat, while his religious views are in accordance with those of
the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which he takes a deep interest. He has
put out a new orchard, and is considered a progressive farmer.
Michael and Julia (Olson1) Anderson, parents of the subject of this
sketch, were both born in Norway, the former coming to America as a day
laborer, arriving at New York City in 1861, and going from there to
Allamakee county. Iowa, where he bought a farm of eighty acres and lived
until 1882, when he moved to Martin county. Minnesota, taking a home-
stead of eighty acres, where his wife died. Mr. Anderson then moved to
Pine county, where he lived for a few years and then sold out. moving to
134 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Wheeler, Wisconsin, where he died. This union was blest with but one
son, A. M. Anderson. Politically, Mr. Anderson was a Republican, and in
religion he belonged to the Norwegian Lutheran church.
A. M. Anderson was united in marriage, in 1880, with Elizabeth Knoff,
daughter of Peter and Melena (Berg) Knoff. She was born on May 23,
1861, in Norway. Eleven children have been born to this union: Julia M.,
who became the wife of Edward Thompson, and is the mother of six
children, Janice E., Marion E., Ruby E., Lila I., Palma V. and George
Edwin; Christian, the second child of A. M. and Elizabeth Anderson, was
united in marriage with Emma Paulson, which marriage has been blest with
two children. Carlyle E. and Mario: Albert T. : Emma P.. who became the
wife of Augustus Siems. and i<; the mother of two children, Delna L. and
Arvid H.; Melvin O., Helmar, Carl L., Hazel M., Alma E., Howard E. and
George D.
Mr. Anderson enjoys the reputation of being one of the industrious
and thrifty agriculturists in his community, where he holds the high regard
of all who know him.
NELS T. MORTENSEN.
One of the best-known retired citizens of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is
Nels J. Mortenseu, who for many years was engaged in the retail drug-
business at Fergus Falls, but who has been living retired since 1912. Among
his other interests Mr. Mortensen is identified with the manufacture of
sash, doors and frames, in Fergus Falls, through the Fergus Falls Manu-
facturing Company.
Nels J. Mortensen was born on November 6, 1847, m Schleswig, Den-
mark, now a part of Germany. He is the son of Jens and Catherine Mor-
tensen, the former of whom was a farmer.
Nels J. Mortensen served two years, from 1863 until the close of
1864, in the Danish-German War. after growing to manhood, and then
learned the trade of a pharmacist. In the spring of 1872 he emigrated to
America, coming t<> the United States by the way of Quebec, Canada. Sub-
sequently, he settled in Steele county, Minnesota, where he remained for a
few month-, and then came to Alexandria, Douglas county. Minnesota, where
he found employment in the drag business. Mr. Mortensen remained in
Alexandria for eighteen months and then moved to Fergus Falls in 1876.
He opened a ding store on his own account in 1876 and continued in
business continuously until 1912, since which time he has been living prac-
tically retired.
Mi Mortensen's wife, before her marriage, was Lottie C. Nelson, the
daughter of Nels Nelson. She is a native of Alexandria, Minnesota, and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I35
has borne her husband one daughter, who is now the wife of Dr. E. G.
Bell, a well-known dentist of Fergus Falls. Doctor and Mrs. Bell have one
daughter, Catherine.
.Mr. Mortensen is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Independent
Order of Foresters.
HENRY TOMHAVE.
In a visit to the home of those of our pioneer settlers, who still make
their homes in Minnesota, one would find many interesting facts concerning
the experiences of ox team and other primitive modes of travel in the days
when railroads were only anticipated luxury. It was during these trips
from the East that some of the greatest hardships of pioneer life were
experienced, and it is to those who were brave enough to face the many
dangers of the wilderness period that much credit is due.
Henry Tomhave, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county,
was born on September n, 1845, in the province of Hanover, Germany,
and is a son of John and Katherine ( Bungar ) Tomhave. He was edu-
cated at the public schools of Germany, and as a young man, came to
America in 1866, landing at New York City, where he was obliged to work
for six months in order to secure money with which to reach Minnesota.
On reaching La Crosse, Wisconsin, the river was full of ice, and he did
not possess enough money to pay stage fare, thus necessitating his remaining
at that place and working on the railroad, finally reaching Red Wing, where
he remained two years. In 1869, he came to Otter Tail county and estab-
lishing his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the wilderness. He
traveled from St. Paul to St. Cloud, walking all the way. There was not
a building at Fergus Falls when he and his one companion arrived. They
crossed the river at Fergus in a 1x>at made of fence bark. This was in the
spring, and they returned to Red Wing, coming back in the fall with an ox
team, experiencing many struggles because of the lack of railroad facilities.
They had no opportunity to market their grain without making long hauls,
and all the buildings and improvements had to be put on the place.
Mr. Tomhave has become eminently prosperous, dividing his attention
between general Farming and stock raising. Politically, he gives his sup-
port to the Republican party, in the politics of which he has for a !•
been actively interested, and is the present town treasurer, and has been
district supervisor. Religiously, be is an earnest member of the German
Lutheran church, to which he contributes liberally.
John and Katherine 1 Bungar) Tomhave, parents of the subject of this
sketch, were both natives of Germany, from which country the father never
I36 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
departed. The mother came to America and homesteaded one hundred and
twenty acres in Otter Tail county near her son, Henry. She died in this
county.
Henry Tomhave was united in marriage on December 20, 1872, with
Anna Bradahoeft, daughter of Jacob Bradahoeft, by whom he has had five
children, John H., Anna, Carl, Claus and Henry.
Mr. Tomhave bears the distinction of being a real pioneer, and has
gained many warm and admiring friends throughout Otter Tail county,
where he is well and prominently known.
KNUD H. BRANDVOLD.
Knud H. Brandvold, a retired citizen of Dalton, Minnesota, is one of
the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Dalton and the man to
whom all of the people of this thriving town refer as the real pioneer of the
community.
Knud H. Brandvold, a native of Norway, was born on May 11, 1845,
and is the son of Halvor Simonson and Kari Avleson. Mr. Brandvold's
father died in Norway in 1848. He was a farmer by occupation and spent
all of his life in his native country. Both he and his wife were members of
the Norwegian Lutheran church. They were the parents of only two chil-
dren, Knud H., the subject of this sketch, and Hannah M., who was born
on July 5, 1848, and who married E. J. Berdall, of near Garretson, Minne-
haha county, South Dakota. They have three children, John E., Carrie and
Henry.
Knud H. Brandvold received a common-school education in Norway
and, when a lad of fourteen years, began learning the shoemaker's trade.
He worked at this trade until he was twenty-two years old and. in [867,
came to America, living for two years thereafter in Filmore county, Minne-
sota. After two years, he moved to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and in
1871 came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has lived practically
all of the time since.
Upon coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Brandvold purchased the
northwest quarter of section 1 2, in Tumuli township, a tract of one hun-
dred and sixty acres, which, at the time, was little more than wild land.
During the winter of 1883-1884, Mr. Brandvold went to Polk county, Minne-
sota, where he took a homestead and where he assisted in the organization
of a township, which was given his name. A congregation of the Norwe-
gian Lutheran church was also given his name. In the following spring.
Mr. Brandvold came back to his home in Tumuli township. During his
early days in this county, he was situated about thirty miles from a rail-
road.
N.U I \II. COUNTY, .MIX XI
L3?
In 1879, in partnership with Taral Olson, Air. Brandvold established
a store at Dalton. This partnership continued for six months, after which
Mr. Brandvold continued for a time as the sole proprietor of the business.
Later he took Ole Nelson into the business as a partner and this arrange-
ment continued for four years. After Mr. Nelson retired. Mr. Brandvold
conducted the store alone. He retired from business in 1903.
Mr. Brandvold was one of the organizers of the Farmers Grain &
Lumber Company, of Dalton. In [908 he sold his farm to his son-in-law.
Senator Ole O. Sageng, who is one of the best-known citizens of Otter
Tail county. Since [908 Mr. and Mrs. Brandvold have lived in Dalton.
Knnd H. Brandvold was married to Bertha K. Steien, who died in
April. 1890. To this union were born three children, Halvor, Oliver and
K'ari. In July, 1892, Mr. Brandvold was married, secondly, to Maria L.
Bakken.
Mr. and Mrs. Brandvold and family are members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church. Mr. Brandvold has served as secretary of the congre-
gation for a short time. For twelve years he was supervisor of his town-
ship, and for twenty-eight years was treasurer of the local school board.
Knud H. Brandvold occupies a place in the hearts of his neighbors and
fellow -citizens second to no other citizen in this part of Otter Tail county.
He has well performed his duties as a public-spirited and useful citizen and
today is accorded the distinction which belongs to such a man and such a
citizen.
ESTEN THOMPSON.
Unconscious recognition of the true worth of a man who has made his
opportunities and opened his own way through hardships and financial
struggle is found in the ultimate conclusion of a well-rounded career. Mr.
Thompson, whose name i- mentioned above, has demonstrated a firmness
of purpose in his chosen vocation that cannot but win the admiration of
those familiar with his steadfast and thrifty methods.
Esten Thompson, farmer, Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county,
was born on September _>o. 1856, at Trondkjem, Norway, and is a son of
Bernt Thompson. His rudimentary education was obtained in Norway,
and at the age of ten years be came to \merica with his parents, where he
attended the public schools for a short time. When quite a young man.
Mr. Thompson began farming for himself in Wilkin county, Minnesota,
where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which he
sold in 1903, and bought his present farm consisting of one hundred and
ten acres, his time and attention being devoted to general farming. Mr.
fhomppon has put valuable improvements on his place, which, although not
[38 OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
one of the largest, is one of the best places in the township. He is a brother
of Anton Thompson, whose name is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Politically, he is a Republican, and in religion, a member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church.
Esten Thompson was united in marriage with Christina Void, by whom
he has had eight children : Bernard, Rosa, Edwin, Inga. Albert, Ethel,
Man and .Minnie.
Mr. Thompson is a gentleman of mure than ordinary intelligence, and
keeps well up with the times, and can honestly claim all the honor accorded
him as a substantial and prosperous citizen.
LEWIS LOHMEIER.
Following down a long line of German ancestry, one finds the name
of Lewis Lohmeier, a representative and influential agriculturist of Fergus
Falls township. Mr. Lohmeier has followed the most approved methods in
his rural vocation, and today owns a splendid tract of land in the above
township, where he makes the breeding of fine stock one of his specialties.
Lewis Lohmeier, general farmer and stock breeder, Fergus Falls, Otter
Tail comity, was born on March 22, 1864. at Evansville, Indiana, and is a
son of Henry and Charlotte (Held) Lohmeier. He was educated at the
district schools of Fergus Falls township, and as a young man, began farm-
ing for himself on his mother's farm. In 1884 he bought his present home-
stead, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, located in section 33,
Fergus Falls township, which place he has owned ever since. [n 1898 Mr.
Lohmeier moved to where he now resides, and has since put many valuable
improvements on the place, consisting of all new buildings, etc. In addition
to general farming, he has made the breeding of tine stock one of his lead-
ing interests. Politically, he has always been a stanch Republican, while
in religion, he belongs to the Lutheran church. Fraternally, his alliance is
with the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Elks.
Henry and Charlotte (Held) Lohmeier, parents of the subject of this
sketch, were both born in Germany, and came to America about 1850, locat-
ing first at Evansville, Indiana, and in [856 Mr. Lohmeier moved with his
family to Red Wing, Minnesota. In [869 he came to Otter Tail county,
where be bought a tract of six hundred and fort) acres in Fergus Falls
township, returning later to Red Wing, and finally, on lime 15. [872, he
arrived at Fergus Falls with his family, where be spent the remainder of
his life, and where he conducted a brewery during the first three years of
his residence. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lohmeier were as fol-
low: Henry, Charles, Lewis. August, Rosetta, Mary, Maggie and Matilda.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I 30
Politically, Mr. Lohmeier was a Republican, and in religion his sympathies
were with the German Lutheran church.
Lewis Lohmeier was united in marriage, in 1898, with Louise Zahn,
daughter of August Zahn. She was born in Wisconsin. Two children
have been born to this union. May and Eleanora.
Mr. Lohmeier is appreciated in his community for his genuine worth
and high personal character. He is genial and unassuming in manner, and
his friendship is held in high esteem throughout his township.
ALBERT DALLUGE.
The subject of this sketch is one of the versatile and broad-minded
citizens of Otter Tail county, where he has established his family in a com-
fortable home, the foundation of American happiness, the country which
he, like many others of his native land, has adopted as his permanent home.
Unlike many of our rural citizens, Mr. Dalluge has never allowed his
methods and habits to become fixed, or his ideas to follow a rut. He keeps
himself informed as to what is going on in the outside world.
Albert Dalluge, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county,
was born on August 3, 1869, in Germany, and is a son of Julius and Caro-
line (Oehlke) Dalluge. His education was received in Germany, coming
alone to America in 1882. His first employment in this country was in a
harvest field, after which he worked in the timber, and was later associated
with his father on a farm. On March 18, 1914, Mr. Dalluge bought his
present splendid farm, consisting of two hundred and forty-four acres, his
special attention being directed to general farming and stock-raising. Prior
to the purchase of his present homestead, he fanned with his father for
nine years, and in 1903 he went to Brown county, Minnesota, where he
owned one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold in 1913. Politically,
Mr. Dalluge is a stanch Republican, while his religious sympathies are with
the German Lutheran church.
Julius Dalluge, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on Sep-
tember 21, 1838, in Germany, and was united in marriage with Caroline
Oehlke. who was also born in Germany. They came to America about
1883, locating in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where they have since
resided.
Albert Dalluge was united in marriage with Minnie Lehman, by whom
he has had the following children: Walter, Eleanor (who became the
wife of John Sorensen ) , Mahila. Paul and Clarence.
By his upright principles and his interest in the welfare of hi- fellow
man. Mr. Dalluge is regarded as one of the worthy and honorable citizens,
whose character is beyond question.
I4O OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
PETER and MINNA CAST.
The worthy couple to a short sketch of whose joint career the atten-
tion of the reader is now directed, have for many years been counted among
the representative citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and each of
them arc well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Gast has been one of the
progressive farmers of his community and .Mrs. das', has made a reputation
for herself as a most capable and painstaking nurse. She has in the course
of many years, served in more than half of the best homes of the county
and Fergus Falls and has in this way won many warm friends through her
ready sympathy and helpfulness in their time of need.
l'eter J. A. Gast was born in Schnierin, Germany, on April 28. 1847.
son of Fritz and Maria ( Willert ) Gast, both natives of the same place. The
death of the mother occurred in her native land, while the father after that
emigrated to this country, joined his children and closed his life at Great
Bend, North Dakota Mr. Gast is the youngest of a family of three chil-
dren, all boys, the other two both being engaged in farming near Great
Bend, North Dakota. Mr. Gast when a boy in his native land was educated
in a soldiers" school and in 1808 was entered as a full-Hedged soldier in the
Franco-Prussian war, serving throughout that campaign. He was a mem-
ber of the Fifth Prussian Dragoons and saw active service at the battles
ol Vletz, roulon, Orleans, Bruges, Sedan. Cikano and many other minor
engagements.
After the close of the war. in 1873. Peter Gast emigrated to the United
States, leaving his parents behind him, but bringing with him his wife.
They resided in Wisconsin for a year and in 1874 came to Otter Tail county,
this state, which has since been their home. The first tract of land they
purchased contained forty acres and they now own one hundred and twenty.
This land is well improved, has tine orchards, good buildings and in addi-
tion to general farming, they raise a goodly number of cattle for the market
each year. In every respect. Mr. Gast merits the name of a progressive
and up-to-date farmer. Mrs. Gasl has been of wonderful assistance to him.
both in capably managing her pari of the farm work and also by the income
-he has received as nurse, as before mentioned. I'liey came to this country
poor, but with a wonderful supply of industry and ambition, and have not
only succeeded well along material lines, but they are held in the highest
esteem by their wide circle of friends. They have reared and educated a
a large family and have filled most useful places in life. About a year ago
Mr. (last suffered a sunstroke, from which he has never wholly recovered
and ha> since In en bedfast, but so strong is his spirit that even with his
affliction, he maintains a cheerfulness quite surprising. This pleasing state
is due nol onlv to his ,,vvn indomitable will but also in a large measure to the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 4 1
companionship existing between himself and his good wife who does all
within her power to lighten his burden.
Mrs. Gast before her marriage was Minna Sandhoff, also a native of
Germany and a daughter of William and Maria (Verner) Sandhoff, neither
of whom ever came to this country. Mr. and Mrs. Gast are the parents
of nine children, two of whom died in early infancy. Those remaining are:
Frederick, who resides at Fergus Falls, where he is superintendent of the
Manhattan building; Belinda, wife of August Weinrich, a farmer of Otter
Tail county; Alfreda, wife of Joseph Doll, of Colton, Washington; Mar-
guerite, who married Frank Kalsow and lives in Moorhead, Minnesota;
Richard, who remains at home, unmarried, and does the active work about
the homestead; Albert, a printer, of Winona, this state, and Gertrude, wife
of Fritz Kalsow. of Otter Tail county.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Gast are devout members of the Lutheran church,
and in that faith they carefully reared their family. In politics, Mr. Gast
is a Republican and was for many years known as one of the active workers
in his section. For twenty-seven years he served his party as road overseer
and township assessor, at different times, and under his supervision great
strides were made in the improvement of the public highways. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Gast deserve the flattering degree of respect in which they are
held, for each in their own way have lived active, useful lives, and in their
home their joint endeavor has brought them a degree of material success
commensurate with their effort and the love and respect of an interesting
family.
TESSE P. BILLINGS.
To gain a broad experience in a general way, it is necessary for one to
yet out into the world and find out what is being accomplished in different
parts of the country, and in this respect Mr. Billings has had ample oppor-
tunity to store his mind with valuable ideas in many directions, having been
a traveling man for fifteen years, all of which has been of untold value in
his vocation as an agriculturist, since lie has been able to put into actual
practice the information gleaned in passing through various agricultural
districts.
Jesse P. Billings, fanner. Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county, was horn
on April 20. 1880, and is a son of J. S. Billings, lie was educated in the
public schools at Fergus Falls, and after completing his education he
became a traveling salesman for the firm of \. K. Fairbanks X- Company,
soap manufacturers, during which time he resided at Minneapolis [1 3
he moved to his father's farm, where he became a breeder of Shorthorn
cattle. Duroc hogs and Shropshire sheep, the cattle all being shipped to the
14-' OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Northwest. He is considered one of the hustling young farmers of the
county. Fraternally, he is a members of the Elks lodge at Fergus Falls.
J. S. Billings, father of the subject of this sketch, is a sheriff at Fer-
gus Falls, and his sketch is presented elsewhere in this volume.
[esse P. Billings was united in marriage, at Chicago, Illinois, Novem-
ber 25, 1901, with Julian Gosch, daughter of Martin and Josephine (Bresky)
Gosch. She was horn on February 7. 1880. This union has been blest with
one child. Sheldon, born on April 19, 1906, at Minneapolis.
.Mr. Billings is a man of generous impulses and genial disposition, and
because of his industrious habits and persistent attention to business, has
achieved definite success in his chosen vocation, standing high in the esti-
mation 1 if the citizens of Fergus Falls township.
PETER J. MOBRAATEN.
The late Peter J. Mobraaten, who for years was one of the most active
residents of Oscar township, this county, came to America from Norway
in 1869. He landed at the port of New York and almost immediately
thereafter started for Minnesota. Upon arriving in this state, he located in
Fillmore county, where he remained for one year, at the end of which time,
in 1 87 1, he came to Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded a quarter of
a section of land in Oscar township and there he spent the remainder of his
life, his death occurring on July 27, 1913. Air. Mobraaten was a fine
farmer and a sturdy citizen, who was held in high regard in the neighbor-
hood which he had done so much to help improve and he was widely
mourned at the time of his death.
Peter J. Mobraaten was born in the kingdom of Norway on December
2, 1839, and there spent his youth and early manhood. In 1869 he decided
to try his fortune in the promising land across the Atlantic. He came alone,
landing at Xew York, proceeding thence to this state, where for one year
lie conducted a boarding house in Fillmore county. The next winter he
-pent in Alexandria, this state, and in the spring of 1871 he came to this
county, entering one hundred and sixty acres of government land in sec-
tions 26 and 27, in Oscar township, which he proceeded to clear and make
habitable. It was in that year, simultaneous to his coming to Otter Tail
county, that Air. Mobraaten married Bertha Spaberg, who was born in Nor-
way "ii December 5, [845, daughter of Peter 1'. and Carrie (Torjet) Spa-
berg, and who. during the years they were engaged laboriously in making
a home in the then wilderness, proved a most valuable and competent help-
mate. Their home presently was made and as the years went by they accom-
plished tin full task of bringing to a high state of cultivation their excellent
farm, at the same time making themselves useful in many neighborly ways
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I 43
in that community, so that they came to be regarded as among the leaders
in their particular locality, their influence ever being for good.
To Peter J. and Bertha (Spaberg) Mobraaten were born nine children,
Peter P., Mary, Carrie, Julia, Minnie Bessie, Julius, Oscar and Petrine, of
whom Mary, Julia. Minnie and Oscar are married. Mr. and
Mrs. Mobraaten ever were active members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church and their children were reared in that faith, all growing up to be
useful members of the community. Since the death of her husband, Mrs.
Mobraaten has continued to make her home on the homestead farm, which
is now cultivated under the active management of her eldest son, Peter P.
Mobraaten, who was born on the homestead on December 20, 1871, and
who is doing well his part in the community life of Oscar township and
the Fergus Falls locality generally, he being held in high regard by all who
know him, as are all members of the family of the late Peter J. Mobraaten.
The Mobraaten farm was enlarged during the occupancy of the late owner
by the addition of eighty acres adjoining, which Mr. Mobraaten purchased,
the present farm of two hundred and forty acres being well kept and
improved in a substantial manner.
( ). K. SHONBLOM.
O. R. Shonblom, farmer of Buse township, Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, is a native of Sweden, born in the northern portion of that country on
July H>. 1867, son of Ole and Martha (Lindblum) Shonblom, both natives
of the same section of Sweden. They were there married and were of the
farmer class, coming to this country in 1884 at the time the immediate sub-
ject of this sketch was a young man of eighteen years. The family first
located in Des Moines, Towa. where father and son secured employment in
the mines of that vicinity and also at work on a railroad. After a few
years spenl in Iowa, the parents came to the state of Minnesota and located
in Martin county, where the father purchased a farm and made his home
until the time of his death in 1807. The mother is still active at the age
of seventy-two years, wonderfully well preserved for one of her age. Both
were reared in the Lutheran faith and Ole throughout bis life was a faithful
member of that church, as is bis widow today.
O R. Shonblom was the eldesl of a family of four children,
whom are deceased. The youngesl of the family also survives and is engaged
in fanning in Saskatchewan. Canada. O. R. Shonblom received his educa-
tion in his native land, attending the public schools, and after coming to
tliis country, has always earned bis own way. lie moved with bis parents
to Martin county, where he assisted the father in the work of the home,
and then in 1004 be came to Otter Tail county and purchased one hundred
144 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and sixty acres of land in Buse township. There was a residence on the
farm and that lie repaired, as well as cither buildings, and erected a new
barn better suited to his needs. He has succeeded well in his undertaking
and is uniformly successful with his crops as well as with his live stock,
to the raising of which he devotes considerable time and attention. Mr.
Shonblom is a member of the Lutheran church, in which faith he was reared,
and in politics he votes independently. He has been a director of his local
school district several times and takes a commendable interest in all matters
pertaining to the welfare of the community.
< I. R. Shonblom was married on January i, 1889, to Anna Lorena
Poulson, a native of Orleans, Norway, and a daughter of Hilgate and
Lorena Poulson. To this union have been born four children, namely: Lily,
wife of Arthur Larson, a farmer of the province of Saskatchewan, Canada,
■and the mother of four children; Ruby, Harvey 1 deceased), Harvey and
Irene; Hjelmer died at the age of five years: Hjelmer, at home, and the
youngest of the family is Almeda, who is at home with her parents.
Mr. Shonblom is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, for he is a man
of good characteristics, devoted to home and its interests and is worthy of
heing numbered among the representative citizens of Otter Tail county.
OLAF TH. SHERPING, .M.I).
Dr. Olaf Th. Sherping, so well and favorably known as a physician
1 I ergus balls. Minnesota, enjoys an extensive practice not only in Fergus
balls, but throughout Otter Tail county, and is ranked among the leading
physicians and surgeons in this part of Minnesota.
Olaf 'lb. Sherping was born in Hallingdal, Norway, on August 6.
1864. He is a son of Thorstein and Margaret (Opheim) Sherping. the
former of whom was a farmer in Norway, and who died there in 1898,
while the latter died in 1880.
( Haf Th. Sherping received hi- early educational training in the schools
i In- native land, and was graduated from the Latin school at Christiania.
Norway. After leaving school he immigrated to America, landing in New
York city on May 20, 1884. He came west to Canton, South Dakota,
where he remained For three years, and in r888 wenl to Green Hay. Wis-
consin, where be studied medicine in the office of Dr. U. F. M. Poppe for
two years. Upon finishing bis preliminary study, he entered the medical
department of Keokul 1 ollege, a1 Keokuk, Iowa, and was graduated from
thai excellent institution with the class of [894, since which time be has
taken post-graduate work at Chicago, New York. Vienna, and London.
ediately after his graduation from the medical department of the
Keokuk ('ollege. Doctor Sherping located at Enderlin, North Dakota.
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OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 45
where he pursued the active practice of his profession until 1902. In the
latter year he removed to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he still resides.
and where he is actively engaged in the practice of his profession, being
widely known and recognized in medical circles throughout this section of
the country. Fie is a member of the Park Region Medical Society, the
Minnesota State Medical Association and the American Medical Associa-
tion, and has taken a prominent part in the official proceedings of these
various associations and societies. Doctor Sherping is practically the
founder of St. Fuke's hospital, of Fergus Falls, and is now the acting sur-
geon of this institution.
Dr. Olaf Th. Sherping was married in 1895 to May M. Sollin, the
daughter of C. A. Sollin, and to this union has been born one son, Ralph
Victor, who is a graduate of St. John's Military Academy at Delafield,
Wisconsin.
Doctor Sherping is the owner of a beautiful country estate located in
Dane Prairie township, this county, about eight miles from Fergus Falls,
which is one of the most attractive places in the county.
Norway has given to America many of its most successful citizens,
and Otter Tail county and the state of Minnesota have been fortunate to
receive within their borders many of these splendid young men, among
whom is Doctor Sherping.
CARL MILLER.
Carl Miller, residing on his farm of two hundred and thirty acres in
Buse township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a German by birth, born
in the province of Pomerania, Prussia, on May 20, 1857, being the only
child of Carl and Bertha (Miller) Miller. Both parents were natives of
the same province and spent their entire lives in that place. The father was
engaged in farming throughout all the active years of his life, and in that
way Carl became versed in agriculture while still a boy.
Car] Miller was educated in the public schools near his home and trained
by his devout parents in the faith of the Lutheran church. While still a
youth he learned the miller's trade and followed that trade in his native
land for fourteen years, but has never followed that occupation in this
country. He emigrated to America in 1882 and settled in Faribault, this
state, where for two years he worked part of the time at farm labor and
the balance of the time on the railroad. He was ambitious to succeed, and
near Faribault secured a farm, which he rented and farmed for one year.
In 1886 he came to Otter Tail county and secured a farm in Fergus Falls
township, which he rented and farmed for twelve and one-half years. He
i rob)
I46 OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
then moved into Buse township and rented for three years, purchasing his
present farm near that location. When he secured the farm it was only
partially improved and Mr. Miller has finished clearing the land, repaired
the buildings and brought a general note of prosperity to the place. He
engages in general farming and stock raising, such as practiced throughout
this section, and is uniformly successful in his undertaking.
Carl Miller was united in marriage in 1884, with Paulina Friederich,
who was born in Germany, a daughter of Frederick Friederich, being
brought to this country by her parents when a child of two years. The
family settled in Wisconsin, where they lived a number of years, later com-
ing to Faribault, this state, where both parents closed their lives. Mr. and
Mrs. Miller have a family of eight children, the eldest of whom is William,
who still remains at home. Carl is a farmer near Wimmer, North Dakota.
Eric is at home, while Richard is engaged in farming near Faribault. The
others of the family, Robert, Agnes, Arthur and August, still remain under
the parental roof.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both devout members of the Lutheran church,
and have carefully reared their family in that faith. They are counted
among the leading members of their local congregation and have a lar^e
number of friends outside of church circles as well. Mr. Miller votes inde-
pendently in politics, but in view of his many duties, has never given any
time to that phase of citizenship. Throughout the years of his residence
here he has proven himself a man of honor and integrity, well worthy of the
esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
CHARLES M. ANDERSON.
Charles M. Anderson, residing on his farm of three hundred and twenty
acres in Buse township, near the city of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, is accounted one of the most progressive farmers of his section
He carries on general farming and meets with excellent success with his
crops, while with live stock he is also uniformly successful.
Mr. Anderson was born in Norway on September 15, 1S61, a son of
Martimus and Martha Anderson, both natives of that same place. The
father was a goldsmith by trade and his death occurred in 187 1. The
mother never remarried and passed from this life in 1805. Both parents
were devout members of the Lutheran church and in that faith reared
their children. There were five in the family, all coming to this country but
two. These arc Petra, the eldest, who married Christina Gunness, and
Emma, who is located near the childhood home. The subject of this sketch
is the fourth child in order of birth and together with his sisters, Mary
and Edwarda, emigrated to this country. Mary met death by drowning
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 14/
in Lake Harriett, this state, while still a girl, and Edwarda is the wife of
a Mr. Johnson, of Spokane, Washington.
Mr. Anderson received a fair education in the common schools of his
native land and from the time he was ten years old, he made his own wax-
in the world. While a boy he did all sorts of odd jobs and finally became
quite proficient as a clerk in various stores. He came to America in 1878
and settled in Minneapolis, in which city he did odd jobs of work and later
worked on farms nearby. About 1886 he came to Otter Tail county and
near Fergus Falls worked on the farm owned by Blake Brothers, where he
was employed for three years. Then for the following seven or eight years,
he worked on the farm owned by J. S. Billings & Company, after which
he engaged in farming for himself. He rented for six or eight years the
farm which is now his own, purchasing it about the year 1900. After
securing possession of the place, he set about improving the buildings and
now has a comfortable residence and good outbuildings, the entire place
appearing well-kept and prosperous.
On February 22, 1894, Charles M. Anderson was united in marriage
with Sarah Erickson. born at Orrdale in this county, daughter of Arno
and Carrie Erickson, who were among the very earliest settlers of this
county. To this union has been born a family of six, namely : Leonard,
George, Clarence, Selma, living in South Dakota and the wife of Albert
Edmundson; Florence and Myrtle. Mr. Anderson takes a commendable
interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of community life and gives
his influence to any project working toward that end. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is much interested in
the work of that order. He is honorable and upright in his dealings with
his fellow men and is entitled to the respect in which he is generally held
ANDREW ANDERSEN.
Andrew Andersen, of Buse township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is
a native of Denmark, born in that country on February 20, 1865, son of
Jens and Karen (Rasmusen) Andersen. Both parents were also natives
of Denmark and spent their entire lives in that country. The father was
a blacksmith and also a small farmer and was at one time a soldier. The
last time he saw active service was in i860 in the war with Germany,
but owing to the state of his health, most of his time was spent in the hos-
pital. Both parents were members of the Danish Baptist church. There
were thirteen children in their family, nine of whom grew to maturity, and
most of them are now citizens of the United States. Hans J., the eldest,
was the first to come to America. He settled in Otter Tail county, where
he married and where his death occurred. Stenne died in her native land
I48 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
of Denmark. The third child in order of birth is the immediate subject
of this sketch. Rasmus, the fourth child, died in Denmark, where Meta,
wife of Jergen Petersen, also lives. Karen (Mrs. Christ. Larson) and
Marie (Mrs. Jens Johnson) both live in Otter Tail county, while Peter and
Maren have remained in Denmark and have not married. The children
who have come to this country have met with a pleasing degree of material
success and make worthy citizens of their adopted country.
Andrew Andersen received his education in the public schools of Den-
mark and when a youth turned to farming as his life vocation. He came
to this country alone at the age of nineteen years and joined his brother,
Hans J., who had come over some time previous. It was in 1884 that
Andrew set foot on American soil and he came at once to Fergus Falls
and secured work on a farm in Western township. He passed the following
five years in this manner and then bought a farm of forty acres, unim-
proved, in Aurdal township, and also rented some adjoining land. He
erected a small house on his land and lived there three years, when he sold
sold out and moved to Buse township. For a year and a half he rented land
near Horseshoe lake and then moved to Western township, where he pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and made his home there for
the following nine years. In 1901 or 1902 he sold his Western township
farm and again came to Buse township, where he bought one hundred and
forty-six acres, which has since been his home. In 1900 he purchased ninety-
four additional acres, and in 1915 he sold eighty acres leaving his holdings
at the present time one hundred and sixty acres. Since locating on his
present site he has erected modern farm buildings, greatly remodeled the
residence and has made extensive improvements to the farm in every way.
He devotes his time and attention both to general farming and stock rais-
ing and is uniformly successful in whatever he undertakes.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Andersen lias served the local school board
as clerk and is now acting as treasurer of that board. He and his wife are
members of the Swedish Baptist church and contribute generously of their
means toward the support of the local organization. Mrs. Andersen was
Carrie Anderson, also a native of Denmark and a daughter of Niels and
Johana Marie (Madsen), Andersen. The father parsed his entire life in
his native land, where the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Andersen
have been born a family of seven children. Sadie is the wife of Haider
Bergson, of Fergus Falls; William, a carpenter by trade, nominally lives at
home but spends a great deal of time in Fergus Falls, where most of his
work is. Axel died at the age of twenty-one, and Robert, also a carpenter,
is away from home all the time. Those still remaining with the parents
are Fdwin, Harrv and Esther. The Andersen family are well known
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I49
throughout the community where they dwell and are highly esteemed. Mr.
Andersen is well entitled to the success with which he has met, for it is but
commensurate with the effort which he put into his undertaking.
ANDREW C. OLSON.
Andrew C. Olson, farmer of Buse township. Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, residing near the city of Fergus Falls, is a native of the state of Iowa,
born in the town of McGregor on April 14, 1871, son of Christian and
Rachel Olson. Mr. Olson's parents were both born in Norway, were mar-
ried there in 1870 and came directly to the United States. They went to
McGregor, Iowa, where they remained but a short time, and then came to
the state of Minnesota, locating in Sherburne county. Here they perma-
nently located. They purchased a farm, which they set about improving
and on that homestead the children were all reared. The father's death
occurred about the year 1892 and the mother had died a few years pre-
viously. There were four children in the family, of whom Andrew C.,
the immediate subject of this sketch, is the youngest. Lottie married Hans
Anderson and resides in Sherburne county, and in that same county Annie
and Ole also make their homes, the latter engaged in farming. Mr. Olson's
parents were both faithful lifelong members of the Lutheran church and
ordered their lives in accordance with its teachings.
Andrew C. Olson received his education in the common schools of
Sherburne county and from his earliest boyhood he was taught by his father
to assist in the work of the farm home. He well understood the secrets of
successful husbandry by the time he had attained manhood and when about
twenty-one years of age he started out in life for himself. The following
four years he hired out to farm labor in different places near his home and
about 1896 or 1897 he came to Otter Tail county, where he located per-
manently. For a time he was a renter in Carlisle township and then pur-
chased a farm on the shores of Swan lake, where he resided for three years.
In 1910 he purchased the farm of oik- hundred and sixty acres in Buse town-
ship, where he has since made his home, giving his attention to general
farming such as is commonly practiced throughout this section.
Mr. Olson is one who takes a keen interest in all that affects com-
munity life and as an organizer and promoter of the Horseshoe Lake Tele-
phone Company he has rendered valuable service. He has also acted as
president of the company named since its organization. In politics, Mr.
Olson prefers to vote independently, not being hound by any party lines,
and as one sincerely seeking the best conditions possible he has served as a
member of the local school board.
( )n November T3. 1897 Andrew C. Olson was united in marriage with
ISO OTTKK TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Elsie Paulson, born on April 4, 1877, in Waseca county, this state, a daugh-
ter of Paul and Annie (Knutson) Paulson. Mrs. Olson's parents were
both born in Norway, the father at Telemarken and the mother at Siters-
dalen. The mother was brought to this country about the year 1845, ner
parents bringing their entire family over. The family located in Wisconsin
and to that place came Mrs. Olson's father direct from Norway, when a
young man of twenty-one years. There they became acquainted and after
marriage located in Waseca county, this state, where they lived for a num-
ber of years. Later in life they moved to Grant county, this state, where the
remainder of their days were spent. The father died in 1886 and the
mother lived until tgoo. Both were faithful members of the Lutheran
church and highly respected by all who knew them.
Mrs. Olson is one of a family of eight children, the others being Halvor,
a carpenter by trade and resident of North Dakota : Gilbert, also a carpenter
ami farmer, living on a homestead in Grant county; Carl, deceased: Mary,
wife of Samuel Baker, of Tacoma, Washington; Theodore and Carl,
deceased, and Johanna, wife of Axel Throndson, of Minneapolis.
To Mr. and Mrs. Olson has been born a family of seven children,
namely: Alice, Gladys. Dorris, Ralph, Roland. Kenneth and Lucile. Mr.
and Mrs. Olson are members of the Lutheran church and are rearing their
family in that faith. Mr. Olson is regarded as one of the public-spirited
men of the community, taking a commendable interest in all that affects
the welfare of those about him.
TACOB LYNG.
Born in Norway, February 10, 1866. Jacob Lyng, a prosperous fanner
of \.unlal township, < )tter Tail county. Minnesota, is the son of Haldor and
Martha Lyng, the former of whom was born in Norway in 1826 and the
latter born in that country. June 26, 1830.
Haldor Lyng came t<> America and 1.1 the state of Minnesota in 1867
and. in [873, settled in Otter Tail county, purchasing two hundred and
twenty-live acres "!' land in Aurdal township, lie died at his old home
in this township in [911, and his widow is still living. Thev were the
parents of five children: Christina, who was the wife of John Olson, of
Fergus balls, is deceased; Jacob, who is the subject of this sketch; Henry,
who is ;i fanner of Aurdal township; Bernt, who died in [897, and Rare,
who was the wife of Henry Christenson, of Wesl Superior. Wisconsin, is
facob Lyng was five years old when he came to America, lie settled
with his parent- in Otter Tail county in 1873 and received a limited educa-
tion in the pioneer schools of this county. From the time that he was old
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 151
enough, Mr. Lyng assisted his father on the farm. In 1903 he purchased
a farm of two hundred aero, which he now owns. He built a magnificent
barn and residence in a beautiful grove and is today surrounded with all of
the comforts and conveniences of rural life. Mr. Lyng is a general farmer
and stockman.
In 1901. Jacob Lyng was married to Bena Hallon, the daughter of. Die
Hallori, of Aurdal township, whose life history is set forth elsewhere in this
volume. Mr and Mrs. Lyng have been the parents of five children, Harold
Oliva, Helen Margaret, jean Bernard, Johannas Bernhoff and one who died
in infancy. Mrs. Lyng died on February 2~, 1914.
Mr. Lyng and his children are all members of the Lutheran church.
Mrs. Lyng was a member of lliis church at the time of her death.
OLE SWENSON.
The following is a short sketch of Ole Swenson, deceased, who
from this life on August 30, 1913, death being caused by a fall from a buggy
which broke his neck. Mr. Swenson had for many years been a resident
of Buse township and was numbered among the best farmers of his com-
munity. He was born in Norway on November 1. 1844, a son of Swen and
Carrie Nielson. both natives of Norway, who passed their entire lives in
their native land. The father was a farmer and there was a large family,
four of the number emigrating to America. Of these, Niels, who lived in
Fordenkjold, was killed by a falling tree a number of years ago; Marie,
wife of Anders Rasmusen, lives in North Dakota; Ever died in Portland,
Oregon, where he had made his home for some time.
Ole Swenson received his education in the schools of his native land
and emigrated to America in 1868, when in the first flush of young man-
hood. He first located in Minnesota, and then for a time lived in Wiscon-
sin, returning to Minnesota in 1870, where he passed the remaining years
of his life. He homesteaded a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Buse
township, this county, and later purchased twenty-nine additional acres.
He first built a log house and to this later added a frame portion and built
other farm buildings, so that at the time of his death he had acquired a
comfortable home. In politics he was a Republican and took a commenda-
ble interest in the affairs of the community.
Ole Swenson was married in January of 1878 to Margaret Johnson,
a native of Norway, born on June 11, [848, a daughter of John Ingelson.
The father died when Mrs. Swenson was but fourteen years old and when
nineteen years of age she emigrated to this country. Mrs. Swenson was
one of a family of nine children, three of whom died in infancy and Inn one
Other came to this country. There is hut cue remaining member of her
•15- OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
family across the water, a brother, Ever Johnson, who lives in Sweden.
The one who came to America is Ellen Sophia, wife of Hans Mertren, of
North Dakota. Twelve years after Mrs. Swenson came to this country, the
mother also crossed and went to her daughter, Ellen Sophia, who at that
time lived in Wisconsin. She later came to live with Mrs. Swenson and was
with her at the time death claimed her.
There are four children in the Swenson family, of whom John, the
eldest, remains at the home with the mother and manages the farm. The
second child, Mary, died in infancy, and Carrie, the third, is the wife of Carl
Johan Johnson, who also make their home on the Swenson farm. Carrie
is the mother of three children: Orville A.. ( 'larence and Myron Y. Serena.
the youngest of the Swenson children, and wife of Ole Stinerson, is also
deceased. Mrs. Swenson is a faithful member of the Parkdale Lutheran
church, as was also her husband, and she has a large number of friends
who esteem her for her kind and sympathetic nature and many womanly
traits.
E. T. RISBRUDT.
A career of general usefulness in many directions has been that of E.
T. Risbrudt, who on account of the various activities in which he has been
engaged is a man of broad understanding of problems of business and a
keen student of human nature. E. T. Risbrudt is a native of the county
in which he still reside-, having been born in St. Olaf, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, on the 31st of January, 1874. the son of Torkel and Gurine
(Soliah) Risbrudt.
The early educational advantages received by the subject of this sketch
were obtained in the common schools of St. Olaf. He received more than
the average school has to offer and from j8qi until 1802. attended the
Lutheran College in Decorah. His ambition to complete a college course
was realized in [893, when he was graduated from the Park Region Col-
lege. He was "iie ..I" tin- firsl graduates of that institution. Throughoul
his school course, E. T. Risbrudt showed more than ordinary ability and it
was only a natural consequence that after completing hi- education he
should have chosen the teaching profession which at that tune be was most
capable of carrying on. Mr. Risbrudt taught school for live years after
finishing college and at the end of that time, which was in [899, bought a
farm of two hundred acres in Tumuli township, section 32. lie remained
on the farm followi
ng the occupation a- a
farmer until i<n
>;.
w hen be came
to 1 »alton a- grain
buyer for the Dalton
Co-operative \\ .
arel
louse ^ssocia-
tion 1 le remainec
! witli the -rain aSSOC
iation for three
\ e;
irs and in the
fall of 1010 enter*
d the employment of
the First State
Bt
ink of Ashby,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MIXXKSOTA.
tS3
Minnesota, where for a year he served as assistant cashier. Owing to
failing health, Mr. Risbrtidt decided to return to farm life oil the land which
he still owned and where he remained until 1912. Mr. Risbrudt, after the
two year- >pent in regaining his health, was appointed general manager of
the Dalton Grain and Lumber Company and has served in that capacity up
t< 1 the present time.
The marriage of E. T. Risbrudt to Helen Engebretson was solemnized
in rSqo,. Mrs. Risbrudt was born on the 5th of March, 1875, and is the
daughter of Erick Engebretson. one of the pioneer settlers of Tumuli town-
ship. The children born to Airs, and Mrs. Risbrudt are: Clifford, who
was horn in 1907; Russell, who was horn in igi.t ; Truman and Henry.
Mr and Airs. Risbrudt are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
In his political interests Mr. Risbrudt votes independently. He has
done everything in his power to advance the business conditions in the com-
munity in which he lives and as a member of a number of organizations
has made a large acquaintance among the residents of the county. He is a
member of the Elk's lodge and of the Woodman's lodge.
JOSEPH P. BRENDAL
Bore at Starbuck, Minnesota. March 12, 1883, Joseph P. Brendal,
cashier of the First State Bank, of Dalton, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
is the son of Peter J. and Pauline ( Olson") Brendal, who were horn in Nor-
way, the former in rS54 and the latter in 1856. Both are living. Mr.
Brendal's father was educated in the common schools of Norway and in
[872 came to America, locating at La Crosse, Wisconsin. \fter living at
l.i Crosse until 1881, during which time he was employed in a saw-mill
as a sawyer and .'s foreman of another mill, the family came to Tope county,
Minnesota, where Mr. Brendal's father farmed until [913. On coming I
Pope county, the father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres |n
K)i , he retired from active farming and moved to Starbuck. where he now
lives. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Brendal. namely:
John, \nna. Ole, Joseph i '. Petra, Julius. Lena (deceased), Edwin, Nettie
and Pauline (deceased). Mr. Brendal's parents are members of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church and his father votes the Republican ticket
Joseph I'. Brendal was educated in (he common schools of Starbuck,
Minnesota, and later attended Glenwood Academy. Still later he wis a
student in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana,
from [903 to [905, inclusive. Finishing his college educatii
one year in Pope county, Minnesota, and, in 1907, was employed in the
first National bank at Elbow bake and the Douglas Counl
andria. Two vears later he came to Dalton as cashier of the First State
154 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Bank and has held lhis position ever since. The growth and prosperity
"i this institution is due, in no small measure, to the worthy service per-
formed by its cashier. Mr. Brendal.
In 1911 Joseph P Brendal was married to Ella Reierson, who was
born on February 22, [878, and who is the daughter of G. Reierson. Mr.
and Airs. Brendal have no children. Mr. Brendal is an intelligent young
citizen and hanker and prominent in all public affairs in his home town.
Mr. and Mrs. Brendal are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
In politics, Joseph I'. Brendal is identified with the Republican party.
mil 11 \(ii:\.
Born in Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, September
'i. 1885, Emil Hagen, a prosperous young business man and farmer of
Dalton, is the son of Ole E. Hagen and his second wife, who was Lena
Sim. Mr. Hagen's parents were both natives of Norway and came to
America in 1883, locating shortly in Otter Tail county. Minnesota.
Mr. Hagen's father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land
m this county and has lived here ever since, lie L a general farmer and
stockman and has reared a family of fourteen children.
Emil Hagen received his education 111 the common schools of Otter
Tail county. In [911 Mr. Hagen began farming in St. Olaf township on
hi- own responsibility. About this time, in partnership with his brother,
Ingvold. he purchased one hundred and seventy-seven acres of land in
( )tter Tail county and, in 1914, also in partnership with his brother, Ing-
vold, he purchased the meat market at Dalton. The brothers enjoy a good
business at Dalton and. besides this, own and operate the farm together.
In 1011 Emil Hagen was married to Ella J. Randahl, the daughter of
John Randahl, and to them have been born two children, Evelyn, born in
1912, and Charlotte, born in 1014.
Mr Hagen, who lives in Dalton. is a man of large business ability and
has already made a substantial start on the road to success. ID has a host
of friends -n Dalton and vicinity who admire him for his industry, his
thrift and his careful, honest business management.
L.RTCK E. NELSON.
b.rick E. Nelson, a well known farmer of \unlal township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born on December jo, [858, in Norway. Mr. Nel-
son moved to Moore county. Minnesota, with his parents in 1862 and immi-
grated with them to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in [868. lie was edu-
cated in the 'public schools of Otter Tail county and has keen engaged in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 155
farming all of his life. Mr. Nelson lias two hundred and thirty-three acres
of land, a pan of which belongs to the old homestead. He began farming
on this land and has made most of the improvements which are to be found
on the land today. The farm is equipped with very good buildings. Mr.
Nelson carries on general farming and stock raising.
Mr. Nelson is the son of Ingebret and Aaste Nelson, both of whom
were born in Norway, the former in 1819 and the latter in 1820. They
moved to Moore county, Minnesota, in 1862. and to Otter Tail county in
[868, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land in this township in
sections 23 and 25. Later they added sixty acres to their homestead farm
by purchase and improved the land. Mr. Nelson's father died in 1906 and
his mother in [902. They were the parents of five children. Sarah, Nels,
Haldi, Erick and Anton.
Erick E. Nelson was married in 1882 to Ingeborg K. Jorstad, who
was born in Norway on September 28, 1855. Mr. an<^ Mrs. Nelson have
five children. Edwin, Althea, Conrad, Samuel and Maybelle, all of whom
are living. "Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and family are members of the Lutheran
church of this township.
II \ W'Kt GRINAGER.
The largest department store in Fergus Falls is the "Golden Rule"
department store, of which Ilaaval EC. Grinager is the proprietor. Like
mosl commercial undertakings, this store has grown to its present extensive
proportions from a general store opened in Fergus Falls on March 23, 1896.
The "Golden Rule" department store has occupied its present location since
1902. the store, by that time, having outgrown its former quarters. Behind
the success of this splendid institution is the personality of its proprietor.
Ilaavel K. Grinager was horn in Gran Hadeland, Norway, October
2.j, T863. He is the -on of Knut and Kjerti Grinager, the former of whom
was ,1 farmer during his active career, hut who is now living retired with
his daughter at Krogstadelven, Norway.
Reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and at the (Iran
Ann Skole, of hi- native land. Haavel K. Grinager immigrated to America
with hi- sister, Siri, when eighteen years old. They arrived in America in
May, 1882, and. a little later established themselves at Albert Lea, Minne-
sota, where Mr. Grinager endeavored to obtain employment. The only
encouragemenl he received came from a large merchant at Albert Lea, who
offered him a position without pa) for a period of ,i\ months. Mr. Grin-
ager naturally refused this offer and from \lbcri Lea went to ilartland.
fourteen mile- away, where be was employed b\ Simon & Hoffland for
eighteen dollars a month After remaining with Simon & Hoffland foi
I56 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
about one year, in the fall of 1883, he went to Mayville, North Dakota,
where he worked for a machine firm for eighteen months. He was next
employed in the general store of Chantland Brothers and, after having
been employed by them for three years, established a small general store of
his own in Mayville, where he remained until the fall of 1895, when he sold
out to Grinager & Springer.
During the spring of 1896. Mr. Grinager came to Fergus Falls and
on March 23, 1896. established a general store on the present site of the
Fergus Falls National Bank. In this location he remained for six years and
at the end of that time, moved to his present location on Lincoln avenue.
west The present store has been greatly increased, not only the stock of
merchandise, but the floor space as well. It is now a handsome department
store with a splendid front and is widely patronized by the people of Fergus
Falls and vicinity.
By his marriage to [sabelle .Martin, a native of Canada, Haavel K.
Grinager has a family of seven children: Clinton F.. who is employed in
In- father's store. Rachel M., Paul A., Haavel A., Emmett F., Katherine
M. and Stanley A.
Mr. Grinager has the largest and most thoroughly equipped store in
Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
ANTON E, NELSON.
Born in Moore county, Minnesota, July 8. 1863. Anton E. Nelson is
the son of Lngebret and Aaste Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway,
tin- former in 1819 and the latter in 1820.
Mr Melson's parents immigrated to America and settled in Moore
county, Minnesota, in 1862. Six years later they moved to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and homesteaded land where their son, Anton F.. now
lives. The)- homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and later
bought sixty acres, making in all two hundred and twenty acres. They
lived upon this far.m from year to year, gradually improving their valuable
farm, until their deaths. Mr. Nelson's father died in [906 and his mother
in 1902. They were the parents of five children, Sarah. Nels, TIaldor,
Erick and Anton F
Anton !•'. Nelson was reared on the old homestead farm and was edu-
cated in the public schools. Mr. Nelson has always been engaged in fann-
ing, lie owns one hundred and forty acres of land in Aurdal township
and. since his father's death, has erected the present buildings and has made
( ither impri 1 ements upon the farm.
On November 22, 1895, \nton E. Nelson was married to Magne Bye.
who was born on March 22, [878, in Dane Prairie township, a daughter of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 157
Stephen H. and Betsy (Randall) Bye. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have eight
children, Alice, Lillian, Hazel, Sanford, Kathleen, Clarice, Vernon and
Blaine
Mr. Nelson has been a member of the school board and has been, for
many years, prominent in the affairs of the Lutheran church. All of the
members of the Nelson family are identified with this church. Mr. Nelson
is a highly respected citizen and is known as a successful farmer in the
community where he lives.
OLE O. EGGUM.
A successful farmer and a citizen who has taken no small part in the
conduct of public affairs and in the regulation of church affairs in Otter
Tail county, is Ole O. Eggum, the subject of this sketch, who as one of the
esteemed and respected men of the community is entitled to a place among
the leading citizens of the county.
Ole O. Eggum was horn in Norway on March 26, 1853, the son of Ole
and Martha (Olson) Eggum, who were born in Norway, where they lived
until the year 1873, when they came to America, and settled at St. Olaf,
Minnesota, where they lived for a time and then came to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where Ole Eggum fanned until his death. Ole and Martha
Eggum were the parents of eight children, Ole O., Knudt, Emma, Anna,
Ole. Ergreen, Knudt and Anfant. Ole Eggum and his wife, Martha, were
faithful and loyal members of the Lutheran church, taking an active part
in the affairs of the congregation and lending their aid to its works.
Ole O. Eggum was educated in the schools of his native country and
for a short time he attended school after reaching America with his parents.
At an early age Ole O. Eggum was compelled to leave his classes and he
worked on farms for some time and then he homesteaded a farm in Aastad
township, where he broke up the sod and on which he built necessary build-
ings and otherwise improved into one of the best farms of the locality. Mr.
Eggum now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which is
we'l cultivated and improved, and completely equipped for modern farming
pursuits.
During the year [880, < He ( >. Eggum was married to Rendu M. Ohn-
stad ami to this marriage were born ten children, Olaf, Joseph, Martin,
Christina. Albert. Andrew, Emil, Randolph, Emma and Elvin.
Ole O. Eggum has been prominent in the public life of Otter Tail
county and of .Aastad township, both as an occupant of public office and as
a man of influence in the community affairs. Mr. Eggum ha- served his
township as a supervisor, has been a member of the school board and accom-
plished great work for his locality as overseer of roads, lew men of the
I58 OTTER !\ll COUNTY MINNESOTA.
Lutheran church at Rock Prairie are so well known or have proved such a
\\orth\- part of the congregation as has ( lie O. Eggum, who during a period
of more than fifteen years has served with tact and with unusual ability as
one of the board of trustees. Whatever the matter or whenever of possible
service to the township Ole < ). Eggum has been willing to do his part and
has won for himself a position of prominence in the community.
1VER IVERSON.
A well-known merchant of Western township. Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, a man who by his unaided efforts has risen from a modest beginning
to that of one of the leading business men of the community, and one who
has, as the result of intelligent endeavor, attained a conspicuous place in the
public works of his locality, and who has made a host of friends because
of lii's pleasing personality and unselfish nature, is Iver Iverson, the subject
of this sketch.
her Iverson was born in Norway on May 1, 1864, the son of Stoner
and Gertrude (Paulsdatter-) Iverson, both of whom were horn in Norway
and lived in that country until August, 1870. when they came to America
and located in Racine county, Wisconsin, where Stoner Iverson secured
employment in a pinery, a place where he worked for about one year. Dur-
ing the spring of 1 S7 1 he and his family moved to Otter Tail county,
where he homesteaded a farm in Western township. In taking possession
oi his claim. Stoner [verson found the land to lie raw prairie and without
improvement; lie there ion- proceeded to break up the soil and after gather-
ing logs built a lot;- house to replace the dug-out. in which he was compelled
to live during the first days on his newly-acquired land. Later this hardy
pioneer of Otter Tail county built new and modern buildings for his farm,
sel out trees which have now grown to be three feet in diameter, and
equipped his farm with those things necessary to pursue the most approved
methods of farming. For the past fifteen years Mr. Iverson has lived in
retirement with his son, his wife, Gertrude, having died during the year
1895.
Stoner and Gertrude Iverson were the parents of the following chil-
dren: X. A. Nelson, deceased: her. the subject of tin's sketch, and Bertha,
who died at the age of three years, shortly after reaching America.
Tver [verson was educated in the public schools of Racine county. Wis-
consin, and in the common schools of Otter fail county, Minnesota, after
which he became a fanner and lived on the home place, to which he added.
by purchase, one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he followed gen-
eral agricultural pursuits until the year [910, when, desiring to retire from
the farm. Iver Iverson bought the mercantile business of J, H. Rice, a place
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. [59
located near his farm, and a business which he now conducts in a most
enterprising manner.
On January 25, 1892, Tver [verson was married to Anna M. Engebret-
son, who was born in the state of Iowa, July [6, [867, and with her parents
came to Otter Tail count)' in the year 1871. To the marriage of Iver and
Anna [verson were born the following children: Blonda, horn on June 10.
[893; Claris, January 10. 1895; Edna, November 7. [896; Ida and Agnes,
twins. February I, [898; Horace, Februan 1. [901, and Normand, Septem-
ber 23, [905
Tver Iverson and his wife arc members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church and arc people who take an interested and prominent part in the
work and worship of that congregation.
Of the men in Western township who have served their localities in
public office, Iver Iverson is one of the best known and one who has made
an enviable record as chairman of the township hoard, as an efficient town-
ship treasurer, and as treasurer of the school district. In all local affairs
her Iverson is a man whose counsel and judgment are sought and he is a
citizen of the type which has dune great things fur the community life.
OTTO J. BR WDSl.IFN.
Among the farmers of Otter Tail county who have made a notable
success of their business, as well as being men well known in the community
for their interest- in public affairs and for their willingness to be of service
in all matters for the promotion of general interests, is Otto J. Brandslien,
nf Tumuli township, who was horn in Norway, July 7, 1856, the son of
Iver and Mary (Brandslien) Brandslien, who were natives of Norway and
lived and died in that country. Iver Brandslien was a farmer in his native
land, a pursuit which he followed until later in life, when he was a country
merchant, tver and Mary Brandslien were the parents of thirteen children
< > 1 1 < > J. Brandslien, tin- subject of this sketch, received the greater part
of his education in Norway, where he lived until the year 1878, and then
came to America and settled in Vtstad township, this county, where he lived
fur some time and then he secured a farm of one hundred and thirty acres
of land in Tumuli township where he now lives. Mr. Brandslien has one
of the well cultivated and well-improved farms of the community, a place
which is cared fur after the must approved methods and a farm mi which
the buildings and the equipment show the results of progressive farming.
During the year [882 Otto J. Brandslien was married to Berit Nordal,
who was born in Norway and who came to this countn alone. To this
marriage were born six children. Mary, Johanna, Enger, \lbert, Louisa
and Emma.
l6o OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Otto J. Brandslien and wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church, and as workers and well-known communicants they take a leading
place in this congregation. Mr. Brandslien has served his township in the
important office of road overseer and during his term of office much
h. moment was made in the matter of improving the public highways.
As a citizen in public life and as a supporter of public measures. Otto
J. Brandslien is a force in the county and township and is of an element of
citizenship that has done no small part in the development and advancement
•of the community life and community interests.
EDWARD J. WEBBER.
The late Edward J. Webber, who was a well-known and successful
banker and manufacturer of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, was a native of
Wheeling, Illinois, where he was born on April 2, 1858.
Mr. Webber's boyhood days were passed in Wheeling and Crown
Point, Indiana. Later he moved to Niles, Michigan, and resided there for
several years. In 1882 he was married in Niles to Emma Backmann. the
daughter of Francis X. Backmann, a native of Alsace-Lorraine, then a
province of France. To this marriage there were born two children, Her-
bert E. and Marjory L.
After his marriage. Mr. Webber and his wife came to Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, where he engaged in the blacksmith's trade with E. Shaver,
who was at that time operating a small blacksmith shop on Lincoln avenue.
east. A short time afterward Mr. Webber engaged in the blacksmith busi-
ness on his own account, his shop at that period being located on the present
site of A. L Fellows' shop. He occupied rooms over the shop and a few
months afterwards moved into the building, which was destroyed by fire.
Practically everything he bad was lost, but with the energy which charac-
terized his entire career he rebuilt and soon was able to claim a first-class
business.
From the blacksmith's trade he gradually shifted into the machinery
business. Tie first put in a few plows and later a general line of farm
machinery. He was soon enjoying a splendid patronage and his business
steadih increased beyond bis expectations, lie was still planning to extend
bis sphere of activity at the time of bis death, which occurred on March 12,
[905. \t the time of bis death. Mr. Webber was , .resident of the Fergus
Falls National Bank, president of the Fergus Lacking Company and presi-
dent of the Fergus Casket Works, as well as one of the joint owners of the
Manhattan building, lie was also largely interested in "titer city property.
Some years before bis death, Mr. Webber was made president of the bank
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. l6l
at Deer Creek, lie was a director in the bank at Pelican Rapids and the
owner of a number of farm properties in Otter Tail county.
Air. Webber had a wonderful capacity for business and a wonderful
talent for business details. His judgment was practically unerring and as
fast as he accumulated money he invested it in new enterprises.
The late Edward J. Webber was one of the most genial of men. He
was possessed of those admirable qualities of heart and head which made
him respected in the city and county where the greatest measure of his suc-
cess was obtained. Aside from the consideration and attention which he
gave to his family he was interested in all good works, and gave his time
ungrudgingly in the promotion of worthy public enterprises. At the time
of his death he was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America.
LEONARD PETERSON.
From Sweden has come to America many of this country's most desir-
able and successful men of foreign birth. Industrious, resourceful, serving
their adopted country honestly and faithfully, and men who in the material
things i if lite have achieved great results, as they have in the matters of
good lives and citizenship, they have won a conspicuous place in the hearts
of the American people. Of this type of manhood and citizenship is Leon-
ard Peterson, the subject of this sketch, who is one of the prosperous
farmers and stock raisers of Otter Tail county.
Leonard Peterson was born in Sweden on June 17, 1876, the son of
C. J. and Christine 1 Johnson-) Peterson, both of whom were born in
Sweden, in which country they lived until the year 1878, when they came
to America and settled in Kossuth county, Iowa, where they invested in
some railroad land, on which they lived until the year 1903, and then they
moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, living there until, during the year
[905, the) went to the town of Fergus Falls, where C. J. Peterson has since
lived in retirement. C. I. and Christine Peterson are active and devout
members of the Swedish Baptist church, a congregation in which they are
highly respected and worthy communicants. To the marriage of C. J. and
Christine Peterson have been horn two suns, Elmer and Leonard.
Leonard Peterson was educated in the public schools of the state of
Iowa, and afterward was employed a- a farmer until the year ro,03, when
he came to (liter Tail county, Minnesota, where he worked as ;i farmer. In
the year [905 he took charge of the farm of his father- in law, a place
located in Western township, on which he lived for ten years. In the year
1911 Leonard Peterson boughl a farm of two hundred and ten a
l62 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
moved to that place in the spring of the year 1915, and has since been
located there, where he engages in general farming and in the feeding and
the breeding of highiclass Guernsey cattle, this together with the raising of
Chester White hogs.
During the year 1904 Leonard Peterson was married to Caroline Rut-
land, the daughter of lver Olson Rulland and wife, people who were among
the early settlers and homesteaders of Western township, Otter Tail count v.
To the marriage of Leonard and Caroline Peterson were born the following
children: Clifford, P.irdie. Leonora and Carl.
Leonard Peterson i^ among the best known of the farmers of the com-
munity and is known as a man of public spirit and a man who is at all times
willing to do his duty in matters having for their object the betterment of
the community life. Mrs. Peterson is known as an active member of Our
Savior's Norwegian Lutheran church, being prominent and conspicuous in
the worship and work of that organization.
ERWIN FRED NEWMANN.
One of the best known of the farmers who have made a success of
agricultural pursuits, while yet men young in years, is Erwin Fred New-
mann, who on taking over the farm of his father, on the death of the elder
Newmann, has so conducted the farm and has so tilled the soil that the place
is among the most productive and most desirable farms of the community.
Erwin F. Newmann. as a young citizen of Otter Tail county, has con-
ducted himself in such a manner that he is one of the respected and appre-
ciated men of Western township, to whom the people of the community are
looking for the proper and intelligent management of the affairs of public
life in the near future.
Erwin Fred Newman was born on the Newmann homestead in West-
ern township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on October 6, tS<)_>, the son
of Frederick and Tilda ("Fabian") Newmann, both of whom were born in
Germany. Frederick Newmann was educated in Germany and after serving
in the German army for three years he came, at the age of twenty-two
years, to America and located at Blue Earth, Minnesota, where he was
employed at railroad work until the year 1882, when he came to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and homesteaded a farm in Western township, on which
Erwin Fred Nfewmann nov lives. Some time after acquiring his original farm
Frederick Newmann added by purchase a large acreage, until he was the
owner of four hundred and twenty acres of valuable and desirable land in
tin- county. Progressive and modern farmer that he was, Frederick New-
mann placed extensive improvements on his farm ami lived at this place.
OTTER TAIT. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 63
with his wife, for some years, after which, on their death, thu farm was
turned over to Erwin Fred Newmann, the subject of this sketch.
Frederick Newmann and his family were all interested and devoted
members of the German Evangelical church, where they attended regularly,
and took an active part in the worship and works of the congregation.
Frederick and Tilda Newmann were the parents of ten children, as
follow: William, Edith, Amelia, Emma, Adolph, John, Charles, Minnie,
Rudolph and Erwin F. Minnie married Emil Vollbrecht, who died on June
30, 1914, and she is now keeping house for her brother, Erwin F.
Erwin Fred Newmann was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail
count}', and afterward worked on the Newmann home place until, on the
death of his father. Frederick Newmann, Erwin F. became the possessor
of two hundred and eighty-six acres of land, on which he now lives and
does general farming. Erwin Fred Newmann, in addition to the general
farm work, keeps a number of fine grade cattle, and has twenty cows for
dairy purposes.
CHARLES YOUNGBERG.
A farmer who has been a thorough success, both in the pursuit of
agricultural life, and as a citizen of worth to the community is Charles
Youngberg, who was born in Sweden, October 10, 1870, the son of Isaac
and Sarah Youngberg, both of whom were born in Sweden, where they
now live Isaac Youngberg is now a farmer in his native land, he previously
having served as a soldier for his country, although he was not actively
engaged in war. Isaac and Sarah Youngberg were the parents of seven
children, five of whom are now living.
< 'harles Youngberg was educated in the public schools, where he
attended classes until fifteen years of age and then came to America with
his brother, Algot, who now lives at Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota < )n reaching America, Charles Youngberg immediately came to Otter
Tail county, where he worked generally on farms for some time and then
rented a farm which he operated, after which, in 1905, he bought one hun-
dred and twenty acres of land in Western township, where he has since
lived. Charles Youngberg, as a progressive and modern farmer, has greatly
improved his farm and has secured the best equipment for agricultural pur-
suits, this with highly cultivated land makes Mr. Youngberg a fanner of
tin- Srsl rani in Western township -nu\ in Otter Tail county.
During the year 1913 Charles Youngberg was married to Wanna Nel-
son, wlio was bom in Norway and at an early age came to this country,
making the journey alone. To this marriage has been l>orn one son, Carl
Minart.
164 OTTER TAIL COUNTY., MINNESOTA.
Charles Youngberg and his wife are members of the Swedish Luth-
eran church at Fergus Falls, .Minnesota. Mr. Youngberg has taken no
especial part in the political life of the community, but has preferred to
serve as a good citizen in the more commonplace walks of life represented
in the township. Charles Youngberg has been ever ready to serve his
county in any way possible, and has been of that company of men who are
of great value to the locality as citizens capable of doing many things for the
advance of material and moral interests in the community.
HERMAN C. FABIAN.
A successful farmer, a heavy landowner, an extensive breeder and
dealer in live stock and a man who, in the pursuit of agricultural life, has
adopted the most approved and scientific methods, both as to equipment and
as to processes, Herman C. Fabian has shown himself to be a citizen whose
progressiveness and whose advanced ideas in farm effort are the pride of
the community and are things which not only add to the convenience of the
owner, but are important elements in the instruction and advancement of
agricultural interests.
Herman C. Fabian is a native of Otter Tail county, having been born
ui Western township on April 15, 1873. the son of William and Augusta
I Roloff) Fabian, both of whom were born in Germany and later came to
America and made their home in Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
Herman C. Fabian was educated in the public schools of < >tter Tail
county, after which he immediately engaged in agricultural pursuits, secur-
ing two hundred acres of land in Grant county. Minnesota, where be lived
for some time and. then purchased his present farm of six hundred and
forty acre- in Aastad township, where be has lived the greater part of a
quarter of a century.
Of those Farmers engaged in all branches of farm activity, probably
no one is better or move widely known for their extensive dealings and for
the scope of their work than is Herman C, Fabian, who not only farm- on a
large scale but is a breeder of purebred Brown Swiss cattle, animals which
are recognized a- among the finest to be found in the entire state or as
vicinity. Mr. Fabian also engages as a breeder of Percheron and Belgian
horses, ibis together with the feeding and the I Poland and China
and Duroc hogs.
During the year [908 Herman * '. Fabian designed ami constructed
whal is known to the community a- a model house for the care of dairy
products and for the grinding of \vct\ and -rain. On the first floor of a
well-built and neatly-arranged bouse has been placed a gasoline engine, to
which power has been attached the cream separator, the churn and the wash-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 165
ing machine, wink- above on the second floor has been arranged a feed
grinder so placed and connected as to automatically operate for the grind-
ing of grain whenever any of the processes of the first floor equipment are
in action. In the basement of this building has been arranged a cream
cellar, a place that is at all times cool and well ventilated. A portion of
this model building has also been set off as a garage, where Mr. Fabian
stores and cares for his automobile.
A notable feature of the farm of Herman C. Fabian is the barn, a
structure which, though forty by one hundred feet in dimensions and one
of the largest barns to be found in the entire county, was erected in the
record time of one hundred and forty-six hours. In keeping with the other
improvements of this modern fanner, this barn is well equipped and well
arranged for the care of extensive holdings of horses, hogs and some fifteen
head of cows used for dairy purposes.
On March 24, 1898, Herman C. Fabian was married to Emma Smith,
who was born in Friburg township, the daughter of Ferdinand and Amanda
( Zuehlsclorfr ) Smith. To this marriage were born three children, Alfred,
Marl and William.
Herman C. Fabian and his wife are members of the German Lutheran
church, a congregation in which they are highly respected, and a church
which Mr. and Mrs. Fabian, with their children, support in a most hearty
manner.
In political life, Herman C. Fabian has taken no especial part, but has
served well as an individual citizen and is known as a man who will sup-
]M>rt all movements and measures for the good of the community or its
people. A man who is friendly and of pleasing personality and a citizen
who makes of "South Central Grove Stock Farm" a hospitable and cordial
place in the township, Herman C. Fabian is a man with a host of friends
and admiring fellow citizens.
TOBIAS SIMONSON LIEN.
Of those men who of earlier days were an important part of the com-
munity lite, citizens who supported all things for public good, and men who
were willing to give of their time and energies, even to the point of sacri-
fice, that conditions might be better for those who follow, the name of
Tobias Simonson I.ien, who has gone to his reward, stands out conspicu-
ously as one whose unselfishness and public-spirited nature accomplished
great things for Otter Tail county and for Tumuli township.
Tobias Simonson Lien was born in Norway on March 26, 1857. the
sun of Simon Lien, who was born in Norway and lived in that country
during his entire life, Simon Lien being a farmer.
l66 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Tobias Simonson Lien received his education in the public schools of
his native land, after which he worked as a farmer for some time and then
marrying, he came with his wife to America, in the year 1882, and located
in Aastad township, this county, where for a time he rented a farm and
then later bought the place where he lived for the remainder of his life and
there his widow now lives. The farm of Tobias Simonson Lien was well
improved by this worthy farmer and citizen, who left no thing undone that
his home place might be attractive and convenient for residence and for
agricultural purposes.
The wife of Tobias S. Lien was Ann Burg, daughter of well-known
and highly-respected people in Norway, who are now deceased. To the
marriage of Tobias and Ann Lien were born the following children :
Amund, Mary, Martha. Thea, Sophia, Sigvert, Thoralf, Alfred, Adolph,
Emma, Emilia, Oscar, Amanda and Edwin.
Tobias Simonson Lien was an active member of the Norwegian Luth-
eran church at Dalton, Minnesota, a congregation in which his death has
caused much of the sense of the loss of a good and worthy man.
Tobias Simonson Lien did not aspire to public office but was a man of
quiet and retiring disposition, one who preferred to serve well and con-
scientiously from the ranks of common citizenship.
Tobias Simonson Lien died on July 13, 1913, mourned by many friends
and fellow citizens.
CHRISTIAN JORGENSEN.
A man who has taken a leading place in the circles of his activity,
whether in business, trade or in public office, and a man who by the trend
of his life has won a host of friends, is Christian Jorgensen. who was born
in Denmark, February 11. 1863, the son of Jorgen and Anna (Rasmussen)
Christiansen, who were natives of Denmark and lived in that country dur-
ing their entire lives. Jorgen Christiansen was a farmer of his native land,
and was the son "I lorgen Jorgensen, who also followed agricultural pur-
suits, until his death.
Christian Jorgensen received his education in the public schools of
Denmark, a iter which he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed
for a time in his native country. In the year 1887 Christian Jorgensen
came to \meriea and located at Sioux City, Iowa, where he continued at
his trade for some years and then moved to Rock county. Minnesota, where
he engaged in general blacksmith work until the year 1908, when In- retired
from trade and rented a farm for three years, after which he came to
Western township, where he now lives on a farm of one hundred and
sixtv acre^ of well-improved and well-cultivated land.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. l6j
During the year 1884 Christian Jorgensen was married to Sophia
Carlson, who was born in Sweden, and who at an early age went to the
country of Denmark, where she was married to Mr. Jorgensen. After thir-
teen years of happy married life Sophia (Carlson) Jorgensen died. Christ-
ian Jorgensen, during the year 1898. was married, secondly, to Juliane M.
Olson, who was born in Norway, came to America alone and settled in the
state of Minnesota. The following children were born to Christian and
Juliane Jorgensen : Sophia. Anna, Sigvard, Marie, Dagmar, Ove, Hans,
Elmer and Vera.
Christian Jorgensen has served this and other communities as an occu-
pant of the office of school director and during the term of his office has
done many things for the advancement and promotion of the interests of
the public schools. Mr. Jorgensen is now one of the influential members
of the school board of Western township. In church circles Christian Jor-
gensen is a meml>er of the local Presbyterian church.
HANS S. BERGERUD.
A well-known and prosperous farmer of Otter Tail county and of
Aastad township, one who has been loyal to the community in matters of
citizenship, and one who because of his unselfish nature and on account of
his sense of duty to the welfare and progress of life and affairs of the
locality, has won for himself a place of respect and esteem in the hearts of
the local people, is Hans S. Bergerud, who was born on the family home-
stead in Western township. Otter Tail county, on September 5, 1873, the
son of Stengrim and Mary (Olson) Hansen, whose lives are reviewed
elsewhere in this volume.
Hans S. Bergerud was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail
county, after which he became a farmer, purchasing two hundred and fifteen
acres of land in Aastad township, where he now lives and pursues general
agricultural life, producing excellent crops on his well-tilled soil, and also
keeping some purebred cattle, which are used for breeding purposes. The
farm of Hans S. Bergerud i^ well improved, has first-class equipment and
is conducted on modern and approved methods.
During the year [904 Hans S. Bergerud was married to Helen B.
Ryden, who was born in Doring, Minnesota, the daughter of Peter O. and
Ragnild (Tverson) Ryden. To the marriage of Hans S. and Helen Berge-
rud have been born six children: Roy, Ernest. Palmer, Linden and T.ila,
twins, and Harry.
In the political and public life of Aastad township, Otter Tail county.
Minnesota. Hans S. Bergerud is well and favorably known as a man of
tad and nf special ability in the matters which have come before hirh as an
l68 OTTER TAU COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
official in the capacity of clerk of the school district, an office with which
this worthy citizen has been honored for more than six years.
Hans S. Bergerud and his wife are earnest and devout members of the
Norwegian Lutheran church and are people whose efforts in support of the
policies and activities of this congregation are greatly appreciated.
STENGRIM HANSEN.
A veteran of the Civil War, one who took part in many of its most
important engagements, a citizen who in local life has proved himself of
great value to the community, and who has been a most important part of
the development of those things which have done much for the moral and
physical betterment of the township and county, and a man who has made
a host of admiring friends as the result of his useful and unselfish life, is
Stengrim Hansen, who was born in Norway, October 22, 1843, tne son ot
Hans S. and Martha (Kupsing) Bergerud.
Hans S. Bergerud, following the death of his wife. Martha, came t<>
America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in the year 1872,
living with his sons, Erik and Christian, for a time, flans S. Bergerud
then took up a homestead of eighty acres of land in Aastad township, land
which his son, Stengrim, the subject of this sketch, had pre-empted at an
earlier time, it being what was known as "double-priced" land. Some time
later Hans S. Bergerud was married, secondly, to Mary Olson, who was
born in Norway, and who came to this country about the same time as Mr
Bergerud. Hans S. Bergerud suffered the loss of his second wife in death
after some time and then went to live with his son. Christian, dying at that
place. Hans S. and Martha (Kupsing) Bergerud were the parents of the
following children : Gunell. Thorston, Stengrim. Erik, Christian and Chris-
topher. To the marriage of Hans and Mary f Olson) Bergerud were born
four children, as follow: Martin, Olena, Andrena and Gunell.
Strengrim Hansen, the subject of this sketch, received his education in
the public schools of Norway. With his sister, Gunell, and her husband, he
came to America in the year 1861 and went to the state of Iowa, where
tin v located in Winneshiek county, living there tor a short time. Stengrim
Hansen enlisted .-is a volunteer in the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and served with
that regiment for the remainder of the Civil War. after which he continued
as a cavalryman and took part in many of the engagements while clearing
the Indians from the states of North and Smith Dakota. Following his
experience as a soldier, Stengrim Hansen returned to the state of Iowa and
worked as a farmer on eighty acres of land which he owned until the year
1S71. when he sold his land in Towa and came to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Western
('I I I- K 1'AII. COUNTY, MINNESOI \. [69
township, Inter adding, by purchase, one hundred and sixty acres more. On
this land Stengrim Hansen placed many improvements and now lives at
tin- place, engaging in general farming pursuits. Mr. Hansen has also
"free claimed" fifty-five acres adjoining his farm and running along the
lake.
1 luring the year 1869 Stengrim Hansen was married to Mary Olson,
who was horn in Norway and came to America with her parents, who
located in Winneshiek county, Iowa. To the marriage of Stengrim and
Alary Hansen were born the following children: Martha, Ole, Hans,
Gunell, Theodore, Gustav, .Martin. Gilbert and Edward, who died at the age
nf twenty-seven years.
Few men have been mure loyal to their faith and church than has
Stengrim Hansen, who has aided in the construction of three churches of
the Norwegian Lutheran denomination in Western township. As a mem-
ber of his church. Mr. Hansen is esteemed and honored, not only for the
part that he has done for the people of his faith, but on account of his good
and his unselfish life. Stengrim Hansen is no less honored in the town of
Fergus Falls, where the St. Luke's hospital was made possible largely due
tn the efforts am1 sacrifices of this worthy man.
In political life Stengrim Hansen has taken no especial part hut has
preferred to serve his community in other ways, the results of which will
long he to the trood of the localitv and its various life and interests
!\ LR OLSON RULLAND.
One of the prosperous and well-to-do farmers of Otter Tail county
and of Western township, a man who has taken a notable place in the
public life ill" the township, and one who as a result of progressive thought
has done much for the advancement of the community interests, is her
Olson Rulland, who was born in Norway, January [5, 1831, the son of Ole
ami lielga Rulland, who lived ami died in their native land of Norway.
Ivcr Olson Rulland was educated in Norway, where lie lived until
after his marriage. In the year [865 Ik- came to America with his wife ami
settled in the state of Wisconsin, where they lived for about seven years
ami then moved to Western township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where
Mr. Rulland homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, a place on
which he has placed extensive improvements' and where lie now lives. From
time to time her ( ). Rulland added to his original farm until he now is the
Owner of four hundred and six acres of land, all well improved ami in a
high state of cultivation.
During the year [860 her Olson Rulland was married t" Bertha Bred-
eveien, daughter of a well-known farmer of Norway. To the marriage of
IJO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
Iver and Bertha Rulland have been born the following" children: Caroline,
who married Leo Peterson; Toneta and Ida.
Iver Olson Rulland, in the public life of Western township, has served
efficiently and well as treasurer of the school board and has at all times held
himself in readiness to be of any possible service to his community, either in
public office, with its sacrifices, or as a private citizen prepared to throw his
influence and his efforts towards a better and more advanced township and
county.
Iver Olson Rulland is a prominent member of the Norwegian Luth-
eran church, one who is highly respected and appreciated for his work in
the congregation.
HALVOR P. LIGAARD.
Among those hard-working Norsemen who have fought for honor both
in their native land and in the land of their adoption, is Halvor P. Ligaard,
who emigrated to America in 1882 and came direct to Tumuli township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where his cousin. Erik Ingebictson, had a
home. He is the son of 1'eter Halverson and Segri ( Olsdatter ) Ligaard,
both natives of Norway and farmers in that .country, their farm home being
known as "Ligaard." Halvor P. Ligaard was born on March 27, 1859,
and is one of six children born to the union of his parents. The names of
the children follow: Maggie. Thora. Halvor 1'.. Halga. Ann and Segrid.
Segri (Olsdatter 1 Ligaard emigrated to America after the death of her
husband and spent the last fifteen years of her life in this country, with her
children. Her death occurred on April 1, 1910.
Halvor I'. Ligaard became the employee of James Woodward imme-
diately after his arrival in the United States, and remained in his service
for a period of seven years, but at the close of five years had saved the
wherewithal to purchase a farm, lie purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land of Ole Hendricks, which was entirely unimproved, but is, at the
present time, very well improved with substantial buildings and has a barn
seventy-eight by fifty-eight feet in dimensions. Eighty acres has been added
lo the original property, and it is all improved.
The paternal grandparents of Halvor 1'. Ligaard wire Halvor Ligaard
and his wife, natives of Norway, who remained in their native land until
their deaths. The maternal grandparents of Hah or I'. Ligaard were Ole
and Thea 1 Water 1 Olsdatter, also natives Norway, who lived and died in
that country. Ole Olsdatter was horn in the town oi Pipargarden and his
wife. Thea 1 Water 1 Olsdatter, was born in Vetrhus.
Halvor I'. 1 igaard ha- met with some misfortune hut has persevered
in spite of all and now is enjoying the reward of his labors. On June 27,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. XJl
191S1 his barn was destroyed by fire but he immediately replaced it by
another one. The former one was built in August, 1900. The two sisters
of Halvor P. Ligaard, Helga and Segrid, share the comforts of his home,
and all are members of the Rock Prairie Lutheran church. Halvor Asleson
and Ingebriftson, both paternal cousins of Halvor P. Ligaard, were soldiers
in the Civil War and fought bravely for the principles of their adopted
country, Halvor Asleson having died in service. For some years Halvor P.
Ligaard served as a member of the school board and at all times has served
the community to the best of his ability.
THORSTEN P. HEGSETH.
Thorsten P. Hegseth, leading farmer and stock raiser, and prominent
man of business, in Oscar township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was
born in Norway, March 1, 1842, the son of Peter T. and Beret Hegseth,
both of whom were natives of Norway. Peter Hegseth was a farmer of his
native land, an occupation which he followed there, until he came to
America and located in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1866. Peter T.
and Beret Hegseth were the parents of six children.
Thorsten P. Hegseth was educated in the common schools of Norway,
after which he came to America, in 1866, and following his landing at
Quebec, Canada, he located in Olmstad county, Minnesota, where he worked
for about two years and in 1869 came to Otter Tail county and home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 33, Oscar township.
On his land Mr. Hegseth has placed good improvements, and from time to
time this progressive farmer has added to his land until he now owns three
hundred and forty acres of well cultivated land. Thorsten P. Hegseth now
engages in general farming and in the raising of Durham cattle and Poland
China hogs.
During the year 1866, two days before sailing for America, Thorsten
P. Hegseth was married to Mali Evjen, and to this marriage have been born
the following children: Christine, who married P. P. Moen ; Petrina, who
married Peter Fjestad; Peter, who married Inga Iverson ; Nils T.. who
married Betsej Lystad, and Mollie, who is unmarried. T. P. Hegseth and
liis family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
T. 1'. Hegseth is a stockholder of the Carlisle Elevator Company, and
is a stockholder of the Carlisle Bank, of Carlisle. Minnesota, and is a man
who lakes a leading part in all public measures and movements for the
interest of the community.
Mali (Evjen) Hegseth is the daughter of Kristian Evjen and wife,
natives of Norway, where the elder Evjen was a farmer and made his home
during his entire li fe.
1JJ> OTTKR 1AII COl NTTY, MINNESOTA.
I >LE THURNSHELLE.
Thai honesty of purpose ami conscientious service have been the dom-
inant factors in the career of Ole Thurnshelle, a fanner of Tumuli town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is evidenced in the fact that he has
been school treasurer for a period of sixteen years. Ole Thurnshelle is a
native son of Norway and Ins birth occurred on June 25. 1849. He is the
son <if Thurston ami [ngeborg (Gjelum) Thurnshelle, both natives of
Norway, in which country they lived and died. They were the parent- of
rive children. < )le Thurnshelle. being the youngest. The names of these
children are: [ngeborg, Martha. Bertha, Simon and Ole.
Ole Thurnshelle is indebted to the schools of his native land for his
education, which was completed at an early age. In 1870 he emigrated to
America, where he located in Goodhue county, Minnesota, for a period of
three years, after which he purchased a homestead on which he still resides.
This land contained one hundred and sixty acres and was unimproved, but
with thrift and. perseverance, which are the dominant traits of the sons and
daughters of Norway. ( Me Thurnshelle has made all improvements neces-
sary to the proper cultivation of his farm and has added one hundred and
sixty acres to the original quarter section. In 1876 Ole Thurnshelle was
united in marriage to Ellen S. Vangnes, of Norwegian parentage. Six
children have been horn to this union, namely: Severt, Oscar, Emma, Alice.
Mary and Edwin. Ole Thurnshelle and his wife, Ellen S. (Vangnes)
Thurnshelle, are both members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and are
earnest and active in the support of this denomination.
JOHN J. SETHER.
Among the well-known and successful farmers of Oscar township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John J. Sether, who was bom on the old
Setber farm, in Oscar township. Otter Tail county, on March 2. 1871, the
son of John J. and Mary 1 Serum) Sether. natives of Norway. John J.
Sether came to America in i S r »< > and located in Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Oscar
township, and pre-empted forty-live acres in section 34, Oscar township, a
farm which the elder Sether cultivated until 1913, when he retired and
moved to Fillmore comity, Minnesota. Mary, the wife of John J. Sether,
Sr., died on March 5. iNN}. John J. and Mary Sether were the parents of
four children. John. Ole, Lena and Annie. The elder Sether and his wife
were leading members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of Oscar town-
ship.
John I. Sether. the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public
OTTJ-.R TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 173
schools of Oscar township, after which he became a farmer on the home
farm, a place which he has since cultivated. As a farmer, Mr. Sether
makes a specialty of all kinds of live stock, he being especially successful
in the breeding of I 'eland China hogs. John J, Sether has improved his
farm with a modern house, a splendid barn, and he lias equipped his farm
with the most approved and modern machinery and implements.
On June 20, 1901, John J. Sether was married to Ida Skisthad, who
was bum in Fergus Kails township on February 7. 1873, the daughter of
her and Syn'era (Hilestad) Skisthad, well-known people of Otter Tail
conntw Minnesota. To the marriage of John J. and Ida Sether have been
born five children: Ida, Haakon, Sannah, Sigrad and Ingward. Mrs.
John J. Sether's mother died on April 9. 1914. Mr. Sether and his children
are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation in which
John T. Sether is known as one of the most interested and devout workers.
CARL D. HAUGEN.
The task of the biographer is not an easy one in attempting to intelli-
gently present the history of a prominent business man in any community
within the limited space allowed in a volume of this character; therefore,
only a few of the most important events in the life of Carl D. Haugen are
here presented for perusal.
Carl I). Haugen, implement dealer, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county,
was born on October 25, [873, in Rock conntw Minnesota, and is a son of
Xels and Martha (Engebretson") Haugen. He received his early education
at the public schools of Pelican Rapids, and later attended the Lutheran
College at Decorah, fowa, for three years, from 1 88o to the spring of
1893. \fter completing bis education lie engaged in the implement busi-
ness at Pelican Rapids, in partnership with his father, who retired from
active business in [9] 1, the interest of his father being taken by bis brother,
Edward, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Haugen
lb-others, who do a general implement business, handling all kinds of farm
implements and farmers' supplies. Mr. Haugen is an attentive member of
the Norwegian Lutheran church, in the work of which he lakes an active
part, ile is a public-spirited man. and has officiated as town president for
many years: is a member of the town board, member of the school board,
and is vice-presidenl of tin- Firsl National Bank of Pelican Rapids. M<- is
also president of the Pelican Telephone Company.
Xels Haugen, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Hol-
lingdal, Norway, and was united in marriage with Martha Engebretson, a
ty, Wisconsin. When three years of age, he came to
America with bis parents, who located in Rock county, Wisconsin, where
174 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
he grew to manhood. In 1882 he moved to Otter Tail county, finally set-
tling at Pelican Rapids, where he engaged in the implement business, and
bought and sold horses, shipping them in large numbers. In 1911 Mr.
Haugen retired from active business. Politically, he is a stanch Republican,
while his religious sympathies are with the Norwegian Lutheran church,
and he has been actively interested in the advancement of his township. To
Xels and Martha (Engebretson) Haugen have been born three children:
Carl 1).. Christine, who became the wife of Reverend Ovri, and Eddie X.
Carl I). Haugen was united in marriage, in 1901, with Lottie M. Bly-
berg, daughter of ( ). A. E. Blyberg, to which marriage have been born two
children, Edmund B. and Douglas C.
Eddie X. Haugen, brother of the subject of this sketch, was born on
February 7. 1X80. in Rock count)", Wisconsin. His early education was
received at the public schools of Pelican Rapids, and later he attended
school at Fergus balls, completing his education at the Lutheran College at
thai place, after which he took a course at the Minnesota State Agricultural
( ollege. In 191 J he engaged in the implement business with his brother
a- a partner, under the firm name of Haugen Brothers.
Carl 1). Haugen represents twentieth century progressiveness, and in
his well-equipped establishment handles the latest and most approved class
of farm implements, and through his pleasant and agreeable manner of
handling his customers his name is favorably known throughout the county.
ERIC SMITH.
Eric Smith, a native of Sweden, was born on October 27, 1881. and
came with his parents, Olaf and Mary Smith, to the United States in 1883
The family having landed at Castle Garden. New York, came direct to
Otter bail county. Here the father, at tirst. purchased eighty acres of land
and later forty acres more of railroad land. At the time of his retirement
to Fergus Falls, in 1914. he owned five hundred and thirty acres of well-
improved bind. Previous to his retirement he had turned the management
of tlie farm over to his son, Eric.
Olaf Smith ami wife are the parents of six children: Andrew, Ole,
Eric, Mary, Carrie and Anna. Andrew married Amanda Holmgren, who
died some time ago. IK- is now living in Canada. < tie is still single and
lues ,-it home with his parents. The family are members of the Swedish
Baptisl church and take an active interest in its work. Mr. Smith was for
a time school treasurer and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany, he also owns stock in the Creamery Company of Rothsay.
Eric Smith was educated in the common schools of Oscar township
and had one year's work in a business college On September 4. tqio. he
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1J^
and Marion Peterson were united in marriage and they are the parents of
"lie child. Vivian.
In 1910 Eric Smith bought two hundred acres of the home place, he
already owning a one-half interest in forty acres that adjoined. The farm
is well improved and the buildings, most of which were erected by his
father, are kept in excellent repair.
.Mr. Smith is a most successful and progressive farmer, and is held in
high esteem by the people of his home county. He is at present clerk of the
school district.
CHRISTIAN P. SETHRE.
Christian P. Sethre is a native of Norway, having been born in that
country on February 2, 1862. a son of Peter and Gunhild ( Berger) Sethre,
and came to America with his parents in [867. The family, after landing
at Quebec, came directly to Minnesota. The life history of the parents is
more fully set out in the sketch of Hans P. Sethre, presented elsewhere in
this volume.
Christian P. Sethre was reared on his father's farm in Otter Tail
county and received his education in the common schools of that county.
He was married on April 8, 1885. to Lora Thrugstad, who was born in
Fillmore county, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henrik Thrugstad.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sethre the following children have been born : Anna.
Helen, Edna, Harry, Martha. Martin. Carl and Leonard. Anna is married.
.Martin and Martha are twins.
Mr Sethre bought the home place where he now resides in 1881 but
was too young to get the deed for the place at that time. The original
farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but to this has been added
forty acres and he now owns two hundred acres. Most of the farm is
cleared and well improved. The greater part of the improvements have
been placed by Mr. Sethre. The splendid new house was built in 190^, the
large barn, thirty-eight 1>\ eight) feet, was completed in 1010 and the silo
erected in [Qi4-
Mr. Sethre practices general fanning and is an extensive breeder of
Shorthorn cattle and Poland China bugs lie takes the greatest interest in
the development of bis farm and the care of bis stock.
The family are active members of the Lutheran church and take much
interest in its growth and success. Mr. Sethre is a man who enjoys the
confidence and esteem of all who know him. He is progressive and active
in all thai pertains to the home and the community. He is a stockholder in
the Carlisle Rank and in the Farmers Elevator Companv.
J ;0 OTTER TAIL C0UN IV, MINNESOTA.
GUSTAF A. LINDQUIST.
Few men have been more prominent in the official life of Fergus Falls
thaii Gustaf A. Lindquist, who has been a resident of Otter Tail county for
many years and who during the eighties, after having been elected to the
oi treasurer of < >tter Tail county, filled the office for eight years and
ten months. Furthermore, he has held practically all of the municipal offices
within the gift of the people of Fergus Falls and. as long ago as [869,
as the first town clerk of Parker- Prairie immediately after its organ-
ization as a municipality. It would be expected, therefore, that .Mr. Lind-
quist 1- well know to the people of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail count}'.
Not only is he well known, but in bis long and useful life be has commanded
th< esteem and respect of his neighbors and fellow townsmen.
1 kistaf \. i .indquist was born on October 30, [837, in Smoland, situated
in the southern part of Sweden, the son of Jonas and. Kale 4 Nelson) Lind-
quist. With bis brothers. Peter X. and Frank A., he came to America in
August, 1X1.7. and after arriving in America lived for a time at Center
City, ( hii tgo coi nty, .Minnesota, during his first winter in America, work-
ing in a store and attending school, with a view to improving his knowledge
of English. Later he went to Osceola, where he worked in a hotel and
continued bis English schooling. In April. r868, Mr. Lindquist returned
to Sweden and brought hack with him to America his father, mother and
sister, Christine, the latter of whom is now Mrs. Olson, of the state of
California. Both of Mr. Lindquist's parents are now deceased.
Upon his return to America, Gustaf V Lindquist came West to the
St. Croix valley, where he left his parents and. in company with John G.
Nelson, engaged in prospecting land. He finall) settled at Parkers Prairie,
1 >tter Tail county, where he continued farming for fourteen years. In 1881
Mr. Lindquist was elected treasurer of the county and the next year moved
to Fergus balls, filling the office alto-ether eighl years and ten months.
This long tenure in itself is the best proof that can be cited of the efficiency
with which he discharged the duties of this important office and of his
popularity as a public servant. Upon tne expiration of bis term of office,
Mr. Lindquisl purchased a dray line, which he St')] operates.
l'.\ his marriage to Mrs. Johanna (Nelson) I. elder, the daughter of
Swan and Christine (Jenson) Nelson, who was born in Sweden and who
came to America with her parents in 1853, and who has one son. Fred, by
her previous marriage. Mr. T.indi|tiist has had eight children, namely:
\lhert J., who man Hegna and is a merchant in Minneapolis;
• diaries ( ).. who In 1 home; Henry E., who married Alice Vanderlip, of
. Massachusetts, and has on. son, Richard: Walter A., who married
'-
Hi^HHiBSKBflH
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V.
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7.
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UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 77
Edith Atkinson, and has two children, Willard and Aileen; Einilie, who
married John F. McGrath; Helma and Helda (twins), the former of whom
is a teacher at Marshall, Minnesota, and the latter, at Fairbault, Minnesota,
and Edward A., who is a resident of Fergus Falls. Mrs. Lindquist, after
coming to America with her parents in 1853, accompanied them West to the
St. Croix valley, where her father, Swan Nelson, enlisted as a soldier in
the Union army during the great Civil War. During this war he contracted
a fatal disease and did not return from the service.
Mr. and Airs. Lindquist have reared a large and industrious family,
children who are doing well their respective parts in the various com-
munities in which they live and who are performing admirably the duties
of honorable and upright citizens.
The venerable Gustaf A. Lindquist retains a very vivid recollection of
pioneer days in Otter Tail county and his fund of reminiscences relating
to those days prove an inexhaustible source of entertainment for his friends.
He helped to cut the first road from Parkers Prairie to Otter Tail city, the
task requiring a full week, he and his companions being compelled to camp
out in the snow during the time they were thus engaged, and he hauled the
first load of lumber from Otter Tail city to Parkers Prairie, the trip, with
ox teams, requiring three days. Mr. Lindquist acted as a guide to Charles
Peake, the first mail carrier in Otter Tail county, whose route was from
Osakis, on the eastern edge of Douglas county, through Parkers Prairie to
Otter Tail city, then the county seat of this county. The pioneer mail car-
rier'reached Parkers Prairie on July 4, 1870, on his first trip, and on the
next day, started at four o'clock in the morning. Mr. Lindquist started out
tn guide him through the timber, on foot, to Otter Tail city, nearly thirty
miles away, which place was reached shortly after three o'clock in the after-
noon of July 5. There they found five hundred Chippewa Indians round-
ing out a two-days celebration of the Fourth of July, during which they
had l>een having horse race-- and games in the day time and dancing and
drinking at night.
The following bit of reminiscence from the pen of Mr. Lindquist,
copied from the files of the Fergus Falls Journal of thirty vears ago, will
prove of genera] interest to the readers of this history: "Together with
three other residents of Parkers Prairie, I had the worst experience of my
life, on the 8th and Qth of January, 1873, which was by far the mo
and fatal in its effects of am storm of which there is any record in Minne-
sota It is doubtless desirable to place in print such experiences a- historical
data.
"On the morning of the 8th of January, at six o'clock, 1'. ( >. Nelson,
(I 2b)
178 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
John X. Nelson, Peter X. Lindquist and myself, each driving an ox team
and sled loaded with wheat, started from Parkers Prairie for Otter Tail
city, a distance of twenty-five miles, which will he conceded to he a big drive
for oxen in one day. Not a single settler lived on the road. The weather
was calm, cloudy and warm, so that a few rain drops fell about daylight.
I'he snow being middling dee]) and the road hut little traveled, our progress
was slow.
"Shortly before reaching Last Battle Lake two men on foot walked
past lis— also bound for Otter Tail city and while we were feeding mir
teams at the east end of Last Battle Lake. C. P. Smith, who was driving his
ox team, hut without a load, also passed us and with him were John Knight,
then a resident of Parkers Prairie and Otto Buse of Millerville.
"The wind had changed to the northwest and snow began to fall about
ten o'clock and in the afternoon the wind as well as the snowfall, increased
in severity so that by two o'clock it was impossible to see more than a few
rods ahead at any time and it grew cold rapidly.
"When we came to the edge of the prairie in Girard we concluded it
was suicidal to try to go farther and the oxen could not he forced 1m go
against the wind. Resides we had to hunt for the road, as the track was
becoming entirely obliterated. After a short consultation we turned back
into a poplar thicket. we had just passed, behind a low ridge and immediately
went to work preparing to camp out in what proved to he the worst blizzard
before or since known. We first tied our oxen close together in the best
sheltered place we could find and covered them with blankets; then emptying
two sled boxes of their sacks, we raised them on edge in shape of an L. with
the angle pointing toward the northwest to break off the wind as much as
possible. Our next effort was to kindle a fire with dry poplar brush. \s
the cold was rapidly becoming more intense, and the snow was beginning to
fill the .air. we kept up a fire all night. We made coffee and ate our lunch.
taking turns in cutting and dragging brush for tin- fire. The next morning
we decided to try and get home that day if possible. We left our wheal
covered up in the snow, hitched two yokes of oxen t> 1 empty sleds, and with
our camping outfit started for home about nine o'clock in the morning.
One man walked ahead all the time to look for the road and avoid drifts.
Every half hour he would be relieved and would crawl into the sled and
cover up with blankets. In this way each took his share of the hardships
and none of
is became entirely exhausted. \t times we encountered
impassable snov
^drifts. Thus we worked all day and succeeded in reaching
home about dai
•k on the oth. very much tired out. The greatest care had
to be taken tha
1 no one should fall asleep, as with the intense cold and our
tired condition
it would have proved our last sleep.
OTTEK TAIL COUXIV, MINNESOTA. J "Q
".Meantime, Smith, Knight and Buse succeeded in reaching a grove on
the 1 tanks of a creek near Gourd lake in Girard town where they passed a
wretched night in camp and readied Otter Tail lake next day after receiv-
ing assistance from a couple of farmers living a mile or two south of Otter
Tail. Smith and his oxen could go no further, and Knight and Buse reached
the houses of these settlers, who at once went to Smith's relief.
"The five men who had passed us on the 8th reached Otter Tail, anil
nothing was heard of us on the 9th or 10th. They supposed that our party
had perished and we were counted among the great numher that were lost
in that memorable storm, and such a statement was telegraphed to St. I 'auk
Parties who traveled on foot from Otter Tail to Parkers Prairie two days
after the storm was over, looked carefully by the way tor signs of us. and
they expected to find four men and teams stiff and half covered with snow.
They found our camping place where one or two acres was completely cleared
of brush and poplar trees. All our tracks were completely covered by the
hard packed snow. \t is needless to say that when they found us all at
home and well, their gloomy forebodings were changed to rejoicing."
OLE T. LYSTAD.
Ole J. Lystad, a native of Norway, having been born in that country
011 July 6, 1848. is the son of John and Alma (Torpit) Lystad, both of
whom were natives of Norway. The grandfather of Ole J. Lystad, Ole
Lystad, was a farmer in the native country, and here he lived and died.
The parents of Ole J. never ventured to found a new home in America
but lived their life in Norway, where the father died in 1864 and the mother
in [873. The father was a fanner but had devoted a part of his life as a
soldier in the wars of his country. They were the parents of three children
Ole, Frederick, deceased, and Betsy, who still resides in Norway.
Ole J. Lystad received his education in the school of his native country
and came to the United States as a young man and unmarried, in 187-'.
He landed at New York City and traveled direct to Red Wing. Minnesota,
where he remained six months, working on a farm. Locating in Fergus
Falls, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on which a part
of the town of Carlisle is now situated. This land he sold after a short
time ami in [883 bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 28, Oscar
township, where lie now resides, and where be owns two hundred and fifty
acres.
In [886 he built a new bouse, which he rebuilt and modernized in
1805. He built his large and well-arranged barn in [892. Mr. Lystad does
general farming and raises much stock, although he is not interested in
developing the registered animals his stock is all high grade. He is tin
l8o OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
owner of stock in the elevator at Carlisle and takes an active interest in its
growth.
In 1880 Ole J. Lystad was united in marriage to Mathea Amundson-
berg, and to this union were born three children, Betsy, Julius and Henry.
Bets\ and Julius are married and have established homes of their own.
The family are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they
take great interest.
HANS P. SETHRE.
Hans P. Sethre, a native of Norway, was born on October 30, 1848,
the son of Peter and Gunhild ( Berger) Sethre. The grandfather. Hans
Sethre, and the great-grandfather, Elias Sethre, as well as the great-great-
grandfather. Andres Sethre, were all tillers of the soil in their native country.
The grandfather also owned and operated a freight boat on Lake Mjosen.
The families were all active and devout members of the Lutheran church.
Peter Sethre received his education in his native country. He was a
fanner and assisted his father in the operation of his freight boat on Lake
Mjosen. In 1867, with his family, he came to America on a sailing vessel
and after a voyage lasting from April 1 1 to May 2Q. they landed at Quebec.
They moved at once to Fillmore county. Minnesota, making the long journey
by railroad, steam boat and with horses. They remained there for two
years, the father working on a farm as a farm hand, and as a day laborer.
On May 2q, 1S69. they left their home of two years and made the journey
of four hundred miles to Otter Tail county, arriving at their destination
on Tune 22, of the same year. Here they homesteaded one hundred and
sixtv acres of land in section 35, Oscar township. Here the father died in
1887, the mother having died in June. 1884. They were the parents of the
following children : Hans ['.. Ole (deceased), Julia. Martina (deceased),
Christian. Maren and Olef.
Hans P. Sethre received his education in the common schools of Nor-
way and four months in Fillmore county. As a boy he worked on the farm
and when he came to Minnesota he freighted west from Morris, going as
far as Pembina on the north. lie came to America with his parents. Mr.
and Mrs. Hans P. Sethre were the parents of the following children: Mary,
Lora, Peter and Olga, all of whom are married. Hans 1'. Sethre home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 35, Oscar township,
this county, and here he made his home until the spring of mi 5 when he
1 ed to Fergus halls where he lives a retired life. In mt4 he returned
to Norway to visit relatives and friends. Mr. Sethre had added to his
homestead farm until he had four hundred acres. The greater pari of his
land he has sold to his children, I'etcr owning the home place of two bun-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. l8l
dred and forty acres. The land was all developed and improved by Mr.
Sethre, the house being built in 1882 and the barn, a structure fifty-two by
seventy-six feet, was erected in 1903. He owns a fine home in Fergus
Falls in which he now lives.
Mr. Sethre has had an active life full of successful efforts and good
deeds. He has served as chairman and treasurer of the board of super-
visors of his township, clerk of the school district for twenty years, secre-
tary of the Lutheran church for years, and was Federal census enumerator
for his district in two successive decades. He is a stockholder in the Scandia
State Bank at Fergus Falls and in the bank at Carlisle also in the Otter Tail
Power Company and the Woolen mills.
LARS L. ONSUM.
Living in retirement at Pelican Rapids, the gentleman whose successful
history is here briefly presented is enjoying the result of his years of indus-
try and eifort in the agricultural and commercial world. He has for years
been greatly interested in the advancement of the community in which he
has lived, and the enthusiasm aroused by his activities has continued as a
factor in the prosperous town of Pelican Rapids.
Lars L. Onsum, retired farmer, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was
born on June 26, 1847, m Norway, and is a son of Lars Targersen Onsum,
and his wife, Kjerste (Aasen) Onsum. His education was received at the
public schools of his native land, after which he remained under the parental
roof until 1869, when he came to America, stopping about two and a half
years in Fillmore county, Minnesota. In March, 1872, he came to Otter
Tail county, locating in Pelican township, where he bought one hundred and
sixty acres, two miles northwest of Pelican Rapids, on which he put all the
improvements. After thoroughly establishing himself in his agricultural
pursuits, Mr. Onsum opened a furniture store at Pelican Rapids, which he
operated in connection with his farm, until 1895, when he left the farm
and moved his family to Pelican Rapids, where he has since resided. About
[898 he sold his furniture store and in 1899 started a drug store, which he
conducted until 1903. when he sold out to his partner and retired from an
active business life. Air. Onsum now owns two hundred acres of fine farm
land in Pelican township. Politically, he has always given his support t<>
the Republican party, in the local politics of which he has taken an active
part, serving m the town council for two years, lie is a member of the
Norwegian Lutheran church, to which he contributes liberally.
Lars Targersen Onsum. father of the subject of this sketch, was born
in Norway, as was also his wife, Kjerste (Aason) Onsum. Mr. Onsum
died before Lars L. was born. This union was blest with seven children.
IOJ UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
After the deatli of her husband, Airs. Onsum was again married, and became
the mother of two children by her second husband.
Lars L. Onsum was united in marriage, in 1887, with Karen Onsum,
to which union four children have been born: Clara, Laura. Matilda and
Leopold.
.Mr. Onsum is justly popular in bis home community, where he not
only has the happy faculty of winning friends, but holding them by his
sterling qualities.
[ENS A. STORTROEN.
Probably none of the leading citizens of the town of Dalton, in Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, have taken a more honored or more conspicuous
place in the public life and general affairs of the community, than has Jens
\. Stortroen, who, as a prominent office holder, an enterprising merchant
and a citizen who has had a part in the establishment and the incorporation
of the town of Dalton, has won a place of permanence in the records and
history of the community.
Jens A. Stortroen was born in Martill, Wisconsin, on July 8, [862,
the son of Andres and Segre 1 Bjerken) Stortroen, both of whom were born
m Norway, the lather coming to America alone, and the mother coming to
this country with her parents. Andres Stortroen was the son of Jens ami
Ingeborg Stortroen, who were natives of Norway and lived in that country,
where Jens Stortroen was a farmer, during their entire lives. Segre Rjerken
is the daughter of Paul and Segre Bjerken, who were born in Norway,
came to America in the year 1856, and located in the state of Wisconsin,
where Paul Bjerken was a farmer, and where they both spent their last
days.
Andres Stortroen. father of the subject of this sketch., was educated
in the public schools of Norway, afterward coming in the year 1850, to
America, where he located in the state of Wisconsin ami bought eighty
acres of land on which he lived until the year [883, when be moved to the
state of Minnesota ami purchased two hundred acres of land in Aastad town-
ship, this county, where be lived until the year 10,00, at that time retiring
ami living a quiet life, until his death during the year igo6. Segre. the
widow of Andres Stortroen, is now a resident of Fergus Falls, where she
lives with her children.
Jens A Stortroen was educated in the public schools of Wisconsin.
after which be farmed with bis father and then bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land in \.astad township, (liter Tail county, Minnesota, where
he engaged in general farming until the year 1807. when he moved t" the
of Dalton, Minnesota, and there entered the business as an implement
OTTl'.R TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 83
merchant for two years, after which time Jens A. Stortroen and John
Rovang established a general merchandise store, a business in which Mr.
Stortroen was engaged for some time and then he sold his interest to his
associate. After this Jens A. Stortroen became a wheat buyer for some
time and for the next ten years he was a lumber salesman, the last three of
these ten years, this enterprising citizen also conducting a general merchan-
dise store. During the year 1905, Jens A. Stortroen purchased the gen-
eral store of John Rovang, and in 1913 Mr. Stortroen secured the store
where he is now located and where he is prosperously engaged as a general
merchant.
In the year r.Sor Jen- V Stortroen was married to Sirianna Hansel,
who was horn in Tumuli township, this county, and to this marriage were
born the following children: Andres. Albert, Regna, Selma, Eliza, Mar-
ville. Esther and Edwin, who is deceased.
Jens A. Stortroen has served his township in public office for many
years, he having been the occupant of practically all the offices within the
gift of the people. In the office as chairman of the township board Mr.
Stortroen did many things for the progress and welfare of the community
and its life, making an enviable record while serving in this capacity. One
of the most notable of the public works of Jens A. Stortroen was Ins effort
and his aid in the incorporation of the town of Dalton, Minnesota, during
the year 11)07.
Jens A. Stortroen and his family are members of the Norwegian
1 utheran church, his work and his aid in support of the efforts and prin-
ciples of this church being well known in the congregation.
STEFFEN A. HAUGER.
Steffeii A. Hauger was bom in Norway on July 8, 1858, the son of
Andrew and Anna (Hanson) Steffenson, both of whom were natives of
the country. The grandfather, Steffen Anderson, was a farmer and owned
his own farm.
\ndrew Steffenson received his education in Norway and there grew
to manhood, was married and lived the life of a farmer till he came with
his family to the United States in iSNj. They landed at Xew York and
came at once to Rothsay, where the father lives a retired life with his Son.
S. A. Hanger, the mother having been killed on June 22, [887, by lightning
that struck the In. use. They were the parents of the following children:
Steffen A . Hilda and Hans, who was drowned in Norway.
Steffen \. Hanger was educated in the common schools "i hi- native
country, where lie lived until he was twenty-four years of age, when he
came tn America with his parents. He was married in 1887 to Martha
184 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Henderson, who was also born in Norway. They are the parents of the
following children: Andrew, Hannah, Marvin, Agnes, Dovre, Elmer.
Mabel and Clifford. Hannah is the wife of Oswald Haugen and they live-
in Montana. Andrew and Marvin are homesteading in Canada.
In 1800 Mr. Hauger purchased the one hundred and sixty acre farm.
where he now lives, in Oscar township. He also owns twenty acres in
Elizabeth township. The splendid barn was built in 1006. the house having
been erected some years before, but since rebuilt.
Mr. Hauger practices general farming and is a breeder of Shorthorn
cattle and Poland China hogs. He owns stock in the Farmers Elevator
Company at Rothsay. Resides his duties as a farmer and stock raiser. Mr.
Hauger has been road overseer for the past fourteen years.
ANDREW SWA'NSON.
In the list of mason contractors, the name of Andrew Swanson occu-
pies a place as one skilled in his vocation and in which he has become
prominently successful. Air. Swanson has always possessed that inborn
love of the rural district, and in connection with his trade, has acquired a
splendid tract of land, consisting of one hundred and sixtv acres, and which
was originally the old Swanson homestead.
Andrew Swanson. mason contractor, Alexandria. Minnesota, was born
in October. 1863. in Sweden, and is the son of Carl and Christina (Ander-
son) Swanson. \t the age of three years he came to America with his
parents, and his education was received at the public schools of Parkers
Prairie township. As a young man he began farming on the old home
place. In 19O] he became the
one hundred and sixty acres.
where he bought a house, folio
gives his support to the Repn
with the Owl lodge.
( 'arl and Christina 1 Midi,
where they followed farming,
once in Parkers Prairie towr
they were the oldest of the pi<
hundred and sixty acres, on wf
Mr. Swanson retired ami move
and Christina ( Anderson - Sw;
Mary. Andrew. Emma, Mnaii.
died in 1901.
Mr. Swans, mi ha- ne\ er n
his parents while they lived, an
.■ owner of tl
le
old home
stead, consistin
g of
In r899 Mr.
Swanson 111
oved to Alexan
dria,
iwing his trac
le ;,
is a vocal
10,,. Political^
f, lu-
lblican party.
«
hile In-
fraternal allian.
re i s
■rson 1 Swans
-on
were bo
th born in Sw<
■den.
They came
to
America
in [868, scttlir
ig at
iship. Otter
Ta
il county,
Minnesota, w
here
1 nicer settlers,
ta
king up
a homestead of
one
lich they put
all
the impn
w Clients. In 1
899,
:d to MexaiK
Iria
The cl
lildren born to
Carl
anson were:
CI
lristina, 1
•".lien, Svin, \u
-list.
da and \nna
Carl and
Christina Swa
llsOll
larried, havin
g 1
in.l the Ci
ire of looking ;
ifter
id with his own
busy life,
has taken but
little
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. l8$
opportunity for his individual pleasure. His support is given to every
movement in the direction of material benefit to his community, where he
is highly esteemed.
GUNDER REIERSON.
Among- those men of the town of Dalton, Minnesota, who have made
for themselves a position of prominence in the community, as a result of
their success, not only in business, but in the public life of the office holder,
men who have given of their time and their abilities for the general good
of the locality and who as the result of long and good lives have secured
the esteem and respect of their fellow citizens and associates, is Gunder
Reierson, who was born in Norway, on November 9, 1854, the son of Reier
and Ella (Brotten) Elingson. both of whom were natives of Norway, who
lived in that country until the year 1861, when they came to America and
settled in Spring Grove, Minnesota, where they lived the remainder of their
lives, on a farm which they bought on reaching that locality. Reier and
Ella Elingson were the parents of the following children: Eling, Bertha,
Anna, Gunder and Clement.
Gunder Reierson was educated in the common schools and in the high
school of Decorah, Iowa, after which he was a salesman in a store for three
or four years. In the year 1877 he established a general store under the
name and, partnership of Haugen & Reierson, where he remained for about
four years and then sold out to his partner, and came to the town of Dalton,
Minnesota, and purchased an interest in the store and firm known as Olson
& Burg, Mr. Reierson acquiring the share of Mr. Burg, and the company
assuming the firm name of Olson & Reierson. Although the interests in
.this firm changed hands a number of times. Gunder Reierson remained in
the business until he is now the oldest merchant, in point of service, in the
community.
During the year 1875, Gunder Reierson was married to Lena Nelson,
who was born in the state of Wisconsin and to this marriage were born
five children, Ella and Benjamin and three children who are deceased.
Gunder Reierson, in public office, has served his township well as clerk
of the school district, an office which he has occupied for more than twenty
years, and as township clerk this worthy citizen made a good and satis-
factory official. During the terms of office of Presidents Harrison and
Cleveland, (hinder Reierson was the efficient and capable postmaster ol th<
town <>f Dalton, Minnesota.
Gunder Reierson and his wife are faithful and devoted members of
the Norwegian Lutheran church at Dalton, a congregation in which they arc
highlv respected, as they are throughout the township and county.
IOO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
JACOB O. HATLING.
Vmong those men who have been successful merchants in the county,
ami who have now retired to the more quiet walks of life, men who in the
past have served notably in official life and who as the result of unselfish
life and an interest in the welfare of the locality have won an honored place
in the ranks of local citizenship, is Jacob O. Hatling, who was horn in Nor-
way, on December 17. [851, the sun of Tarl and [nger ( Huse ) Olson, both
of whom were born in Norway, where they lived until the year [865, and
then came to America, locating about ten miles south of tin- town of Decorah,
Iowa, where Tarl Olson worked as a farm helper, until the year 1867. when
on July 31. with a number of families which made an ox wagon train of
twenty wagons, they moved to the state of Minnesota and settled in St.
Olaf township, of (titer Tail county. Here .Mr. Olson engaged in farming
as ,1 squatter, until the land of this locality was surveyed by United States
government officials, and then he homesteaded a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres where he lived for some time and then -old his land and moved
to the town of Dalton, Minnesota, there establishing, about the year [879,
a general -tore in which business he continued until he retired from active
life; the first six months of his business career he being in partnership with
K. II. Brandvold, then a prominent business man of (titer Tail county.
Tarl and Fnger Olson were the parents of three children, who grew to
maturity. J. Q. Hatling, the subject of this -ketch. Ole Rambeck and Henry
\nton. Tarl Olson was one of the well-known men of Dalton and the
community, a man who took an interest in public affairs and one who. as a
member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, was appreciated for his good
life ami for hi- support of the efforts of this congregation.
Jacob 0. Hatling, the subject of this sketch, received his education in
the schools of \orwa\ and for a short time attended classes in the public
schools of this country, after which he was engaged as a farmer for some
vears, in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, where he was the owner of
a farm of one hundred and sixt) acres, which he cultivated until the year
r886. when he disposed of his land and associated himself in business with
his father as a general merchant. Later, with his father and Peter Strom-
stad, Jacob ( ). Hatling purchased a stock of hardware, and this linn con-
tinued in business for some time when Mr. Stromstad retired and his inter-
est was acquired by J- ( *. Hatling and his father, the senior member of the
company. After a period of enterprising business. Mr. Hatling and his
father enlarged the scope of their business activity b} the erection of a new
addition to their original store, a room in which they engaged as hardware
dealers, for some years and then Tarl Olson retired from business, and a
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 187
brother of Jacob O. Hatling entered the firm, the brother operating the gen-
eral merchandise store and J. 0. continuing in the conduct of the hardware
stock until the year [907, when lie sold bis share and retired to the town of
Dalton, where he now lives.
On June 28, 1871. Jacob O. Hatling was married to Gusta Meldahl,
who was born in Norway, later corning to America with her parents. To
the marriage of Jacob and Gusta Hatling were born the following children:
Ole, Lewis, Emma, George, Noble, Julia, May and Arthur.
Jacob O. Hatling has been a conspicuous figure in the public life of
Dalton and of Tumuli township, he having served the community in nearly
every township office, his first office being that of township clerk, to which
he was elected when twenty-one years of age. In all matters for the pro-
motion or advancement of conditions in Otter Tail county. J. O. Hatling
is a leader, the results of whose efforts is a better and more prosperous
locality.
SPENCER FOLKEDAL.
few citizens of Dalton and of Otter Tail county have been more prom-
inently connected, or have been honored by the people of the locality in
more ways than lias Spencer Folkedal, the well-known and popular post-
master of Dalton. Minnesota. A man of thorough culture, a citizen of
unusual intellectual attainments and achievements, and one who with broad
and valued experience in life has proved to be a notable and appreciated
addition to the life and activities in the business and public circles of Otter
Fail county. Minnesota, no review of lite or events in the count) would
lie complete without reference' 1" the works and accomplishments of this
man.
Spencer Folkedal was born in Medo, Blue Earth county. Minnesota,
on August jo. 1N75. die son of 1.. S. and Mattie (Munden) folkedal. both
of whom were born in Norway, wdiere they lived until the year 1854. when
L. S. Folkedal came to America and located in Combridge township, Dane
county, Wisconsin where lie worked on a farm ami 111 a pinery. In 1859
1.. S. Folkedal Marled for the Pacific ("oast with a party of gold seekers,
The) went as far as the Pike's Peak region, Colorado, and at thai time
Denver was only a village. Not being pleased with the outlook for gold
mining the prospectors returned to Wisconsin. Later Mr. Folkedal moved
to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where lie remained for a short time, and in
the year 1N7.1 he came t < > Minnesota, :n<t\ located mi Medo township, Blue
Earth county, where he bought a farm of eighty acres of land on which he
lived for twenty-four years, acquiring during that time two hundred acres,
which he improved and cultivated.
IOO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
After this time L. S. Folkedal moved to Otter Tail county, and bought
one hundred acres of land in Tumuli township, where he lived for some
years and then retired to the town of Dalton, where he now lives.
L. S. Folkedal was married to Mattie Munden, daughter of Gitle
Munden and wife who were natives of Norway, in which country they died.
Spencer Folkedal was educated in the common schools of Blue Earth
county and at 1 'ark Region College, after which he engaged for about five
years in the profession of a newspaper man at Fergus Falls, later becoming
a farmer on his father's place for about four years and then, in the year
1905, he moved to the town of Dalton, Minnesota, and established himself
in business as a dealer in farm implements, which business he now follows.
On .March 4, [914, Spencer Folkedal was honored by his appointment to the
office of postmaster of Dalton, Minnesota, an office which he is now serving
with dignity and with recognized ability. Tn public life Mr. Folkedal has
been a prominent figure, he having been elected to the office of township
clerk where he served two years and for three years he was school treasurer.
In political affiliation Spencer Folkedal is of the Democratic party.
On June 15, 1903, Spencer Folkedal was married to Anna Torgerson
and to this marriage were born two children, Julian and Adrian.
KNUTE STENERSON.
An opportunity is here afforded for the perusal of the record of one
of the prominent and influential business men of Pelican Rapids. Mr.
Stenerson enjoys distinctive prestige as having achieved wealth, without
even a dollar at the start as a working basis.
Knute Stenerson. lumberman, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was
born cm February iq, 1862. in Norway. Tie was educated in the public
schools of Norway, emigrating to Wisconsin in 1887, where he spent one
year. In 1888 he came to Pelican Rapids. Otter Tail county, and for the
first two years worked as a day laborer. Tn 1890 he engaged in the lumber
business with his brothers, four of whom came to America. Tn [913,
Guncler and Knute bought out the elder brother, and now handle all kinds
of building supplies, under the firm name of Stenerson Brothers T.um1>er
Company, the lm>ihcr- owning the controlling stock in the company, as well
as four other yards. Politically, Mr. Stenerson is a stanch Republican,
while religiously, he belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church, and is an
all around, wide-awake business man. lie owns considerable stock in the
hirst National Bank of Pelican Rapids, and is vice-president and director
in the \rhard State Bank.
Ingeinunt Stenerson. father of the subjeel of this sketch, was horn in
Norwav, as was also his wife. Tie was a saving, industrious fanner, and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 Si j
lived and died in Norway, where he reared his family of seven children,
four of whom came to America.
Knute Stenerson was united in marriage, in 1893, with Lina Stein.
The}- have an adopted daughter, Mollie, who became the wife of Carl
Clausen.
Mr. Stenerson has long enjoyed the undivided respect of a large circle
of sincere friends and acquaintances in Otter Tail county, and as one of
the prosperous and representative men of his town, merits representation
in a history of the county.
CHRISTIAN C. KNUDSON.
One of the best-known farmers of Otter Tail county and of Aastad
township, a man who has been peculiarly successful as a farmer, and one
who as a citizen has so conducted himself as to win the respect and esteem
of the community is Christian C. Knudson. Public spirited, far seeing, and
of nature and training to soon become an important part of the locality
of his residence, he has proved to be one of those men without whom the
county and township would be less advanced and less progressive.
Christian C. Knudson was born in Norway, February 15. 1869, the son
of Christian and Engebor (Ostrus) Knudson, who were born in Norway
and lived in that country until the year 1872, when they came to America
and located in Webster county, Iowa, where they rented a farm on which
they lived for some time and then bought the place where they made their
home for the next eighteen years. Later they moved to Palo Alto county,
Iowa, where Christian Knudson, Sr., purchased three hundred and twenty
acres of land which he now owns, though he and his wife live in retirement
at the town of Emmittsburg, Palo Alto county, Iowa. To the marriage
of Christian and Engebor Knudson were born the following children:
Christian, the subject of this sketch: Anna, Carrie, Thomas, Carl, Herbert.
Hannah, Oscar, Ida, Emma and F.lmer.
Christian Knudson, father of the subject of this sketch, is the son of
Kiuult and Ann Moon, who wire natives of Norway, a country where Knudt
Mm, hi -pent his entire life. After his death his wife, Ann, came to America
with a si .11, some time after Christian Knudson. Sr.. had emigrated to this
country. On reaching America Ann Moon, with her sun, loe.iti.-il in Web-
ster county, Iowa, where she died some time later.
Engebor Knudson, mother of the subject of this sketch, is the daugh-
ter of Tolev and Christian < )strus, both of whom were born in Norway, in
which country thej made their home until the year 1877, when the) came
to America and settled in Webster county. Iowa, where Tolev Ostrus was
engaged in general farming until his death. Christina Ostrus, following
]()() OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the death of her husband, went to the state of Smith Dakota, in which state
she died.
Christian Knudson, father of the subject of this sketch, was married to
Christina Ostrus, who was the mother of one son, Knud. who died at the
age of twenty-four years, while a resident of the state of Michigan. Shortly
following the birth of her son, Christina (Ostrus) Knudson died, and after
some time Christian Knudson was married to a sister of his deceased wife.
Christian C. Knudson was educated in the public schools of Webster
county, Iowa, after which he farmed for one year in that locality and then
went tn Palo \ltn county, Iowa, where he rented a farm until the year
[912, at which time he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land in
Aastad township, a place where he has since lived.
< )ii April 22, [896, Christian C. Knudson was married to Jennie Jacob-
son, who was horn in Marshall county, Iowa, October 14, [879, the daugh-
ter of Serenius H. Tacobson and wife, who were natives of Norway. To
the marriage of Christian and Jennie Knudson were horn the following
children: Clarence. Silas, (lava, Cornelia, Charlotte. Alice, Kilridge, Thresa,
( Tester and Hjelrner.
Christian C. Knudson is a member of the Lutheran church, in which
congregation he takes an active part in the work and where he is among the
most .appreciated communicants.
In all works or movements for the general welfare of the tanner, or
for the various walks of life in Otter Tail county. Christian C. Knudson
is a force in the direction of progress and is one of the important elements
of citizenship in the community.
AM CXI) JOHNSON.
One of the most successful farmers and a heavy landowner of Otter
Tail county, a man who from a modest beginning has grown to be prominent
m the ranks of agricultural life and a man who as a citizen has taken no
small pari in the advancement of the community and the development of it-
resources, is Amund Johnson, the subject of this sketch, who was born 111
Norway, October 11. 1859, the son of John Gunderson and Ingeborg
(Runigenj Ler, both of whom were natives of Norway.
Following his marriage in the land of his birth. John Gunderson with
his wife, during the year [868, came to America, and located at Jefferson
Prairie, Wisconsin, where he was engaged as a farmer for the remainder of
his life. His wife. Ingeborg, survives her husband and now lives near the
<it\ of Milwaukee. Wisconsin. To the marriage of John Gunderson and
hi- wife [ngeborg, were born the following children: (hinder, who lives
in the Mate of South Dakota: Amund. the subject of this sketch: Martin.
OTTER I All, ( OUNTY, Ml \ NESOl \. I()r
who lives in Grant county, Minnesota, and Guilder, who lives near .Mil-
waukee. Wisconsin.
Amund Johnson was educated in the public schools of the state oi
Wisconsin, after which he winked for some time at general farm work, and
then he went to Pelican Lake. Grant county, .Minnesota, about the year [877,
working on the farms of that region for the greater part of two years, and
then he went to the state of South Dakota, and pre-empted land, which
after two years he sold and moved to Ashby, Grant county. Minnesota,
where he farmed for three years, and followed the butcher business at the
town of Ashby for six years.
During the year 1892, Amund Johnson bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Aastad township, a place which on taking possession he
found uncleared and unbroken, but which this progressive farmer soon con-
verted into a modern farm with good buildings, and which now is in a high
state of cultivation. Mr. Johnson now owns four hundred acres of first-
class land in Otter Tail count), all of which is well cared for and improved
with necessary buildings and equipment.
Amund Johnson, during the year 1882, was married to Lena Johnson
who is the daughter of Lage Johnson and wife, natives of Norway. To
the marriage of Amund and Lena Johnson have been born the following
children : Lage, Gerhard, Nora and Myrtle.
Amund Johnson has been a good citizen of Otter Tail county, serving
his township at one time on the township board and at all times being will-
ing to aid in all moves for the advancement of local interests. In religious
affiliation \mund Tohnson and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
ANDREW PETERSON.
skc
It has been truly said that "It is not by sleeping, but by working, wak-
g and laboring continually, that proficiency is attained and reputation
quired." Were this test to be applied to him whose life record is brief!)
led here, lie might be considered an exemplification for the statement,
for from hi- early manhood, ambition, industry and honesty have been
marked characteristics. \ndrew Peterson, for thirty-three years, a rest
dent of Pelican Rapids, is a native of Sweden, having been born there on
September 22, [853. lie is the son of Peter and Christine (Haugland)
Arinson, both of whom were born in Sweden, where they spent their entire
lives, Mr. Peterson operated a foundry. Their children were ten in num-
ber, three of whom are dead, and one of these was named Sabina. The
others are Orin, Eva, John. Aleas, Eric, Carl and Andrew.
Andrew attended school 111 Sweden and also became proficient there
in the carpenter's trade. In \pril. r88o, be immigrated to America and
192 OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
followed his trade first in Ishpeming, Michigan. He later followed the
same trade in Chicago, Wisconsin and Fergus Falls. From the latter place
he removed to Pelican Rapids in [882. As the railroad was then in con-
struction he rode only as far as its terminus and was compelled to walk the
rest of the way, a distance of two miles. Here he was a carpenter for many
years, in fact until he went into the furniture and undertaking business
about the year [895. lie has succeded in this undertaking and today is well
known in his present line of work.
Rockel Norhan became Mrs. Andrew Peterson in [888. Although a
native of Norway, she was then living in Pelican Rapids with her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Ole Norhan, who afterward took up a homestead claim in
North Dakota. The children horn of this union are five in number, namely:
Inger Christinia, Oscar P., Alma Christinia. Carl Johan and Ruth Meria.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are devoted members of the Lutheran church, to
which they have been generous both with their time and means.
With faith in himself and in the universal good, Mr. Peterson has
made his life one of influence and usefulness, and has had the reward of
knowing that he has made many warm friends in this locality.
WILLIAM LINCOLN.
The Lincoln family have been prominent in the official life of Otter
Tail county for more than a quarter of a century. William Lincoln, the
well-known auditor of Otter Tail county, who succeeded his father to this
office, not only is well known in the political life of the county, but is a
highly respected citizen in private circles.
William Lincoln is a native of Albert Lee, Minnesota, where he was
born on May 23, 1 S77. a son of William C. and Elizabeth (Gates) Lincoln,
the former of whom was engaged in the mercantile business for some time,
and later in clerical work. He served seventeen years as a deputy in vari-
ous county office-, and was nine years auditor of Otter Tail county.
In the spring of [882 the Lincoln I'aniiK removed to Fergus Fails, and
it was there that William Lincoln received his early education. He was
graduated from the Fergus Falls high school, after which he was employed
on Wheelock's Weekly for three years. He then became a clerk in the
office of the count) auditor, under his father, William C. Lincoln, and on
February 29, [908, was appointed county auditor to fill out the unexpired
term of his father, whose untimely death occurred in that month. In the
fall of 1908, .Mr. Lincoln was triumphantly elected to the office which his
lather had so capably filled, and to which he had succeeded after his father's
death, lie was again elected in [910, and was re-elected in [912 and in
mi l, Altogether lie has filled the office of count}' auditor a little more than
WII.I.IAM C. LINCOLN.
WII.i.ia.M LINCOLN.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I93
eight years, and has given to the people of Otter Tail county not only con-
scientious, but efficient service.
In 1903 William Lincoln was married to Perle Czeskleba, and to this
union have ben born four children, Mildred, William C, Helen Leone and
Donald.
JOHN ERIKSON.
On that roll of honored citizens, the memory of whom the people of
Otter Tail county delight in perpetuating, is the name of John Erikson,
who as a good citizen in the community in the more commonplace life, as
well as having been a valued citizen of the nation, who in the days of the
great Rebellion served through the perils of the most severe days of the
most extensive campaigns, has won for himself a place in the hearts of his
countrymen that will not soon be effaced. Successful as a farmer, efficient
in business, public spirited as a citizen and forceful of personality as a man,
his death was a distinct loss to the county.
John Erikson was born in Norway. November 14, 1843, tne son °f
Erik and Berit ("Johnson) Helgeson, who were natives of Norway, where
they lived until the war 1852, when they came to America and located in
Racine county, Wisconsin, where they lived for some time and then went to
Goodhue count}-. Minnesota, where Erik Helgeson bought eighty acres of
land, on which he put extensive improvements, and where he lived for the
remainder of his life. Erik and Berit (Johnson) Helgeson were the parents
of seven children.
John Erikson was educated in the public schools of the state of Wis-
consin and Minnesota, after which he worked for some time at general farm
employment. During the year 1865 John Erikson enlisted for service with
Company E, Eleventh Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in thej
( 'nil War, serving until the close of the war, during which time he was a
sufferer with typhoid fever contracted while on duty.
Some time after leaving the service of his country John Erikson came
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Aastad township, establishing a home here, where
he lived for the remainder of his life. After improving his original farm
until it was in first-class condition, John Erikson, added by purchase forty
acres adjoining and at another time bought thirty-eight acres of timber
land, nn all of which that enterprising farmer placed a number of improve-
ments.
( )n October 10, [868, John Erikson was married to Berit Boeye, who
was a native of Norway, the daughter of Boeye Almunson and Berh < )stend-
I r3b)
IQ4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
son, who came to America in the year 1864, going to the state of Iowa,
where they remained two weeks and then coming to the state of Minnesota,
where they established a home in Goodhue county, where they lived for the
remainder of their lives, lierit, the wife of John Erikson, is one of four
children. To the marriage of John and Berit Erikson were horn the fol-
lowing children: Erik. Osten, Henry. Berit, John, Berner and Anna. Of
these children, Henry lives on the home farm.
John Erikson was a faithful and devout memher of the Norwegian
Lutheran church, giving freely of his time and his interests for the promo-
tion of the welfare of that organization. John Erikson was a good man.
a kind father and loving husband, and a man and citizen of whom, and of
whose record, the people of Aastad township are justly appreciative.
John Erikson died on September 4, 1895, mourned by hosts of friends
and fellow citizens.
JOHN M. JOHNSON.
John M. Johnson, as present mayor of Pelican Rapids, as well as the
first settler of Pelican township, is deserving of more than casual mention
in the present publication. A resident of this township for forty-six years,
his life and character have had a strong influence upon the community in
which he has been a leader. Mr. Johnson, who was born in Sweden on
April 6. [843, came to this country when he was twenty-three years of age.
He is the son of John and Johanna (Ness) Johnson, both of whom were
horn in his native land.
Mrs. Johnson died when the subjeel of this sketch was a lad of five
years and her husband came to America in [869 and made his home with
bis son. John, until he was over ninety years of age. In Sweden he was
engaged in the farming industry and served in the Swedish army. The chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are John M. whose life history is here pre-
sented; Alese, who died in this country, and [nger, a resident of Detroit,
Michigan.
After receiving his education in his native country, John Johnson
farmed there and in Norway, to which country he went in [863. Three
years later he came to the Tinted States and located in White Water. Wis-
consin, but the same year he became a citizen of Winship county, Iowa.
Returning to Wisconsin, he worked in the pineries for Knapp, Stout & Com-
pany, one of the largest lumber companies in the state. In the spring of
[869 he braved the wilderness of the north and became the first settler of
what is now known as Pelican township. As ,1 "squatter" he pre-empted
the land and later homesteaded and has now made this tract one of the
mosl productive farms in the county. It is three hundred and sixty acres
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I95
in extent and to this estate may be added three hundred and twenty acres
which he owns in Canada. On this homestead, where besides farming he-
raised Guernsey cattle, he lived until 1910 when he built a home in Pelican
Rapids.
While Mr. Johnson was the first pioneer to brave life in Pelican town-
ship, three other families came to this county at the same time and located
in Norwegian Grove township. Mr. Johnson was at this time unmarried.
With the four families that traveled together he camped the first night
(Thursday) on the west bank of Prairie lake. Their peaceful slumbers
were disturbed by the stealthy tread of eight Indian braves. Fortunately,
Mr. Johnson had learned to talk Chippewa during his service as cook in
the northern pineries, and also when he took part in government surveys
at J.e\ ern, Minnesota, and along the South Dakota line and when he worked
along Red river. So he acted as spokesman for the little group of fright-
ened pioneers, and a council was held at which it was agreed that the whites
should farm and the Indians should be allowed to hunt and that they would
he friendly in their relations.
On Saturday night of the same week, while Mr. Johnson was away,
the women of the camping party were terrorized by seeing ten Indians
scantily clad approaching the camp The women fled panic-stricken to the
woods, but the Indians made no further attempt to enter the camp. The
fright of this event, however, caused the four families to pack up their few
household goods and to move westward within the present boundaries of
Norwegian Grove township. Some time after ihis episode Mr. Johnson
inquired of the Indians why they had molested the camp after their agree-
ment to be peaceful. The red men were surprised at the question and said
that they wanted only to trade some game for cornmeal. Mr. Johnson then
explained to them that in their almost undressed condition, they had fright-
ened the settlers away. There was no further interruption to the peace of
the campers though they still insisted upon moving away.
Myra Berg became the wife of Mr. Johnson in 1873. She was born
in Norway ami is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Berg. Her father
came to America and made his home with Air. and Mrs. Johnson until his
death at the age of ninety-four. The children boru in this household arc
H. M., a physician of Dawson, Minnesota; Matilda, the deceased wife of
Otto Crookstad; Caroline, who is Mrs. Adolph Arneson, of Pelican town
ship ; Alga, who lives at home; Emma, who is Mrs. Oscar Sillerod. of Peli-
can township; Carl ML., a physician living at Montevideo. Minnesota. The
Johnson family are members of the United Lutheran church. Mrs. John-
son died on June 15. I Q I 3 .
Mr. Johnson, besides having farming interests, is a director of the
It)6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
First National Bank. For fifteen years, he was on the board of township
trustees and was chairman most of the time, and has held other offices. In
the spring of 1915 he was elected mayor of the village. John M. Johnson
is a progressive farmer, a loyal citizen, a true friend, a devoted husband
and father, and a man of generous impulses and unimpeachable character.
LOUIS ARNOLD.
Louis Arnold, a successful farmer of Aurdal township, is a native of
Sweden, where he was burn on January 12, 1858. Air. Arnold is the son of
John and Maja (Olson) Larson, both of whom were born in Sweden and
who spent their entire lives in their native country.
Louis Arnold was educated in his native land, and in 1878 came to
America and settled at St. Peter, Minnesota. Four years later he emi-
grated to Otter Tail county and purchased eighty acres of land from his
father-in-law, < >sul Halverson. When Mr. Arnold obtained possession of
this farm there were only ten acres cleared. He has been compelled to
clear the land and to fence it.
On September 24, 1882, Louis Arnold was married to Osena Halver-
son, who was born in Norway on November 4. i860. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold
have no children. Mrs. Arnold's father, Osul Halverson, was born in Nor-
way in 1827. His wife, who before her marriage was Anne Torgusdaugh-
ter, was born in Norway in 1832 and moved to Rice county, Minnesota, in
1862. Two of Mrs. Arnold's maternal uncles, Ashley and Torgus Torgen-
son, served in the Civil War. In 1870 Mrs. Arnold's father and mother
came to Aurdal township, Otter Tail count}', Minnesota, and homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres of land where Air. and Airs. Arnold now live.
Later they purchased one hundred and ten acres east of the first tract.
They were the parents of eight children: Helena and Hans died in infancy;
Torena and Torgus died in this country. The living children are ( >sena,
who is now Airs. Arnold: Jacob. TIalver and Mary.
Mrs. Arnold's mother was the daughter of Torgus and Ose Olson, who
wen- born in Norway and who, in 1856, emigrated to Rice county, Minne-
sota, an<I purchased fortj acres of school land. They spent their last days
in Rice county. They had a family of six children, of whom (Me. Bertha,
Gunder and Anne are deceased. Ashley is now living in Aurdal township,
Otter Tail county. He was born in Norway on July 29, [837, and moved
to Rice county, Minnesota, with his parents, lie attended a writing school
at Faribault, Minnesota, and. in 1869, homesteaded one hundred and sixty
of land iii this county. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres where he now lives. He has held most of the township offices and
served as a soldier in the Civil War. By his marriage to Anne Johnson,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. I97
who was born in Norway in 1852 and who is the daughter of Andrew and
Sarena Anderson, pioneer settlers of Rice county, there were born four
children, Marie, Thomas, Sarah and Arthur. Mrs. Ashley Torgerson died
in 1892. Torgus, the sixth child, is a farmer in Aurdal township and was
a soldier in the Civil War.
Air. and Mrs. Louis Arnold are members of the Lutheran church. Mr.
Arnold is now clerk of the school board.
rOHN LYNG, M. D.
One of the most prominent men in Otter Tail county, not only in his
professional capacity as a physician, but as a man of high intellectual attain-
ments and strong personality, is Dr. John Lyng. He has always exemplified
the highest ethical code of his chosen profession and his technical knowledge
and skill are such as to give him a place among the representatives of his
vocation in the state. Not content with merely doing his duty in the com-
munity where he lived he gave his services in the Spanish- American War
with a glad heart, and the story of self-sacrifice during this part of his life
is but a shadow of what his later life has been.
Doctor Lyng is one of those men who believe that years of thoughtful
preparation are essential to success in professional life, and his preparation
for the practice of medicine has taken him to the best schools in Europe as
well as in America. The success of Doctor Lyng as a physician in the com-
munity in which he lives has not been a mere accident but is the natural
result of a noble inheritance. He is a descendant of a high and honored
family of Norway and has retained those traits of character which make
the Norwegians among the most industrious in the world.
The birthplace of Doctor Lyng was in Namsos, Norway, where he was
born on the 25th of December, 1865. He is the son of Martin and (Johanna)
Lyng. both natives of Norway. His father followed the occupation of a
merchant, and died in 1873.
The first trip of Doctor Lyng to America was made when he w as
nineteen years old, and since that time has been abroad six times. After
his arrival in this country he began the study of medicine, which took him
to the University of Minnesota, where he was graduated from the medical
department in 1890. Two years later he went abroad in the interest of his
profession and visited the greatest hospitals and medical schools in Edin-
burg, Copenhagen, Berlin and Paris. He returned to America in 1897 an(l
became surgeon for the Soo Line, in which capacity he gained a wide
acquaintance among railroad men. After a period of practice as a surgeon
he returned to Germany for a further study of medicine. Upon his return
to America he found the country in a state of excitement over the Spanish-
K)o OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
American War, and as a consequence, gave his services to medical work in
the war zone, where he gained a wide experience not only with members of
his chosen profession but with humanity as a whole.
In 1890 Doctor Lyng returned to Minnesota, where he again entered
the medical world as physician in Alexandria. In 1904 he moved to Min-
neapolis, where he practiced medicine for four years. At the end of that
time Doctor Lyng sailed again for Vienna and Paris to study surgery, and
returned in 1911. Me took up his residence in Fergus Falls, where the
members of the community still claim his services as a physician.
In 1900, Dr. John Lyng was united in marriage to Clara B. Chilson, a
native of South Dakota, daughter of O. A. and Marie Chilson, of Webster,
South Dakota. To this union was born one son, John, who is now attending
school at Minneapolis. Mrs. Lyng died on February 8. 1014.
Doctor Lyng holds membership in the American Medical Association,
the Minnesota State Medical Society, and the Park Region Medical Society.
He is also a member of the Thulanian Society at the University of Minne-
sota; a reserve member of the medical department. Seventh Army Corps,
United States Regulars; a member of the Nordmands Farbundet. and Lodge
No. 10, Free and Accepted Masons. Minneapolis. Minnesota.
EBEN E. CORLISS.
Pioneer citizens of Otter Tail county who are now living remember
very well Eben.E. Corliss, who is also a pioneer of this section, now living
in St. Paul, where he has been custodian of the capitol building since 191 1.
Eben E. Corliss was horn on September 1, 1841, and is a native of
Washington county, Vermont. He is the son of Timothy E. and Elvira
(Hutchins) Corliss, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire. The
father was a fanner and a lumberman and moved to Winona county. Minne-
sota, in 1856, settling in Saratoga township, where he pre-empted one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. Me improved his farm and remained there
until after the close of the ('nil War. Timothy F. and Elvira Corliss were
the parents of eight children. The mother died in Saratoga township,
Winona county, December <>. 1S60.
Eben E. Corliss remained at home in his native state, receiving his edu-
cation in the common schools. His early training was received while still
living with his parents upon the old home farm. At the breaking out of
the Civil War. he enlisted in Company EC, Firsl Regiment. Minnesota \ ohm
teer Infantry, and. after a period, enlisted in Company A. Second Regiment.
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving for three years. Mr. Corliss passed
through a very trying period of service, lie was wounded in the battle
of Chickamauga, being struck by a bullet in the hack of the head and. for
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 1 99
two months, was confined in the hospital, known as No. 5, at Nashville,
Tennessee. On May 26, 1864, he was discharged from the service and in
April, 1865, enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment, United States Veteran
Volunteers, serving as sergeant until the close of the war. Mr. Corliss was
in a great many severe engagements. Among them may lie named the fol-
lowing: Mill Springs, Kentucky; Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Corinth,
Perryville, Chickamauga, and others of lesser importance. He was, for
a time, with Sherman before Atlanta and, for forty days, was engaged in
weary marching toward that city, being under fire the greater part of the
time. After returning from the war. he settled in Saratoga township,
Winona county, Minnesota, where he remained on the farm for one year.
From Saratoga township, he moved to Chatfield, Fillmore county, Minne-
sota, where he studied law with Judge Ripley. In 1870 he was admitted to
the bar.
\ftcr coming to Otter Tail county Eben E. Corliss settled at Battle
Lake, Minnesota, where he built the first frame house in the county. Its
dimensions were sixteen by twenty feet, with twelve foot posts. He settled
on three hundred and twenty acres of land, one-half of which was pre-
empted and the other half homesteaded. He continued on the farm, improv-
ing it until 1874, at which time he moved to Fergus Falls and opened a law
office, engaging actively in the practice of his profession. Mr. Corliss's
property interests in the city of Fergus Falls consist of several houses, much
business property, besides his fine residence with all modern improvements,
situated on Lincoln avenue. He also has a summer residence at Clitherall
lake.
Mr. Corliss has held many offices of trust and responsibility within the
gift of the people of Otter Tail county. He was elected county attorney in
1870 and held that office during the greater part of the time until 1884,
serving ten years in all. For one year he served as a member of the lower
house "!' the state Legislature in 1872. He was a member of the state capi-
t < « 1 commission. He has also served as deputy register of deeds, as deputy
treasure of Otter Tail county and as superintendent of the county schools,
tilling out the unexpired term occasioned by his brother's death. The brother,
William M. Corliss, was the first superintendent of schools in Otter Tail
county.
In 1864 Eben !•'. Corliss was married to Elizabeth Tucker, the daugh-
ter of John Tucker, of Saratoga township. Winona county. Minnesota. Six
children were born to them, as^ follow: Charles W.. who is an attorney-at-
law, who was married in 1NK7 to Alice Stanton, of Fergus Falls; John H., a
graduate of Rush Medical College and now a resident id' Sumner. Wash-
ington: Florence, lennie, Marv and Roy J.
200 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In politics, Mr. Corliss defends the principles propounded by the Repub-
lican partv. He lias attained considerable prominence in the council- of the
Republican party and is one of the leaders of the party in Otter Tail county.
He was one of the organizers of tin ('itizens Bank. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Masonic lodge, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
AMUND NELSON HAUGEN.
Well known in the business and commercial life of Fergus Falls. .Min-
nesota, is Amund Nelson Haugen, who was for many years a prominent
business man of Otter Tail county.
Mr. Nelson was born on March i. 1846, in Ilollindahl, Norway, lie-
is the son of Nells E. and Carrie ( Nelson) Haugen. The entire Haugen
family crossed the Atlantic ocean in 1S46 and was sixteen weeks on the
voyage. They emigrated to Quebec, Canada, and from Quebec to the
United States, settling at Rock Prairie, Rock county, Wisconsin, where the
father purchased land and built a stone house. Amund Nelson remained on
the old homestead until 1862. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in
the Thirty-third Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served
three years in Company F. Altogether he was engaged in seventeen 1 un-
ties, lie received an honorable discharge in Madison. Wisconsin, in [865,
and after his return home, in Rock county, he remained a year and then
moved to Highland Prairie, Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he estab-
lished a general store, which he operated for one year.
After one year at Highland Prairie, Mr. Nelson removed to Spring
Grove, in Houston county, where he opened a store, which he sold at the
end of one year. In 1808 Mr. Nelson came by team all the way to St.
Olaf, Otter Tail county, but he remained only long enough to purchase
eight hundred acres of land in Fergus Falls township.
Amund N. Haugen returned to Fillmore county and in 1876 married
Christina Halverson. They have a family of seven children, as follow:
Henry, who resides at Rugby, North Dakota; Clara; Albert, of Duluth;
Nellie, who teaches in Minot, North Dakota: Charles. Emma and Hannah,
who live at home with their parents.
Mr. Nelson returned to Otter Tail county and located in Elizabeth.
He engaged in the farm implement business, which he followed for twenty-
one years. In 1897, with his family, he removed to Fergus Falls and after
that time was practically retired from active life.
Mr. Nelson occupies himself by loaning money and by occasionally
buying and selling real estate, lie is the former president of the First State
Bank, of Fergus Falls. He has a beautiful and spacious residence on North
OTTKU TAIL Cnr.XTY, mixxksota.
Union street. Mr. Nelson is a familiar figure on the street- of Fergus
Falls and is popular among all classes of people. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ONON TORGERSON.
liurn on the farm which he now owns in Aurdal township, Otter Tail
county, .Minnesota. May 2. 1878, Onon Torgerson is the son of Gunder and
Christina Torgerson, who were natives of Norway and Sweden, respect-
ively.
Air. Torgerson's father was born on .March 13, [830, and his mother
was horn in Sweden in 1X41 >. The former moved to Faribault, Rice county,
Minnesota, in 1867, and three years later to Otter Tail county, where he
took a homestead of one hundred and fort) acres. lie added to this farm
until he had one hundred and sixty-nine acres, where his son, Onon, now
lives, lie cleared most of the land, lie died in iNoj and his wife in [894.
They had a family of seven children, Emma, Christian (deceased), Onon,
Augusta, ( >scar, Esther and Anton. They were members of the Swedish
Baptist church. Gunder Torgerson served as township treasurer for a num-
ber of years, in all about twelve.
Onon Torgerson was reared on a farm and educated in the public
schools. He has always been engaged in farming and, at the present time
owns ninety-one acres of the old homestead. Mr. Torgerson has erected a
magnificent new barn and a. very hue residence. These buildings were con-
structed in [915.
On May _'S, [901, Onon Torgerson was married to Ella Wessberg,
who was born in Sweden in [883. Her father was born 111 Sweden and is
n..w deceased. Her mother lives in Warren, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs.
Torgerson have five children. Lorimer, Ruth, Chester, Eunice and Thelma.
Mr. Torgerson's paternal grandparents were Torgus and Ose Olson,
both of whom were natives of Norwa) and who came to Rice county. .Min-
nesota, in [856. They purchased forty acres of land 111 Rice count) and
spent their last days there. They were the parents of six children, id" whom
Ole, Bertha, (hinder and Anne are deceased. The living children are Ash-
lex and Torgus. Ashley is a farmer in Aurdal township and a veteran ol
the ( nil War. Torgus is also a farmer in \urdal township and a veteran
of the Civil War.
There is no family in Aurdal township which is more favorably known
than the Torgersons. They have worthily discharged every duty of life,
both public and private, and today Onon Torgerson, a representative of the
present generation of the family, enjoys the confidence and esteem of all of
the people of this township.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
EVEN MATHIASON.
"The good citizen is a person who habitually conducts himself with
proper regard for the welfare of the community of which lie is a meml>er,
and is active and intelligent in his co-operation with his fellow members to
that end." Even Mathiason, who was born in Norway, September 3, 1855.
was twenty-seven years old when he came to this country. His parents,
O. and Bertha (Erikson) Mathiason, lived and died in his native land.
Even Mathiason received his education in Norway and located in Peli-
can Rapids in 1X82 immediately after arriving in the United States. It was
necessary to travel from Roxie, Minnesota, to this township in a wagon
drawn by oxen. After working on a farm for nine years he returned to
Norway and brought hack his bride whom he married in St. Paul in 1891.
Mrs. Mathiason was Olena, daughter of Ole Mathiason. and was born
in Norway. Her father died in that country. After his marriage. Mr.
Mathiason located in the present building and operated a hotel for the fol-
lowing six years. 1 le then laid in a stock of groceries and has been a
grocery merchant ever since The children born to Mi. and Mrs. Mathiason
are Ole: Elmer, aged twenty-two years: Beney Louis, aged eighteen years:
Ethel Meria, aged twelve years, and Lawrence William, aged seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Mathiason are members of the Synodical church.
Mr. Mathiason was for some time a member of the local school board
and to its work gave his best thought and attention. A residence of thirty-
three years in one town, during which time Mr. Mathiason has built up a
reputation tor honor in business and loyalty and uprightness in private life,
make him one of the esteemed citizens of this township.
NELS GERH VRDSON.
One of the successful farmer- of Aurdal township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, who i- a native of Xorwav. is WE Gerhardson, who was born
in Norway, April 8, [861.
Mr. Gerhardson is the son of Andrew and Kare 1 WE 1 Gerhardson,
both of whom were born 111 Xorwav. the former in [823 and the latter in
[830. \ftcr their marriage, in their native kind, they started for America
on \pnl 11. [86l, and. upon arrival in the United States, settled in the
-late of Iowa. Later, however, the) emigrated to Freeborn county, Minne-
sota, and. subsequently, to (titer Tail county, before the city of Fergus
Falls was thought of ami at a time when there was only one grocer) Store
on the present site of Fergus Falls. About three months later. Mr. Ger-
hardson's grandfather came to America and took a homestead in Aurdal
township, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Gerhardson's
OTTKS TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 203
father inherited this farm and died upon it in 1907. His wife died about
four years previously, in 1903. Mr. Gerhardson's parents had ten children,
of whom one. Lena, died early in life. The others were Gulena, Nels,
Christine, Gilbert, Karl, Anne, Ole, Otto and Tilla. Mr. Gerhardson's par-
ents were members of the Lutheran church.
Nels Gerhardson was a mere lad when his parents settled in Aurdal
township. He was educated in the public schools of the township, reared mi
the farm and has always been engaged in farming. In partnership with his
sons, Mr. Gerhardson owns two hundred and ten acres of land three miles
out of Fergus Falls, where he is engaged in fanning and stock raising.
Since he acquired this farm. Air. Gerhardson has made many improvements.
He has erected substantial buildings, fenced the land and installed adequate
drainage, all of which has contributed to make the farm a most desirable
tract and most productive.
In 1887 Nels Gerhardson was married to Mattie Vegin, who is a native
of Minnesota, born in 1866. Mrs. Gerhardson's father was Knnt Vegin,
who was an early settler in Grant county. Minnesota, where he spent his
last days. Mr. and Airs. Nels Gerhardson have been the parents of five
children: Eva, who is deceased; Eva, who married Guilder Mjesth and has
two children. Jenette and Norman: Anton, who lives at home: Eddie, who
also lives at home, and Martha, who is deceased. The mother of these chil-
dren died on March 12. 1896. Nels Gerhardson is a highly-respected citi-
zen in the township and county where he has lived for several years and
where he is well known.
LOUIS HALYORSON.
Louis Halvorson, a native of Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county,
Minesota, was horn a mile and a half from Elizabeth, November 13. [881,
is one of the successful young farmers of Aurdal township. Mr. Halvor-
son is the son of Mathias and Mare (Holte) Halvorson. the former of
whom was horn in Norway in [839 and the latter horn in that country in
1851. Mathias Halvorson moved to southern Minnesota, and later to Otter
Tail county, settling on a homestead one ami one-half miles south of Eliza-
beth, where he lived until [CjOI. lie now lives retired in Fergus falls. Mrs.
Mathias Halvorson, who was married to Mathias Halvorson in Otter Tail
county, is the daughter of Johannes and Bertha (Holler) Holte, who wire
early >ettler^ 111 Otter Tail county, but who are now both deceased. Air.
Halvorson's parents were members of the Lutheran church. They had alto-
gether a familv of fourteen children, seven of whom are as follow ; Henry,
Louis, Mollie. Hannah, Emma, Eddie and Alfred: the others are deceased
Reared on the old homestead farm in Fergus Falls township, Louis
204 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Halvorson was educated in the public schools and as soon as he was old
enough took up fanning as a life vocation. In 1910 Air. Halvorson moved
to the farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he now owns, in
Aurdal township. Ik- is engaged in fanning and stuck raising and has
made a success of his chosen vocation.
In [906 Louis Halvorson was married to Emma Brekke, the daughter
of Halvor < .. Brekke, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and
Mrs. Halvorson have five children, Eleanor, .Morris, Bertha, Harry and Ida.
Mr. Halvorson has been more or less active in local politics and is
now serving as clerk of Aurdal township, lie and his wife and family are
members of the Lutheran church.
JACOB CLARENCE EVELAND.
Among the well-known fanners of Aurdal township is Jacob Clarence
Eveland, who owns two hundred and forty acres of magnificent farming
land, three and one-half miles northeast of Fergus halls, Minnesota, and
who was horn in Bremer county, Iowa, September 7. [873.
Mr. Eveland is the sou of Jacob M. and Angeline (Stuffleben) Eye-
land. the former of whom was horn in Fulton count), Illinois, in [843, and
the latter born in the same county. Jacob M. Eveland was the son of
Henry and Irene (Miller) Eveland, the former of whom was horn in
Indiana, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Henry Eveland and wife
emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois, and. after living there for twenty
years, emigrated to Bremer county, Iowa. It was Henry Eveland's brother.
Mason Eveland, who was the first settler in Lafayette township, Bremer
county, Iowa. Henry Eveland himself was the second settler in that town
ship. Mr. Eveland's paternal grandfather died in Bremer count)-, Iowa, in
[879. I lis wife had died many years before.
Mr. Eveland's maternal grandparents were Joshua and Polly (Alsbury)
Stuffleben. both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and who. after
their marriage in Pennsylvania, emigrated to Fulton count)-, Illinois, and
later to Bremer county, Iowa, settling in Lafayette township. Loth died in
Bremer county, the former in [913, at the age of eighty-nine, and the latter
in [885, ai the aye of sixty-three years.
Mr. Eveland's Father, the venerable Jacob M. Eveland, is now living
in Lafayette town-hip, Bremer county, lie owns two hundred and sevent)
one acres of the old homestead, at one time owned a number of farms. Hi'
also owns land in Mississippi. I'.v his marriage to Angeline Stuffleben then
were horn nine children, live of whom grew to manhood and womanhood.
Nellie, |acob Clarence, Bertha, Glenn and \lvin.
facob Clarence Eveland was reared on the old homestead farm in
OTTER TAIL L'lll'XTV, MIXXF.SUTA.
-'"5
Bremer county, Iowa, and educated in the public schools. Mr. Eveland has
always been engaged in fanning. In 1904 he emigrated to South Dakota
and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in that state, which,
however, he sold in October, 1909, when he came to Aurdal township and
purchased two hundred and forty acres, three and one-half miles northeast
of Fergus Palls, Minnesota.
In i8i»J Jacob < '.. Eveland was married to Fannie Chestnut, a native of
Fulton count}-. Illinois, who was born on April 27, 1874. Mrs. Eveland's
father and mother were John and Emma ( Stuffleben) Chestnut, both of
whom were natives of Fulton county, Illinois. Mrs. Eveland's mother died
in [885, and her father died on September 10, 1915, at Manito, Illinois.
Mr. and Mrs. Eveland have six children. Tina, Melvin, Everett, Bessie, Ada
and Merrill, all of whom are living.
Mr. and Airs. Eveland and family are members of the Methodist epis-
copal church. Nominally, Mr. Eveland is identified with the Democratic
party, but he has never been especially interested in politics and has newer
aspired to office. lie is known in the community where he lives as a success-
ful farmer, a good man and a valuable citizen.
II W.VOR G. P.RFKK1
Halvor G. Brekke, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township. Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, is a native of Norway, where he was born on June 15.
1845. Mr. Brekke is the sun of Guilder Olson and Sigred (Aslakson)
Brekke, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mr. Brekke's father was
born in March. [808, and his mother in February, 1808.
The Brekkes emigrated to Dane county. Wisconsin, in 1861, and to
Aurdal township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in T870. They took up a
homestead in section 9, and here both lived until their deaths. Mr. Brekke's
father died in April, [896, and his mother in September, 1901. They were
the parents of twelve children, of whom Ole, Julia. Aasne, Aasne and Mar-
garet are deceased. The living children are Aslak. Sandow, Torger, Hal-
vor G, Julia, Ole and Margaret.
Halvor G. Brekke was educated in the public schools of Norway and.
in 1865. four years after his parents had come to Wisconsin, the son also
came to Dane county, Wisconsin, and settled in Deerfield township, where
he worked on a farm. He accompanied his parents to Otter Tail county in
[870 and took a homestead farm of our hundred and forty-seven acres.
where he now lives. This splendid farm is situated in section 9, of Aurdal
township. Mr. Brekke cleared the land, which he had acquired b
stead right, and in [889 built a good residence. During the same year he
also built a very commodious barn, which was destroyed by lightning and
206 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
which was replaced in 1912 by a magnificent new barn, forty-eight by
sixty-six by fourteen feet. Mr. Brekke is a general fanner and stockman
and has been successful in his chosen vocation.
In [877 Halvor (I. Brekke was married to Betsey Evenson, who was
born on August 25, 1845, ni Norway and who is the daughter of Evan and
Gunhildl Knutson) Evenson. In [861 Mrs. Brekke' s parents came to Dane
county, Wisconsin, and there both died. Mr. and Mrs. Halvor G. Brekke
have been the parents of four children, GustaA Severin, Emma, Emma and
Henry Benjamin. Gustav Severin. who was born on the farm where he
now lives on April 28, 1S7S. married Huldah Johnson, who was born in
Friberg township, ( )tter Tail count). Minnesota. December 7, 1889. They
have ni> children, lie is employed on the old homestead. Emma, the sec-
ond child, is deceased. Emma, the third child, married Louis Halvorson
and has five children, Eleanor, Morris, Bertha, Harry and Ida. Henry
Benjamin lives at Dilworth, Minnesota.
Halvor G. Brekke has served as a member of the school board in
Aurdal township and has also served as trustee of the township and as
supervisor for fourteen years. He was assessor of the township for six-
teen years. Mr. and Mrs. Brekke and family are active members of the
Lutheran church.
\K'\K ENGEBRETSON.
Arne Engebretson, a well-known farmer of Aurdal township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was horn on November 4. 1850, in Norway, and is
the son of Engebret Gunderson and Raghnild (Olson) Engebretson, who
spent their entire lives in Norway. Arne Engebretson was their only child.
Mr. Engebretson was educated in the public schools of his native land,
and in f882 came to America and settled at Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
A short time after coming to this country he moved to Aurdal township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and purchased eighty acres of land, where he
now lives. This land has been subsequently increased to about one hundred
and twelve acres and is located in sections 15. to and 0, Aurdal township.
Mr. Engebretson is a farmer and stockman. His land is highly productive
and he raises all crops common to this latitude.
In [879 Arne Engebretson was married in Norway to Mary Olson, a
native of Norway, horn in [851. She is the daughter of Ole Severson and
[ennie Severson, who. in [882, came to America and settled in Otter Tail
county. Mrs. Engebretson's father died in 1014. and her mother died in
the same year, both being eighty-eighl years old at the time of their deaths.
Mr. and Mrs. Engebretson have seven children. Ole, Engebret, Richard.
\ntoii. ( histav, I 'scar and 1 lannah.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 207
Arne Engebretson is independent in politics. He and his family are
members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Engebretson has served as super-
visor of Aurdal township and has also served as a member of the school
hoard. Likewise, he has been assessor of Aurdal township for seven years.
It may be said of \rnc Engebretson that he has worthily discharged all of
the duties of life, both public and private, and that he has a host of friends
in the township and county where' he lives.
UJGUST and WILLIAM TRENNE.
Anion- the prosperous farmers and successful stock raisers of Oscar
township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, are August and William Trenne.
the former horn on August 25, [883, the latter on January 15, 1880, in
Oscar township, Otter Tail count)", suns of Fritz and Charlotte (Druskey)
Trenne, natives of Germany. Fritz Trenne was educated in the common
schools of Germany,, he later becoming a soldier of the German army and
taking part in the war with Austria, in [866, and in the Franco-Prussian
War. during the years 1870-71. During the last year of his militarv career,
Fritz Trenne served as an officer in the army of his native country. Shortly
following his marriage, the elder Trenne, in 1872, came to America and
located in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Oscar township, a place which Fritz Trenne cultivated
until 1007, when he retired and moved to Fergus Falls, where he lived until
his death, on ( )ctober 12, 1912. Charlotte, the widow of Fritz Trenne.
now lives at Fergus Falls. Fritz Trenne was not only a successful farmer,
as one who acquired six hundred and fifty-three acres of land, hut he was a
man prominent in the affairs of his community, having been the occupant of
several township school offices Fritz and Charlotte Trenne were the par-
ents of eleven children, Paul, Lena. William. Elizabeth, Tillie, August,
Emily, Martin. Frencie, Minnie and Malvine.
William Trenne was educated in the schools of district No. Ill, Oscar
township, Otter Fail county, after which he engaged in general farming and
stock raising, an occupation which Mr. Trenne is now following on his well-
improved farm of two hundred acres in Oscar township. In addition to his
farm activity, William Trenne is prominently connected m business life, he
being one of the organizers and a stockholder of the Elizabeth Creamen
Company, as well as being an officer of the Cream of Barley Company, of
Minneapolis.
On November .^. 1904, William Trenne was married 10 Ida Krause. a
native of the -talc of Nebraska, and to this marriage have been born four
children, Walter. Francis, Wired and Tin's.
Auin'st Trenne. after his school davs, became a fanner, he takins
2o8 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
charge of the old Trenne homestead, which Mr. Trenne has greatly improved
and a farm of two hundred and forty acres which August Trenne has
brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Trenne now gives his time to
general farming and the raising of large numbers of good grade live stock.
On June 24, 1915, August Trenne was married to Johannah Greenogle,
the daughter of John Greenogle and wife, prominent people of their com-
munity. The Trenne family are all prominent members of the Norwegian
! utheran church, of < Iscar township, they giving of their efforts and means
for the support of the work of this congregation.
NELS T. MOEN.
One of the active and progressive citizens of Fergus Falls,
lawyer and writer and a good talker, gifted particularly with line powers
of description, i- Nels T. Moen, editor and manager of the Ugeblad Pub-
lishing Company and municipal judge of Fergus Falls.
Nels T. Moen was horn in Freeborn county, Minnesota, May 26, [866,
the son of [ollef and Man (Nelson) Moen. When -Tollef Nelson was
twenty-two years old, in [856, he and his brother landed in Quebec, Can-
after a fourteen week- voyage on the ocean from Norway. Upon
arriving in Quebec, the two brothers borrowed enough money to reach their
destination, traveling b\ land and by canal boat until they reached Michigan.
From .Michigan they walked several hundred miles, finally reaching their
uncle's home at Big Canoe, Iowa.
Tollef Nelson and his brother farmed in Iowa for a time and then
ed to Waseca county, Minnesota, where they worked at fanning on
shares. Later the} moved to the next county, Freeborn, and there worked
in the same way. In 1868, they purchased a yoke of oxen and a wagon and
moved to Otter Tail county, settling in Tumuli township. They each took
a homestead near Dalton and there Tollef Nelson spent the rest of his life,
hi- death occurring in October. 1895.
Tollef Kelson and his wife, who before her marriage was Alary Lar-
son, were the parent- of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy,
those who survived being as follow: Carrie, who is the wife of T. O.
Udbye and lives in Fergus Falls: Xels T., the subject of this -ketch: Inger.
who i- now Mrs. 1'. C. Svensrud and li\i- on the old homestead; Lars, who
also lives on part of the old homestead; .Martin, who i- a resident of Fergus
ball-; \utou. who i- a resident of Canada; Thore, who lives in Fergus
ball-, and b.hnc, who married b'uiil Brusven and lives at Rothsay, Minnesota.
Nels T. Moen received hi- elementary education in the public schools
of Tumuli township, tin- county. Me first attended school in a dug-out.
later in a log; house and still later in a frame building. lie remained on a
NELS T. MOEN.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2CK)
farm with his parents until [893 and, after graduating from the Red Wing
Seminary, attended the University of Minnesota and was graduated from
the law department of that institution. After finishing his legal education,
Mr. Moen moved to Ada. m Norman county, but, subsequently, was offered
the position of principal of the school at tialstead, which he accepted. In
addition to his duties as principal of the school, he practiced law in the
evening. In 1897 -Mr. .Moen returned to Ada, where he remained for ten
years, having in the meantime been elected judge of the probate of Norman
county, in which capacity he served for two terms. He also served as
county attorney for one term.
In 1907. .Mr. Moen, who is a vigorous and capable opponent of the
liquor traffic, accepted the position of state attorney for the anti-saloon league
of Minnesota, and served in that capacity for two years, or until 1909, in
which year he moved to Fergus Falls. As a platform orator in behalf of
temperance. Mr. Moen has few superiors in this state and to the cause of
temperance he has given service equal to that of any man who has labored
in this great cause.
After Mr. Moen's removal to Fergus Falls, he engaged in the practice
of law. During the legislative session of i<)ji. he served as chief clerk to
the re-apportionment committee and in the same year was appointed muni-
cipal judge of Fergus Falls by Governor Fl>erhart. In 1912 he was elected
to the same office. One year previously, Mr. Moen became editor and man-
ager of the Ugeblad Publishing Company, the publishers of the Fergus Falls
! rgeblad, the oldest Scandinavian paper west of the "twin cities."
In [893 Mr. Moen was married to Betsy Johnson, who died in 1008,
leaving four sons, Thomas O., Milford A.. Neal B. and Caroll. On Decem-
ber 26, 1911, Mr. Moen married, secondly. Ingeborg- Stortroen.
During the summer of 1014. Mr. Moen traveled in Norway and visited
his ancestral home in that picturesque country. The Moen family are all
members of the Lutheran church.
ANDERS A. BERGRUD.
Anders A. Bergrud, who has made a success of farming in \unlal
township, Otter Tail count), Minnesota, is a native of Norway, horn there
on July 23, [851, the son of \ndiew V and Sigrid (Hengsley) Bergrud,
both of whom were horn in Norway.
Mr. Bergrud's parents came to America and to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, in [883. His father died in this county in r N< >(>. Mi- mothei is
now living in Sverdrup, and is eighty-four years old.
Mr Bergrud was educated in Norway and in 1S7N came to Otter Tail
(rib)
2IO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
county. Two years later he homesteader! eighty acres of land in the county
and, shortly thereafter, erected good buildings on the farm. He now has
one hundred and sixty acres of land in his home farm, and has added fort)
acres in section 21, eighty acres in section 21 and forty acres in another
tract, also in section 21, all bought after the first one hundred and sixty.
On November 23, 1879, Mr. Bergrud was married to Sigrid Boen,
who was born in Norway on November 7. 1856. and who is the daughter of
Erick Trond Boen, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs.
Bergrud have been the parents of five children. Celia Ida, Alfred, "Theo-
dore N., Inga and Henry. Celia Ida, horn in [880, is the wife of Olaf
Haave and has four children, Selma, Alvin. Benne and Margaret. Alfred.
born on November 25, 1881, was educated in the public schools and lives
at home with his parents. lie has charge of the farm and is engaged in
general farming and stock raising. He also owns forty acres of land in
Aurdal township. Theodore N., horn in t88}. died in IQ07. Inga, horn in
1886, is the wife of Peter YVeggeland. Henry was born on May 27, t8q6.
Mr. and Mrs. Bergrud and family occupy a comfortable and com-
modious home in Aurdal township and are among the most highly respected
citizens living in this township.
\NDRFAY BR \ \ I I- \
\ successful farmer of Aurdal township. Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, is Andrew Braaten. who was born in Moore count}'. Minnesota, Sep
tember 4, 1869.
Mr. Braaten is the son of Eric and Gtinel Braaten, both of whom were
born in Norway, the father on September 27, 1827, and the mother on
December 3, 1836. After their marriage in Norway, they came to America,
in i860, and settled in Mower county, Minnesota. Three years later the)
settled in Aurdal township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, homesteading one
hundred and twenty acres of land, where their son. Andrew, now lives, and
where he was reared. Eric Braaten was able to clear some of this land
before his death in [902. He also made many improvements upon the
farm. His widow is still living. They had a family of five children, of
whom Andrew was the fourth. The other children were Hannah Karine.
Ragnhild and Nellie. Of these children, Hannah is deceased.
Andrew Braaten was reared principally on the farm which he now
owns. He was educated in the public schools of \urdal township and. as
soon as lie was old enough, took up farming with his father. Mr. Braaten
owns two hundred and eighty acres of land and occupies a fine residence.
Andrew Braaten was married in 1896 to Lena Vis, who was born in
Aurdal township ami who is the daughter of Christopher and Gertrude Aas.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 211
early settlers in Aurdal township, Otter Tail county. Both of Mrs. Braaten's
parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Braaten have four children,
Grace, Geneva, Erick and Amy.
Mr. and Airs. Braaten are members of and take an active part in the
Lutheran church of Aurdal township. The members of the Braaten family
are also identified with this church. Not only is Mr. Braaten a most suc-
cessful fanner, but he is a highly intelligent and valuable citizen in the com-
nnmitv where he has lived for so many years.
lOHN O. SVIEN.
John O. Svien, well-known farmer and citizen, who by the conduct of
his life in the community, has won a prominent place in the ranks of citizen-
ship, and who, as the result of an unselfish life in the interests of the town-
ship and county, has a host of friends and appreciative fellow citizens, was
horn in Goodhue county, Minnesota, on April 25, 1872, the son of Ove J.
and Ingred (Boe) Svien, Ove J. Svien being the son of Johannes and Anna
( Lunde ) Svien, who were horn in Norway and came to America in the year
1856, locating in the state of Wisconsin, later going to the state of Iowa,
where they lived for some time and then came to Minnesota, settling in
Goodhue county, where they spent their last days. Ingred Boe is the daugh-
ter of Aslak and Bertha Boe, who were farmers in their native land of
Norway, where they lived their entire lives.
Ove J. and Ingred Svien, parents of the subject of this sketch, were
born in Norway, where the father lived until he was nine years of age, and
then came to America, the mother coming with relatives when she was
twenty-two years of age. On reaching America. Ove J. Svien became a
farmer on eighty acres of land which he secured in Goodhue county, Minne-
sota, on which he lived until the year 1896, and then moved to Grant county.
Minnesota, where he bought two hundred and forty acres of land, which
he farmed until the year ioi-\ at which time Ove J. Svien retired and moved
to the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, where he still lives. Ove J. and Ingred
Svien were the parents of eight children. John. Anna, \slak. Bertha, Andrew,
Henry, Emma and John Bouchard. In religious affiliation, Ove J. Svien
and his family are members of the United Lutheran church.
John O. Svien received his education in the common schools of Good-
Inn- county, Minnesota, after which he came, in the year [896, to Otter Tail
count}, Minnesota, and rented a farm in Tumuli township, where he lived
for two years and then he went to the state of North Dakota, homesteading
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived for twelve years,
in that state. -After this time John O. Svien returned to (liter 'fail county,
Minnesota, and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres in
212 . OTTER TAII COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Tumuli township, near the village of Dalton, where he now lives and follows
general agricultural pursuits.
During the year 1905 John O. Svien was married to Lena Brekke, who
was bom in Tumuli township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, the daughter
of Johannes Brekke and wife. To the marriage of John O. and Lena Svien
were born two children, Inez Othelia and Truman Julian. John O. Svien
and his wife and children are members and active workers and supporters
■ if the United Lutheran church at Dalton.
In political life John O. Svien has taken no particular part, but has
chosen to lie a good citizen of private life and to serve his community, as he
can. from the common walks of life and citizenship.
TOSKPH A. OTTE.
Among the younger men of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, business and
financial circles, is Joseph A. Otte, cashier of the State Bank of Bluffton. a
citizen whose life is proving of great value to the community, not only in
the business world, but as a man who is interested in the development of
his town and township to a" greater and higher plane in the various lines of
endeavor and activity in which they are engaged. A man of thorough cul-
ture, one with excellent preparation for the profession in which he is so
capably engaged, a citizen who in those things to which he has laid his
hands has been peculiarly successful, and a man who because of the force
and strength of his life has a host of friends and admiring fellow citizens,
he is worthy oi a prominent place in the ranks ot leading men in Otter Tail
county, Minnesota.
Joseph A. Otte was born in Stearns county. Minnesota, on November 4.
[887, the son of William and Mary I Macks) Otte. both of whom were
born in German) and lived in that country until about the year 1880. when,
having married, the) came to America and located in Stearns county, Min-
nesota, where William Otte settled on a farm one and one-half miles north
of Melrose. William and Marx Otte were the parents of seven children.
Marv. \una. Bernard, William. Joseph. Catherine and Henry. In religious
affiliation the elder Otte and his family are communicants in the Roman
1 .nholic church.
Joseph V Otte received his early education in the common schools of
Melrose. Minnesota, later attending St. Joseph's Universit) at Columbus,
Ohio, for three years, and then pursuing a business and commercial course.
including shorthand and typewriting at Saul Centre. Minnesota, after which
he accepted a position as first bookkeeper of the State Lank of Monticello,
Minnesota, where he remained for two years anil then went to Buffalo,
Minnesota, and became deputy auditor for two and one-half years; then
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2IJ
coming to Bluffton, Minnesota, he aided in the establishment of the State
Rank of Bluffton, Minnesota, an institution of which he was made cashier,
a position which he now occupies, and one which he holds in a most efficient
and capable manner.
On May 22, [911, Joseph \. Otte was married to Alice Granger, and
has made for himself and his wife an excellent home, the hospitality of which
is well known throughout the community. Joseph A. Otte and his wife are
members of the Roman Catholic church.
Not only in the financial world is Joseph A. Otte a success hut in agri-
cultural life, as the owner of a large farm, consisting of one hundred and
twenty acres of well cultivated land, in Blowers township and, also as the
holder of considerable stock in the State Bank of Bluffton, this worthy man
has shown himself to be of a type of which the locality may be proud.
In public life Joseph A. Otte has not neglected his duty as a citizen 111
the community, hut has given of his valuable time freely for the promotion
of local interests and he is now serving the village of Bluffton as its village
clerk, in an unselfish and progressive manner, as is characteristic of this
man whom all delight to honor ami to whose character and worth all are
willing to attest.
HENRY P. NELSON.
Henry 1'. Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township. Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, was born on the old Aurdal township farm, August 10,
[888; and is the son of Xels E. and Methe ( Ilallan) Nelson, both of whom
were born in Norway, the former on December 17. 1S44. and the latter on
January 6, 1850.
Xels hi. Nelson's parents were Ingebret and Aaste Nelson, both of
whom were born in Norway and who came to America and settled in Aur-
dal township in [868. They took a homestead of one hundred and sixtv
acres and both died on the homestead farm. Mr. Nelson's father came
from Norway to Minnesota with his parents. He settled in Goodhue county
and was also a pioneer in Mirdal township. Later be look up one hundred
and sixty acres of land and made many improvements upon the farm, which
he acquired from the government. \fter having made a large quantity of
brick, he erected a magnificent brick residence on the farm and lived 111
this home until his death, in 1900. His widow is still living. The) were
the parents of five children, Peter, Haldon, \nna. Xels and Henn P. Mr.
Nelson's parents were members of the Lutheran church
Henry P. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Mirdal town-
ship and reared on tin farm which his parents owned Mr. Nelson himself
owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mirdal township,
214 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
which is a part of the old homestead. He also owns other land in this
county. In 1911 Mr. Nelson built a splendid home on the farm. He 1- a
general farmer and stockman and has heen very successful although he is
still a young man.
On June 28, 1913, Henry P. Nelson was married to Emma Bye, the
daughter of Stephen and Betsy Bye, and who was horn in Sverdrup town-
ship. Mrs. Nelson's parents were early settlers of Sverdrup township. They
have one sun, Searle LeRoy, who was born on March 29, 1914.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Lutheran church.
NELS N. ROVANG.
A veteran of the Civil War, during the campaigns of which he made an
enviable record, a pioneer citizen of Otter Tail county, who did much to
make the district habitable in the early days, a citizen who in the public life
of Tumuli township has shown himself to be a man of much worth, and one
whose general life in the community has been such as to win for him a host
of friends and admiring fellow citizens who delight in honoring his name, no
record of life or review of events in Otter Tail county would be complete
without reference to the career of Nels N. Rovang, the subject of this sketch.
Nels N. Rovang was born in Norway on July [9, iN,y>. the son of Nels
and Anna (Halverson) Olson Rovang. both of whom were born in Norway,
where they made their home until the year 1850, when they came to America
and located near the town of Madison, Wisconsin, living there for two years
and then moved near the town of Decorah. Iowa, where Nels Rovang bought
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he farmed for about
five years and then sold his place and went to Wabash county. Minnesota,
there buying one hundred and sixty acres of United States government land,
for which lie paid the sum of one dollar and twenty-live cents per acre. There,
on a farm which he had improved until it was one of the most desirable of
the township, the elder Rovang and his wife spent their last days. Nels and
Anna Rovang were the parents of ten children, two of whom were veterans
of the Civil War: Nels N., the subject of this sketch, who served until the
end of the war. with Company A. Third Regiment Minnesota Volunteer
Infantry, and Christ, who served nearly tour years with Company C, Tenth
Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and who was killed in action at
Nashville, Tennessee.
Following his service in the Civil War. Nels N. Rovang returned to
Wabasha county. Minnesota, and in partnership with a brother-in-law, boughl
one hundred and sixty aires of land, on which they farmed for two years and
then selling their land, the) moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in the
year [868, and located in 'Tumuli township, where Nels N. Rovang home-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 215
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land southeast of the town of Dal-
ton, where he now lives in retirement with a son, who operates the farm.
On November 29, 1865, Nels N. Rovang was married to Ingeborg
Johnson Dahlager, who was born in Norway, and who came to America and
settled in the state of Iowa with her parents, who were farmers. To the
marriage of Nels N. and Ingeborg Rovang were born the following children:
Martin, Anna. John, Julia, Christian, Emma and Otto. Mr. Rovang and
his family are affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation
in which they are highly respected and esteemed for their lives and for their
work- in support of the creeds and policies of this denomination.
In the public and official life of Tumuli township, Nels N. Rovang is a
citizen with a long and honorable record as a public servant, he having
served for eight years as treasurer of Tumuli township, and for some years
occupied the office of township supervisor, during which time much was done
for the progress and advancement of the township and the county. Nels N".
Rovang is among the esteemed citizens of the county.
CASPER LEIN.
few men 111 the community life of Oscar township, this county, have
taken a more active part in the civic affairs of that community than has
Casper Lein, a well-known and prosperous retired farmer of that section
of the county, who since 1871 has been a resident of Otter Tail county.
Successful in hi- Farming ventures, Mr. Lein also has been prominently con-
nected with other enterprises of a profitable character and is regarded as one
of the most substantial men in his community. Eor some years he has been
living a life of retirement from the active duties of the farm, his broad
acres long ago having been turned over to his sturdy sons and he is now
"taking life easy."
Casper Lein was born in the kingdom of Norway on January 7. [842,
son of Jacob Lein, a fanner and deep-sea fisherman, who came to America
in hi- latter days and died in Iowa, while on a visit to his son, P>. M. Lein,
in that -late. Jacob Lein and hi- wife were the parents of seven children,
namely: John 1'.. who i- living at lb.lt, tbi- state; P.. M.. deceased; Casper,
the immediate subject of tbi- biographical -ketch: Jonas, who lives in Iowa:
Mary, who lives in Pipestone comity, this state; Christina, who live- in the
eastern part of Montana, and Martin, who lives in Burleigh county, North
Dakota. Jacob Lein and his wife, Maltie, were members of the Lutheran
church and their children grew up in the strict observance of the tenets of
that faith.
Reared and educated in hi- native country, Casper Lein did not .-me
2IO OTTER TAIL COTNTY. MIXXKSOT.V.
to America until he was twenty-six years of age. It was in [868 that he
lam led in Quebec, shortly thereafter entering the United States, proceeding
to Iowa, where for about two years he remained in Winneshiek county,
engaged as a farm laborer. At the end of that time he decided to home-
stead a farm in Minnesota and with that end in view came to Otter Tail
eount\. the long journey being made by ox-team. Arriving in this county,
he pre-empted one hundred and sixty-three acres in ( )scar township and pro-
ceeded to make a home for himself and his wife, he having married in
Iowa, in [869, Christine Moe, who also was horn in Norway, and who
through all their years of activity in this county has proved a competent and
valuable helpmate to him. Prom the ven -tart, Casper Lein prospered and
as he became financially able added from time to tune to his land holdings
until at one time he was the owner of four hundred acres of choice land
surrounding his home. As he retired from the active life of the farm.
however, he. disposed of a part of this and turned the remainder over to
his children, who are now managing tin- estate, he making his home with
his son, Oscar, on the old home place.
To Casper and Christine (Moe) I. em nine children have been horn,
Olaf, John. Nicoline, Bernard, Sophia. Carl, Oscar. Matilda and Attin. Mr.
and Mr>. Lein are active and prominent members of the Lutheran church
m their neighborh 1, of which Mr. Lein has been the treasurer for the past
thirty-four years, and their children were brought up to the faithful observ-
ance of the tenets of that faith. Active in all neighborhood good works.
Mr. and Mrs. Lein long have been held in the warmest esteem throughout
that pari of the county and no one thereabout has more friends than have
they.
For years Casper Lein has served the public faithfully and well as a
justice of the peace in Oscar township and since 1S85 has been clerk of the
school district. From [873 to [906 he served as clerk of the township and
for thirty-eight years was the township assessor. He was postmaster from
[900 to [906, at Oscar. During several decades Ik- served the government
as a collector of census statistics and also assisted several times in taking
the census of the state of Minnesota. For twelve years he was the secre-
tary-treasurer of the Oscar Township Farmers Mutual Insurance Associa-
tion and is still serving as one of the directors of that excellent organization.
lie also is a stockholder 111 the Carlisle Elevator Company and owns a good-
sized block of stock 111 the Carlisle Hank as well as in the Scandinavian
Bank of Fergus Falls. The civic distinctions which have come to Mr. Lein
during his long and busy life in this county are ample evidences of the
regard in which he is held generally in the community and his friends very
properly are proud of the honors which have been bestowed upon him.
OTTEK TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2\J
JOHN SANFRED KALLERMAN.
Born in Sweden, the scion of a sturdy race of fanners, swindled out of
the possession of his farm in Sweden, a penniless emigrant to the United
States, and now a retired farmer living in Wadena, Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, ami a man who has the satisfaction id' knowing that his has been a
successful career m the agricultural life of Otter Tail county and that to him-
self alone is due the success which he s, . deservedly has won — such, in brief,
is the life of the person whose name forms the caption of this biographical
review.
John Sanfred Kallerman was horn in Skaraborgsland, Sweden, at the
picturesque village of Skofde, on December 23, 1840, the son of James Olson
and Cajsallesa Johnson, both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1809
and the latter in 1813. Both were reared to manhood and womanhood and
married in Skaraborgsland. Jonas Olson came in possession of the farm
upon which his ancestors had lived for so many generations and devoted
himself to general farming. Both he and his helmed wife died on the old
homestead, the former in 1878 and the latter in [889. To Jonas Olson and
Cajsallesa Johnson were born four children, as follow: Lorenzo, who 1- .1
prosperous and successful farmer living on a farm in Sweden; Matilda, who
married John Larson and lives in Sweden; John Sanfred Kallerman, the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Franz August, a major in the Swedish army, who
lives at Stockholm.
John Sanfred Kallerman was educated in the public schools of Sweden
and later pursued his secondary education in the high school of his native
land. Being reared on the farm, he early in life became a farmer and followed
husbandry for a time. Later, however, he became a grocer in Sodertulge,
near Stockholm, in the meantime retaining his farm, which bore the name of
"Bambersfik." Having received an offer to trade his farm for a larger farm
located in the south of Sweden, he accepted the offer only to find to his loss
that he had been swindled and could never recover the farm for which In-
had traded, thereby losing a sum equivalent to ten thousand dollars. Now a
poor man, he emigrated to America alone and after a perilous trip landed
with but twenty cents in his possession.
Mr Kallerman came immediately to Wadena. Minnesota, and worked
for various railroad companies, boat builders and on neighboring farms. In
the same fall, on October 12. [886, bis beloved wife and his two sons joined
him in his new home, and in 1SS7 he homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres in section 1 _>. of Bluffton township, Otter Tail county. At the time tins
land was wild, uncultivated and covered with a heaw brush There were no
mads or other improvements. After building a log cabin on the same loca
tion as the present site of the country home, he began to clear the land anil
2l8 OTTER TAIL COUNTY.; MINNESOTA.
to put it to cultivation. Later he added new buildings and began to spe-
cialize in the raising of cattle. Still later he bought one hundred and sixty
acres adjoining his original tract, eighty acres in section t and forty acres in
section 12, of Bluffton township. About the year 1912 he sold his farm
to his two sons, and- for twenty years operated a threshing outfit and saw-
mill, at the expiration of which time he retired and moved to Wadena, where
he bought a home and invested in other real estate.
On November r6, 1875, John Sanfred Kallerman was married to Sophia
Emily Anderson, a native of Sweden and the daughter of Anders Bengtson
Carlhon. To this happy union there have been horn two
'. and Matteas L., who purchased and have operated their
Bluffton township. Allen F. has been prominent in local
erved as township clerk.
John Sanfred Kallerman. as a Democrat, has held man)' local political
offices, including township supervisor, school director and delegate to the
>tate convention, and has filled all positions to the entire satisfaction of his
constituency. His interest in local politics has been a deep one and ever
directed toward the public welfare. Both he and his beloved wife are devoted
members of the Lutheran church. To him is tendered the respect and confi-
dence of a bust of friends and the admiration of the good citizens of Bluffton
ti iwnship.
Mr. Kallerman has at various times been a public school official and has
always been a strong supporter of free public education. He is opposed to
various systems of private and parochial schools and has expressed the hope
that all parochial schools may be abolished.
and Bri
ta Mari;
children
. Allen
father's
farm ii
politics
and has
O. T. SUTTER.
One of the well-known fanners of Compton township, this county, was
(). J. Sutler, a native of Sweden, who died on September [9, 1 <j T 4, at the
age oi sixty-nine years. The late < ). J. Sutter was married at the tune he
came to America, in i<XNj. The Sutter family came to this country in com
pany with the Johnson family, who were also early settlers of < ompton town-
ship, ( >tter Tail county. After landing in America, the Sutter family moved
to Wadena. Minnesota, but later settled on the farm where the family now
In the spring of 1882, after arriving i
n the state of Minnesota, the late
1 '■ 1
Sutter purchased a homestead right 1
if eight) acres fr0m Mels \nder-
son,
and. at the time of his death. 111 Sepl
liiibcr. Mil |. bad about i me hun-
dred
acres of land. The farm was all w
ild land when the Slitters settled
upon
it, nearly thirtv-five vears ago, and
O. J. Sutter made most of the
improvement on the farm.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2IO,
Of the six children born to O. J. Sutter and wife, two are married,
Anna and John. The other children are Matilda, Olaf, Mea and Charles.
O. J. Sutter was one of the. organizers of the Swedish Lutheran church,
of Compton township, and, for many years, was one of the deacons in the
church. He was also a Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the
Sunday school. Mr. Sutter was not interested in politics, but devoted prac-
tically all of his time and energy to his family, his home, his church and his
farm.
Olaf Sutter was educated in the common schools of Compton township
and also at Northwestern College, at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, which he
attended after finishing the common school course.
Upon completing a two-years' course at Northwestern College, Mr.
Sutter returned to the farm and has lived there ever since. Olaf Sutter is
now the town clerk and is an ardent Republican in politics. He belongs to
the Lutheran church.
OLOF PARY.
Perhaps no citizen of New York Mills, or of Otter Tail county, has
served his community more unselfishly, or to greater or to more permanent
and practical good, than has Olof I'arv. pioneer business man. philanthropist
and honored man of New York Mills. Public spirited, benevolent and tenac-
ious in his determination that Otter Tail county should have those things
without which it could not reach its present state of prosperity, and ever
ready to make personal sacrifice for the realization of his patriotic ambitions
in the interests of his locality, he is today one of the most esteemed citizens
in the county.
Olof I'arv was born in the northern part of Finland, very near to Lap-
land, on July 7, 1852, the sun of Olof and Annie Margaret ( Halvor) Pary,
who were born at that place, the father on October 21, 181 4. and the mother
on November 25, 1S22. Olof Pary, Sr., was a farmer of his native land,
working on his own land, until the year 1871, when witli his wife and five
children, he came to America and went to the town of Michigammi, Michi-
gan, where lie was employed generally for some years, and then, in the year
1NN7. be came to (liter Tail county, Minnesota, where bis son. Olof, who
bad preceded, was living. \t this place Olof Pary, Sr., lived in retirement
until be died, on January 30, 1904, bis wife, Annie, surviving him until her
death, on January 1 (., [910. Olof and \nnie Pary were the parents of the
Following children: Abraham, a fanner of Otter Tail county, who is
deceased: Olof, the subject of this sketch; Henry, a farmer of Newton town-
ship; Lizzie, who married Theodore Anderson ami lives in Newton town-
220 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ship; and Mary, who married Isaac Peterson, who died, and who later mar-
ried John Majava, and they live in Newton township.
Olof Pary was educated in the public schools of Finland and in the
public schools of Michigammi, .Michigan, after which he worked for seven
years on railroads of the state of Michigan and in Canada, and then, during
the year 1881. he came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, arriving on July 14,
and shortly following which he established a store at a small unsurveyed
settlement, which later became the present town of New York Mills. At the
time of his settlement at New York Mills, Olof Pary found but two .-lores
being conducted, one known as the Winslow store and the other known as
the Blowers store, both of which are places of history now.
After fourteen years as a merchant Olof Pary invested in the stock of
a flour-mill at Washburn, North Dakota, a concern with which he was identi-
fied for about three years. In [898 he sold his interests and joined the gold
seekers of Alaska, in which country he remained for three years, during
which time he conducted a general store and at the same time worked on
claims, after which he returned to New York Mills, where he lived for a
time, lie then went to the state of Washington, where for about five years
he was a prospector for gold and copper, and then, in the year 1908, Olof
Pary again became a merchant of Xew York Mills, a business which he fol-
lowed for some time and then he purchased the Farmers' Mercantile Asso-
ciation, which he conducted until selling to (diaries A. Matala. when he
retired from active business life.
During the year [874 Olof Pary was married to Sarah Bippo, who
was born in Finland, the daughter of John Bippo and wife. Sarah ( Bippo)
Pary died in the year 1004. she being the mother of one child, John, who
grew to maturity, and is now a business man in Duluth, Minnesota. Olof
Pary was married, secondly, during the year [908, to Sarah 1'. Warner, the
daughter of S. J. Warner and wife, who were early settlers in the state of
Ohio, but who later moved to Springfield, Illinois, where they lived the
remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Warner were the parents of eight
children, as follow: Joseph P., Mrs. M. T. Swinney, Charles K.. Mrs.
Annie Belle Killins, William Woodrow, Mrs. Sarah Pary, John S. and
[•rank S.
Olof Pary has been known throughout the history of Xew York Mills
and vicinity as .me of the men interested in the developmenl of the general
interests of the community, and of these interests the one closest to the heart
of this public-spirited citizen has been the matter of good roads for the town-
ship and for the county. During the pioneer days of Otter Tail county when
(Hot Pan settled in the district be. with Clinton Fiske. August Sit/ and
A. S. Rlowers, were the township board which not only assisted in the laving
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 221
Out of public highways, but helped in the labor of the project, and gave of
their money that ( Hter Tail count)' might he better opened to settlement and
to intercourse with the outside world. Olof I'ary has served his township
long and well as a member of the township board, and with the spirit oi the
true patriot has steadily refused to accept remuneration for his services, pre-
ferring to give of his efforts and of his judgment and experience in order
that the community, of which he is the oldest living settler, may be a better
place for posterit) .
Olof I'ary is a man of important and conspicuous affiliations, not only
in the Republican party, of which he is a supporter and which he has repre-
sented in convention, both county and state, but in the local offices of
president of the school board and as a member of the town council, offices to
which he has l>een elected almost without opposition, and without seeking,
and in fraternal circles. Olof Par)- is prominently associated as a Mason, an
organization in which, during his twenty-one years as a member, he has
received the degrees of the blue lodge No. [59, at Perham, and the Scottish
Rite, as well as the Shriner honors, at Minneapolis.
Olof I'ary is a supporter of all the churches of New York Mills, he
taking interest in their affairs and their activities and lending his support.
both moral and financial, to their work.
The life of Olof I'ary has been long and good, of great service to his
community, and one which will make an important part of the history of life
and events in Otter Tail county.
DANIEL ANDERSON.
Born in Sweden. March 31, [854, Daniel Anderson, a prosperous farmer
of Compton township, is the son of A. I ). Sutter and Christina Nelson, who
were natives of Sweden. Mr. Anderson's paternal grandfather was also
Daniel Anderson by name, who died in Sweden, where be was a farmer 1>\
occupation and where he owned a large tract of land, lie was a member of
the Lutheran church.
Mr. Anderson's father, V D. Sutter, was a farmer 111 the old country,
and, after coming to America, lived retired. lie came to this countn in
1883 and lived with his son. Daniel Anderson, until Ins death, m November,
[905, His wife died in April, mu. They were members of the Lutheran
church and reared a family of three children, of whom Daniel, the subject of
this sketch, was the eldest. The other children were Margaret and Christine,
Educated in the public school-, of the old country, Daniel Anderson came
to America i" f88l and, after landing at Philadelphia, came direct to Minne-
sota. Two years later he purchased land in Compton township, this county
222 OTTEK TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Anderson began his career as a tanner in Compton township with eighty
acres in section 21, which Ik- subsequently increased to two hundred acres.
but -dine of it lias been divided among his suns, lie gave eighty acres of
his farm to his son. A. 1). Anderson, and eighty acre- to his sun. W. 1'.
Anderson.
On March jo. [880, Daniel Anderson was married to Christine Xor-
den, a native of Sweden, and to them have been horn seven children, Andrew.
John, William, Benjamin (deceased), Ella, Manna and Amanda.
Air. and Airs. Daniel Anderson are members of the Mission church.
Air. Anderson has served as supervisor of Compton township fur six years,
but is no longer serving in this office. He also served as school treasurer for
one term in Compton township. Daniel Anderson is a prosperous farmer, a
useful citizen and is popular among all of the people in the community where
he resides and bv whom he is well known.
JOHN" NORDIN.
Born in Sweden on April 25, [853, John Nordin, a well-to-do fanner
of ( '. mptoii township, owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, of which
his father at one time owned a part.
Air. Xordin is a son of John Johnson and Carin Matson and the grand-
son of John Johnson, Sr., a farmer by occupation, who owned land in his
native country of Sweden. The paternal grandfather was a devout member
of the 1 .utheran church.
In 1883 Air. and Airs. John Johnson, the parents of John Xordin. sold
their farm in Sweden and came to America, locating in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where Air. Nordin's father purchased land in section 21. of
Compton township, lie gradually added to his original purchase until he
was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres at the time of his death.
Mis first purchase of land in this county consisted of one hundred and forty
acres, and thi- is a part of the farm upon which his son, John Nordin, now
lives. Mr. Nordin's father had received military training in bis native land,
and was a faithful and devout member of the Lutheran church, His death
occurred in December, lN'j.v his wife having passed away previously, in
March. [890. They were the parents of four children, of whom, John, the
immediate subject of this review, is the eldest. Mat-, the next youngest
burn, died at the age of fifteen years, while the other two living children are
t 'hri-tcna and Margaret.
|ohn Xonbn received a liberal education in the public schools of Sweden
and was a teacher in the graded schools of that country for nine years.
Upon coming to America with his parents, he settled with them on the farm
w here he i- now living.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 223
Un -March 25, 1880, John Nordiii was married lu Margaret Anderson,
who is also a native of Sweden, and to this union have been born rive chil-
dren, Axel, lj.mil, Robert, Anna and Freda, all of whom are living at home
with then paients, with the exception of Axel, who is engaged in the cement
business at Wadena.
In 1907 Air. Nordin built a splendid new barn, thirty-rive by fifty feel,
and 111 1914 he constructed a large concrete silo. The house in which the
family lives was rebuilt in 1914, and all of the buildings and equipment
about the farm are modern and up-to-date. .Mr. Xordin is a dairy farmer
and keeps always twelve cows or more.
The Xordin family are members of the -Mission church, in which they
lake an active and interested part.
JOHN NORGREN.
Conspicuous among American citizens from Sweden is found the name
of John Xorgren, who keeps well in line with American progress, and is per-
forming his part in the business affairs of the agricultural district of Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, where he has won for himself a name representing industry
and energy, and where he has become a potent factor along agricultural lines.
John Xorgren. farmer, Fergus halls, Elizabeth township, was born on
February 8, 1845, m Sweden, and is a son of Magnus Johnson, the name of
Xorgren being an adopted one, and was taken from the name of a farm in
Sweden. He received his education in the public schools of Sweden, and
came to America when he was twenty-one years of age. landing at Xew York
in 1866, coming first to Minnesota, after which he went to Wisconsin, where
he was engaged in the lumber business for three years, at the end of which
time he entered the employ of the Northern Pacific railroad at St. Louis,
Minnesota. After discontinuing this work, .Mr. Xorgren followed his track-
Mi" stone mason for three years; coming to Otter Tail county in April, 1N71.
where he established a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and where
he still resides, lie has continued to add to his property until he now owns
two hundred and nine acres of g 1 agricultural land, one hundred and sixty
acres in section 14 and Forty-nine acres in section 4. lie divides his time
and attention between general farming and stock raising of all kinds, lie has
put all tin- improvements on the place, including ;; I buildings of a charac-
ter to correspond with the general surroundings, giving an appearance of
care and prosperity to his farm, which is located two miles from the town of
Elizabeth.
Mr. Morgren is a Republican, while his religious sympathies arc with
the Lutheran church, which he built, and for which he hauled the lumber
224 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
with an ox team, tie is an active worker in the church, of which he has been
the leader for the past fifteen years, lie has also been supervisor of the
town board for fifteen years, and occupied the office of road supervisor for a
number of years.
Magnus Johnson, father of .Mr. Norgren, was a native of Sweden,
where he and his wife. Marta (Christina) Johnson, lived and died. They
were farmers, and owned a tine tract of land, consisting of two hundred and
eighty acres. They were members of the Lutheran church, of which Mr.
Johnson was a leader, lie was a well-informed man. who always kept abreast
with the times in his community. This marriage was blest with eight chil-
dren: John, Anna, Christina. Andrew, John, Eva, Sarah (deceased) and
< itista. Of these children. Andrew. John and Christina were the only ones
who came to America.
|ohn Norgren was united in marriage on June 7, 1^74. with Ellen neck-
man, daughter of John Beckman. She was born in Sweden, and was twelve
years old when she came with her parents to America. This union has been
blest with the following children : Clif, Amanda, Anna. William. Ida. Rosie.
\lfred. Elf, and two who died in infancy. Charles, \ndrew . Amanda and
Anna l>eing the only married ones.
John Beckman, father of Mrs. John Norgren, was horn in Sweden, and
on his arrival in America located in Otter Tail countv, Minnesota.
1' \CI. \. STORTROEN.
Paul A. Stortroen. treasurer of Otter Tad county for the past sixteen
years, and a well-known and highly respected citizen of this comity, is a
native of Martel township, Pierce county, Wisconsin, where his birth
occurred on ( >ctober 22, [864.
Mr Stortroen is ,1 son of \nders J. and Sigri (Bjerkeng) Stortroen,
the former of whom was born at Tonset, Osterdalen, Norway, and who
came to America about 1848, in company with his brother. Anders J.
Stortroen located in Pierce county, Wisconsin, where he lived until iN,X_v in
winch year he came to Otter Tail county and purchased land in the Aastad
neighborhood, where he farmed until [902, when he retired and moved to
Fergus Falls, where he spent the remainder (if hi- life and where Mr. Stort-
roen's mother 1- still living.
Paul A. Stortroen was educated in the schools -1 Fergus halls, and
after his graduation from the high school was engaged for five vears as a
teacher in this county. He made a most commendable record as an instructor
and was popular with school officials and with the patrons and pupils of the
various communities in which he taught. At the end of five vears of this
UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 22$
valuable form of public service, Mr. Stortroen was appointed as a clerk in
the office of the register of deeds at Fergus Falls, which position he held
tor four years. Afterwards he was appointed deputy auditor of Otter Tail
county, and served as clerk in the auditor's office for a period of eight years,
lie then spent a year on the farm, but in 1899 was again called to official
life, having been elected treasurer of the county, a position which he now
In ilds. For a quarter of a century Mr. Stortroen has been prominent in
the political life of Otter Tail county, and is today well known among all
classes of people.
By lii s marriage to Martha Tuve, a native of Wisconsin, Mr. Stort-
roen has had two children, Arthur and Noble, both of whom are living at
home with their parents. The family are earnest and devoted members
of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and are prominent workers in that
denomination, being regular attendants at the services and liberal con-
trihutors to the support of the church.
AUGUST SCHMIDT.
August Schmidt, retired fanner of New York Mills, Otter Tail count}-,
Minnesota, was horn in Germany, December 21, 1858, the son of Henry and
Sophia (Broemme) Schmidt, both of whom were natives of Germany. In
[872 Henry Schmidt came to America and located in Sibley county, Minne-
sota, where he lived for one year and then went to Redwood county, where
he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived for
some time, after which he disposed of his land and went to Lamberton,
where he died in the year [913, his widow, Sophia, surviving him until 1914.
Henry and Sophia Schmidt were the parents of eight children, August, Fred,
Dora. Frank, .Minnie. Pauline, Alvine and Emma.
August Schmidt came to America, with his parents, when fourteen years
of age. and after his school days he came to New York Mills, near where he
bought a farm of four hundred acres, located in Homestead township, a
place which he improved extensivelj and where he lived until the vear [914,
when he retired from active life and moved to the town of New York Mills.
Mr. Schmidt has a good and convenient home in New York Mill-, where he
now lives a quiet life.
During tin- year [88] Augusl Schmidt was married to Dora Hoche,
who was horn in Germany, where her parents lived their entire life I- the
marriage of August and Dora Schmidt were bom the following children.
Herman. Frank. Louise. Hulda, \tnanda. Walter, Fredonia and YValdemer.
August Schmidt has been prominently connected with the official life of
hi< community, having served as supervisor of Homestead township for
226 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
twelve years and for a number of years was chairman of the board of super-
visors. The part taken by Mr. Schmidt has done much to make the com-
munity better and more progressive among the townships of the county.
PETER BTORKLUND.
Peter Bjorklund, a prominent farmer of Henning township, this count),
was born in Sweden on January 13, 1 S 5 5 . As the distance to school was too
far he was educated by his mother at home. Mr. Bjorklund had read the
Bible through several times before he came to America, in 1867, together
with his parents. He settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 187 1, and,
for a time, attended the public schools of this county.
Mr. Bjorklund took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in
Henning township, where he now lives. He has added to this land from
year to year until he now owns six hundred and eighty acres, besides eighty
acres which he gave to his son, Oscar. After the latter had received eighty
acres from his father, he purchased eighty acres and erected good buildings
upon the farm. Oscar Bjorklund installed the first milking machine in Hen-
ning township. Mr. Bjorklund's farm consists of five hundred and sixty
acres in his home farm and one hundred and twenty acres in another farm
in Henning township. He is a general farmer and stockman and a well-
known breeder of Holstein cattle.
On December 26, 1880, Peter Bjorklund was married to Alary Larson,
who was born in Norway in [862, and who is the daughter of Herbrant
and Borghild Larson. They moved to Dodge county in 1869 and later to
Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county, where Mrs. Bjorklund's father died.
Her mother died near Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Bjork-
lund have been the parents of eleven children, of whom two, Ida and Rich-
ard, are deceased. The living children are Oscar, Clara, Hulda and \nna
(twins), Herbert, Otto, Robert, Edgar and Edith.
Mr. Bjorklund is one of the wealthiesl farmers of Henning township.
He has served as a member of the school board for thirty-five war--. The
homestead where he lives was pre-empted in 1X70 and two years later he
got married and moved onto the farm, lie has been a member of the town-
ship board for main years, serving as treasurer, supervisor and chairman
of the board and president of the borne telephone line. The Bjorklund- are
members of the Swedish Baptist church at Henning and are very active in
religious work.
Mr. Bjorklund's brother. August, who lives in Henning township, is also
a prominent farmer. He was born in Sweden on July 8, 1862, and was four
years old when the familv came to America, lie was reared in Eagle Lake
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 227
township and attended the public schools. He bought the old homestead of
one hundred and sixty acres and added eighty acres to the farm. In 19 12
he sold the farm and moved to Henning township, where he purchased two
hundred and forty acres in section 1. Mr. and Mrs. August Bjorklund are
members of the Swedish Baptist church at Henning. While a resident of
Eagle Lake, August Bjorklund served on the school board and, for thirteen
years, was township clerk. He also served twelve years as justice of the
peace and twenty-five years as assessor. For two years he was postmaster
of his home town.
On December 31, 1891, August Bjorklund was married to Anna Smith,
the daughter of Olof and Mary Smith, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. To
them have been born five children, Erwin, Roy, Earl, Reuben and Gladys, all
of whom are living except Earl, who is deceased.
Both Peter and August Bjorklund are enterprising farmers, well known
and popular citizens. They have done much in behalf of the material devel-
opment of Eagle Lake and of Henning townships and both enjoy the confi-
dences of a host of friends in Otter Tail county.
H. H. STONE.
H. H. Stone has been a resident of Otter Tail county since 1900, com-
ing here when he was sixteen years old. After attending the high school at
Fnlda and the St. Cloud Normal, he taught school for five years in this
county and at the same time worked on the farm. Tn 191 1 he discontinued
teaching and since that time has given his entire attention to the cultivation
of the soil. The year previous to that he had purchased over eighty acres
and now owns the southeast quarter of section 2, in Elmo township. He
engages in general farming and is a breeder of Galloway cattle and Duroc-
Jersey hogs, having ten of the former and of the latter one hundred.
On October 30. if)io. H. H. Stone was married to Ethel L. Sparks, ai
Minneapolis. His wife is a native of Miller. South Dakota, but has lived in
this county since [902, and is a daughter of M. M. Sparks, at present a resi-
dent of Parkers Prairie, where lie is engaged in the garage business. H. FT.
Stone ami wife have two children, Martha Kate, born on October s. i<)ii.
and Sylvia Beth, born on December 17. 1012. Tn 1914 Mr. Stone erected a
line new barn, sixty-two by thirty-two feet, having a hip roof and concrete
foundation.
Mr. Stone is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of the
Royal Neighbors, and the Modern Brotherhood of America, lie was census
taker in the year toio and since that time has been assessor, lie was. from
the organization of district No. 275, clerk, his period of office extending
OTTEK TAIL COt'NTY, MINNESOTA.
from 1907 to the present time. .Mr. Stone is secretary of the Almora Co-
operative Creamery. In politics, he is an independent voter. Mr. Stone's
useful life is a striking example of what energy and perseverance will do,
and it is gratifying that now he is able to enjoy the results of his skill.
HANS C. HANSON.
Prom the roll of public-spirited citizens, whose unselfish interests have
done great things for the development of the county and for their more
immediate vicinities, the name of Hans C. Hanson, of New York Mills,
Minnesota, stands out conspicuously as one who, perhaps has done greater
service for the public improvement of his home town and for the promotion
of the business activities of bis locality than any other of these desirable and
valued citizens. A man of varied experience in life, one with broad knowl-
edge of the activities of the business world, and a citizen who as a promoter
and as an organizer has proved himself as one of unusual ability, this review
of Otter Tail county would not be complete without reference to the work
and achievements of this worthy citizen.
Hans C. Hanson was born in Denmark on the island of Fynn, on April
1, 1859, the son of Rasmus and Alary Hanson, who were likewise natives of
Denmark. Rasmus Hanson is well known in his community for his record
as a soldier in the war with Germany, when he received a medal for an act
of bravery in cutting chains which were blockading the war area to the ships
of his country. In private life, Rasmus Hanson was a farmer and land
owner of Denmark, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran
church. To the marriage of Rasmus and Alary Hanson were horn three
children: Hans, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who married Andrew
Hanson, and lives at Orlando, Louisiana, and Anne, who is married and lives
mi the island of Langeland. in Denmark.
Hans ('. Hanson was educated in the public schools of his native land.
where he attended classes until fifteen years of age and then he engaged in
general farming, until the year 1880. when, being twenty-one years of age,
he sailed for \111crica and landed at Xew York City, on his birthday, and
immediately Following he went to Rochester. Minnesota, where he worked
on a farm for one summer and then took up work for an elevator company,
at the same time attending night school under the direction of a friend, who
is now a resident of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. \fter two years Hans C.
I [anson engaged in work at the Rochester Iron Works, where he was employed
for five years, and then resigned to accepl a place on the police Force "t
Rochester, under Chief of Police Capp. In the year r88q Mr. Hanson came
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and boughl fortv acres of land in section
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 229
II, of Homestead township, land which was unbroken railroad territory.
Hans C. Hanson proceeded to clear and to improve this land, and from
time to time increased his holdings by the purchase of additional land until
he owned two hundred and forty acres. On this place Hans C. Hanson lived
until a decade ago, at the time of leaving he having one of the best improved
and most completely equipped farms of the community.
During his residence on his farm, Hans C. Hanson, for two years, was
driver of the United States mail on the star route, after which he moved
to the town of New York Mills and rented an old hotel, which he managed in
connection with his duties as a mail carrier, until one Easter morning when
the hotel burned. Mr. Hanson then rented a nearby house, where he con-
tinued in the hotel business, and in 1906 he erected a new hotel building
which was known as "The Merchant's Hotel,'' a building which was equipped
with twenty rooms, all of which were supplied with hot and cold running
water and steam heat. Hans C. Hanson conducted this hotel until the vear
[913, when he retired from this business for two years and then, during
T915, he returned to the management of his former place of business.
At the time of the double tracking of the Northern Pacific railway
through the locality, Hans C. Hanson was given charge of a special company
of men employed at construction work and for one season followed this
work and then during the next year he went to the state of Montana, where
he was engaged in the work of laying the steel rails between the towns of
Armington and of Billings, after which Mr. Hanson returned to New York
Mills, being called home on account of illness in his family. At this time
Hans C. Hanson became a grain buyer for the Andrews Grain Company, a
position in which he is now engaged.
Hans C. Hanson has taken an important part in the public life and in
the public affairs of New York Mills. For six years Mr. Hanson served on
the town council and during that time it was largely clue to his personal
efforts that the streets of the town were graded, that cement sidewalks were
built, and that the central park of the town was arranged for and largely
completed — this without cost to the community — the funds being collected l>\
public subscription and by donation. Hans C. Hanson was the organizer of
the local Commercial Club, an organization of thirty-six- members, of which
Mr. Hanson is now serving as president. During the year 1914 Hans C
Hanson was an active candidate for a seat in the state Legislature, but was
defeated at the election.
Hans C. Hanson was married on September 0. t88i. to Charlotte Carl-
son, who was born at Stockholm, Sweden, the daughter of Carl Carlson and
wife, who were natives of Sweden, and of whom the father came to \merica,
his daughter, Charlotte, coming to join her father during the vear 1880.
23O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
To the marriage of Hans and Charlotte Hanson were born the follow-
ing children: Carl Oscar, who is a railroad man of Duluth, Minnesota;
Adla, who married William Ash and later died of tuberculosis; Alma, who
married Seblon Olson and lives at New York Mills; Abby, who is manager
and grain buyer for the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Vining, Minnesota;
Arthur, who is a chauffeur for the Fiske livery at New York Mills; Justus, a
student of the Wadena Business College; Clara, who married Marshall Lloyd,
an electrician of Verndale, Minnesota; and Laura, who lives at home. Fol-
lowing the death of his daughter, Adla, Hans C. Hanson adopted his grand-
daughter, Lura Ash, who now lives with Mr. Hanson as one of the family.
Hans C. Hanson is prominently and broadly affiliated with several fra-
ternal organizations of the community, he being a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows since twenty-two years of age, a lodge in which
he has served as vice-grand at Rochester. Mr. Hanson is also a Mason of
Perham Lodge No. 159, as well as of the chapter at Wadena. Hans C. Han-
son is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, and in church
affiliation he is a member of the Congregational church, in which congrega-
tion he serves as treasurer. In politics he is a Republican.
FELIX NYLUND.
Felix Nylund, a native of Finland, who succeeded his father in the pub-
lication of the Uusi Kotimaa at the latter's death, in 1892, is a well-known
citizen of New York Mills and Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
Mr. Nylund was born on January 4, 1873, in Finland, and is 'the son of
August and Sophia Nylund, both of whom were natives of Finland, the
former born in 1835 and the latter in 1845. They were married in Finland
and in 1878 he came to America and settled at Calumet. Michigan. Three
years later the family came, and they moved to Minneapolis. Minnesota, and
in July. 1884, to New York Mills, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. August
Nylund had established the Uusi Kotimaa in [882, at Minneapolis, and in
1884 moved tin- business to New York Mills, where the publication of the
paper has since been continued. August Nylund died on December 12. [892,
but his widow is still living, and re-ides at New York Mills. Felix Nylund,
the subject of this sketch, in partnership with his brother, August Ferdinand,
continued the publication of the paper alone, under the firm name of Nylund
Brothers. August Ferdinand Nylund was born in Finland in March, 1868.
The Uusi Kotimaa has :t circulation of approximately six thousand live hun-
dred. It is a financial success and is ably conducted by its presenl owner
and proprietor.
August and Sophia Nylund were the parents of nine children, of whom
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. J^ I
four, Felix, Lydia, Hilma Sophia and Olga, are now living. Felix Nylund
attended public school in Finland, at Calumet, Michigan, and Minneapolis,
Minnesota. He came to New York Mills, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
with Ins parents and took up the publishing business in 1892. He has been
connected with the business ever since. For three years Mr. Nylund has
been a member of the New York Mills council. He has been a member of
the school board for nine years and was clerk of the board for rive years.
Mr. Nylund has forty acres of land inside the village of New York Mills.
He owns real estate and the building in which his business is housed. Besides
this he owns residence property in New York Mills. He is an enterprising
business man and well deserves the success which has attended his efforts
since his father's and his brother's deaths. Mr. Nylund is a thorough-going
American, thoroughly in sympathy with the institutions and traditions, and
loyal to the country of his adoption.
JENS NELSON.
Jens Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is a native of Sjalland, Denmark, where his birth occurred
on January 2Q, 1870. Mr. Nelson is a son of Nels and Sophia (Nelson)
Jensen.
Nels Jensen and wife were born, reared and spent all their lives in Den-
mark. The former was a laborer and a soldier in the War of 1863-64 against
Germany. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-two years and is
in good health. His wife died about 1907. Nels Jensen and wife were the
parents of twelve children, ten of whom were daughters and two sons. Nine
of these children remained in Denmark. One daughter, Helena, came to
America, and after arriving in this country, was married to N. P. Gloier,
and they are residents of Brooklyn, New York.
Jens Nelson was educated in the common schools of Denmark, and when
he was twenty-one years of age came to America, settling in Tordenskjold
township, where lie worked for the farmers of the neighborhood for about
two vears. Afterward Mr. Nelson purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land in section 10. and has lived here ever since. The farm was originally
wild land, and had only a small log house on it in the way of improvements.
Only about twenty-two acres of the farm had been cleared, but at the present
time there is a tine house and a magnificent bank barn with a concrete foun-
dation em the farm. There is also a concrete chicken house, and all of the
outbuildings are substantial and convenient for modern farming. The house
was erected in 1001 and the barn in tqoq. There is a beautiful avenue of
oaks leading from the road to the house, and Mr. Nelson has also set out
232 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
evergreens and box-elders, adding much to the beauty and attractiveness of
tlie place. He has an orchard of fifty apple trees, and is engaged in mixed
farming, 111 which he has met with a very commendable degree of success.
On August 9, 1892, Jens Nelson was married to Johanna Christina
Christensen, a bister of H. C. Christensen and C. H. Christensen, mentioned
elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Airs. Nelson are the parents of five chil-
dren. Marie, George, Christine, Lauritz and Herbert.
Both Air. and Airs. Nelson and family are members of the Free Luth-
eran church, in which they take an active and interested part. Mr. Nelson
is independent in politics. He is an enterprising farmer, a good neighbor
and a good citizen, and enjoys the confidence of many friends and acquaint-
ances.
LEANDER HOLAIES.
Of those men who from foreign counties have come to this country, and
in the laud of their adoption have proved thorough successes regardless of
the handicap of life in a strange nation, the name of Leander Holmes, a native
of Finland, is one which stands as an example of the result of industry and
determination, used with tact and with foresight, in the development of busi-
ness and industrial life.
Leander Holmes was born in Finland on November 20, [852, the son of
Charles and Elizabeth Holmes, who likewise were born in Finland, and lived
in that country during their entire life, where the father was engaged a- a
farmer. Charles and Elizabeth Holmes were the parents of (he following
children: Anna Brita, who married Leander Mattson and lives at Duluth,
Alinnesota; Charles, who lives in Finland, and Leadner, the subject of this
sketch.
Leander Holmes was educated in the schools of Finland, and was con-
firmed in the Lutheran church of that country, after which he learned the
carpenter's trade and followed that business as a skilled and expert workman
for some years, both in his immediate locality and at the city of Petrograd
1 Si Petersburg), Russia. In the year [882 he came to America and was
employed as a workman in the lumber camps of the state of Michigan for
some years, and then he went to the state of California, where he followed
the same business, later going to Park City, Utah, and engaging as a worker
111 the silver and lead mines of that locality, work in which he continued for
three years. In the year c8Q2 Leander Holmes came to the state of Minnesota
and located in Otter Tail county, where he bought eighty acres of land in
section (», of Newton township. Being covered with brush and timber, Lean-
der Holmes proceeded t>> clear his land and to replace the unsatisfactory
OTTER TAIL imxi'V, MINNESOTA. 233
buildings with new structures, together with the adding of land to his hold-
ings until he nov\ has one hundred and twenty acres of land, all well
improved and in a good state of cultivation.
During the year 1S77 Leander Holmes was married to Gemina Coopar,
who was born in Finland, the daughter of Herman Coopar and wife, of that
country. To the marriage of Leander and Gemina Holmes were born the fol-
lowing children: Ina .Maria, who married Edward Deschaine and lives at
.Menominee. Michigan; Gusta Leander, who died at Petrograd, when an
infant; Axel Ananias, who died in infancy; John Adolph, an employe of the
Dower Lumber Company, at New York Mills, Minnesota; Lydia Wilhel-
mina, who married Arthur Haglund and lives at Hibbing, Minnesota; Hilma
Sophia, who lives at home; Fannie Josephine, who died during the year
1910, being seventeen years of age; and Frank William and Winnie Esther,
who live at home.
Leander Holmes is one of the men of Otter Tail county and of Newton
township who has done much for the progress of the community, being-
willing at all times to give of his time and effort for the promotion of public
and general interests. Unselfish and ambitious for the welfare of the locality
he ha- proved to lie a worth}' addition to the citizenship of the county.
CHALKLEY M. BUTTON.
Among the strong and influential citizens of Otter Tail county, the
review of whose lives is an important part of this book, is Chalkley M. But-
ton, who a> a man of keen perception, tireless energy and honesty of purpose.
together with the use of intelligence, has exerted a beneficial influence in the
community of his residence, as well as having contributed largely to the sup-
port of the moral and material advancement of the county.
Chalkley M. Button was born in Hardin county. Iowa, on September
30, [860, the son of Hiram and Fannie (Bolden) Button, the father being
born 111 Chautauqua count). Ww York, on February u, [833, and the
mother being born near the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, on October jo.
[843. Hiram Button was the son of Mbert and Mary (Collins) Button,
his mother being a Quakeress and his father a well-known citizen of New
England, in which part .if the country they were married and afterward
moved to Chautauqua county, New York, where they lived for some time
and then later went, about the year 1S55, to Hardin county, Iowa, where
he followed his profession and his trades as a lawyer, merchant and as a
shoemaker. Hiram Button, father of the subject of this sketch, was one of
ten children, of whom two are living.
Fannie Boldon was the daughter of \.sher and Emeline I Pitman) Bol-
2^4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
don, who were natives of the state of Indiana, where they lived until going
to the state of Iowa, where Asher Boldon followed his vocation as a farmer
during the remainder of his days. Fannie Button was one of ten children,
rive ot whom the now living.
Hiram and Fannie Button each came to the state of Iowa with then-
parents and there met and married, and then Hiram Button engaged as a
general farmer tor some years, after which he came to the state of Minnesota
and located in Utter Tail county, where he homesteaded a farm of eighty
acres of land in section jo, of Newton township, land which he cleared and
where he established a home, where he lived until his death, in the year 1902.
Fannie Button, the wife of Hiram Button, survives her husband, she being
seventy-two years of age. Hiram Button, though a man of quiet and retiring-
disposition, was faithful to his duty as a citizen and served his community
in the offices of assessor, school director and supervisor, as well as being one
of the men who organized the Farmers' Alliance, a strong and beneficial
organization.
Hiram and Fannie Button were the parents of the following children:
Chalkey M., the subject of this sketch; Florence, who died in infancy; Byron
A., who lives at Williston, North Dakota; Asher ].. who conducts a business
college at Moorhead, Minnesota; Jessie M., who married Ole Tranby and
lives at Malta, Montana: Oscar, who is a school teacher of Bellingham,
Washington: Aivin, who is a school teacher of Aldrich, Minnesota; I.usia.
who married Clarence Rowdon and lives at Malta, Montana: Mabel, who
married David Henry and lives at Malta. Montana: Myrtle Edna, who died
at the age of seven years; and Fannie Luella, who died at the age of three
years.
Chalkley M. Button was educated in the common schools of Hardin
county, Iowa, and in the schools of Otter Tail count)'-, Minnesota, after
which lie taught school for some time and then settled in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where he homesteaded eighty acres of land, across the road from
the land that was owned by his father, Hiram Button. Being uncleared land,
Chalklej M. Button sel oul to prepare In- land lor cultivation, clearing the
soil of brush and timber and building a house and other buildings, until he
ha- ii"w one of the most complete farm- of the community, where lie engages
in general farming and in tin- breeding of cattle and hogs.
On December t_\ 1000, Chalkley M. Button was married to Frances
Rummins, who was born in tin- state of Iowa, the daughter of George Rum-
mins and wife. To the marriage of Chalkle} and Frances Button has been
born two children. Florence and Chalkley Monroe, Jr.
Chalklev M. Button is prominenl in the business life of his community,
being a shareholder in the local lel.-i.honc company and being a man. who
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 235
because of his experience and training, is one whose counsel and judgment
in matters of general business are highly valued.
In politics, Mr. Button is an ardent supporter of the principles of the
Prohibition part}- and is a man whose efforts in the direction of the object
of this party has proved of great value.
JOHN GEISNESS.
John Geisness, a resident of this county for twenty years, and owner of
two hundred acres of splendid farm land, while not a native of the county,
is looked upon as such. From far off Norway he came when a child of nine
years, bringing with him the strong traits of character for which his coun-
try is noted. Through energy, thrift and perseverance, he has accomplished
much and has acquired the right to be called a representative farmer and a
man of high character.
Mr. Geisness was born in Trondhjem, Norway, on January 31, 1857,
son of Alexander and Annie Boletta (Lund) Geisness, both of whom were
natives of Norway, where they were married. Encouraged by reports of the
new country, they set sail for America in 1866 and arriving in this country
made their first home in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where they bought a
farm the first year. Seven years after he purchased a farm there, Mr.
Geisness died, but his wife continued to live there until her death, in 191 1,
at the age of seventy-seven. She never re-married. Both she and her hus-
band were members of the Lutheran church, and the latter was a Republican
in politics. Of the ten children born in their home, four died while very
young. The living are : John, the subject of this biography ; Bolletta Mar-
garet, who married Magnus Olson and lives two miles east of New Rich-
mond. Wisconsin; Anne, Mrs. Arthur Howell, resides in Duluth, Minne-
sota; Ellen is the wife of Edward Halvorsen and lives in Duluth; Thomas is
a resident of Port Angeles, Washington, and \manda is Mrs. Louis Wahl,
who lives on the old home place in Wisconsin.
Because of the large family and the difficulty of securing an adequate
livelihood in the early days, John Geisness. with his brothers and sisters.
shared the lo1 common to the children of pioneer settlers. The school days
were short and the work days were long and therefore his education was
only such as could be acquired at that time. Spending his early youth on tin-
farm, he later worked in the pine w Is for five years previous to several
years spenl as a farm laborer in Minnesota and Dakota. Tn [886 he bought
eighty acres in section 31, in the township of Henning, built a log house and
then- he lived for four years, during which time he broke the land which
was at the date of purchase only a wilderness, lie then moved to Vining,
236 OTTER TAIL COUNTY,, MINNESOTA.
where he purchased a hotel, which he operated for eight years. Selling the
Henning township land he bought a farm in Nidaros township, which was
adjoining to his village hotel. This he later sold to a man named Froslee,
and with the means thus obtained bought two hundred acres in Folden town-
ship, one and one-half mile- from Vining. There he lived for four years.
adding to his propert) by a tract of eighty acre- in section 5. and later a
similar amount where he now lives. His residence on this place has been
for the last nme years. The improvements consist of a line new home and
barn and such other necessities as the modern farm demands. Mr. Geisness
has been successful as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey hoys and has made a spec-
ialty of dairy farming, keeping on hand from ten to fifteen cows.
Mr. Geisness was still a young and ambitious pioneer when he mar-
ried, bringing his bride, Thnna Haugenson, to his crude pioneer cabin home.
This was on May 0, (888. Mis. Geisness is a native of Norway, having
been horn there mi May 30, 18(14. Her parents, Rolland and Christna
(Ska fnes) Eiaugenson, were among the first pioneers coming to Folden
township, for they arrived in their wagons in 1871. The father died on
April id. [895, his widow surviving him until September 22, 1914, when
she died, at the age of seventy-seven. The children born to them are: Edna
Amanda, who married Eric Paulson and lives in Sacred Heart, Minnesota:
Reynard Alexander, who died at the age of eighteen; Annie Bolletta, who
died at two years of age, and was followed by another daughter, also named
Annie Bolletta, who grew up and married Clifford Read, a resident of
Seattle. Washington; Cora Nicoline, Ella Juliet. Thea Jennette and Eva
Elenora, all In ing at home.
The Haugenson family were indeed pioneers, the log house in which
the) first lived is still standing and is now used as a summer kitchen. When
ime <ui the northern frontier they were often
their sudden appearance used to frighten even
in the year 1868 when this family crossed the
1 hard journey overland arrived in St. Croix
y lived for the following three years. When
1N71. traveling in covered wagons drawn by
s to make the journey. In order to procure
walk to town.
ire members of the Lutheran United church.
He has been for two terms president of the
k- Company and has been also president of the
residence here Mr. and Mrs. Geisness have
ittractive home many friends ami acquaintances. Mrs
a valuable assistant in all that her ambitious husband has
they f
UlUi
led their pioneer 1
distur
>ed 1
>v Indians, win
1 b)
the In
rses
and cattle. It
wa
ocean
in r
sail boat and
by
ci mnt)
. \\
isconsin, when
th
they (
lim-
to this count)
. ii
oxen,
it required three \
eel
necess
try supplies they h;
d t
Mr. :
ml Mr-. Geisn
:SS
Mr. C
cism
ss is a Republ
cai
Ileum
lg a
id Vining d'ek
ph.
cream
TV.
Since their 1
mg
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 237
undertaken to do and both are among the most highly respected citizens of
this locality, Mr. Geisness being recognized as one of its leading farmers
and business men.
HENRY CORDES.
The energy, frugality and business instinct of the German citizen has
done much toward the development of the United States. Wherever these
people have settled there is evidence of thrift and prosperity. Substantial
homes, large barns and well-cultivated fields in the rural districts and well-
conducted business interests in the towns and cities. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is no exception to the rule, for here is found the progressive
farmer and the successful business man of German origin.
Henry Cordes, a German by birth, is a man true to the instincts of his
race, born in Hanover, Germany, February 12, 1872, he came to this country
in early boyhood and has been most successful in his calling.
Henry Cordes was the son of Herman and Charlotte (Winter) Cordes,
natives of Hanover, Germany. Herman Cordes was born on April 14, 1842,
and was married to Charlotte Winter in 1870, whose birth occurred on May
20, 1844. He received his education in the common schools of his country.
He and his wife were active members of the German Lutheran church. Mr.
Cordes operated a small farm in German}-, where he and his wife reared a
family of ten children. In the year 1885 he decided to cast his fortunes in
America and, in company with his wife and children, he landed in New York
City mi April 5, of that year. He came directly to Minnesota, where he
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 21, Leaf Lake town-
ship, Otter Tail county. Mr. Cordes is still living on a farm near Henning,
Mrs. Gunk's having died on July 18, 1909.
The parents of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Cordes never came to America.
Henry Cordes. the lather of Herman, was an extensive farmer and owned
large tracts of land in Germany. Fritz Winter, the father of Mrs. Herman
Cordes, was also a tiller of the soil and owned a small farm. The Cordes
and Winter families wen- all members of the German Lutheran church.
Henry Conks, the subject of this sketch, received most of his educa-
tion in Germany, having come to the United Slates when a lad of thirteen,
he received but one year of schooling in America. Mr. Cordes was mar-
ried on October 18, 1900, to Doris Bormann, a native of Hanover, Ger-
many. She was bom on January 28, [878. Mr. and Mrs. Cordes are the
parents of eight children: Herman, Hertha, Emma, Bettie, Clara, Walter,
Edwin and Norbert.
Tn tooo Henn Cordes purchased of his father one hundred and sixty
238 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
acres of his proem farm. Two years before he purchased an adjoining
one hundred and twenty acres completing his present farm of two hundred
and eighty acres. Mr. Cordes has added much to the value of his farm by
the erection of a large barn, forty by eighty-four feet, with two silos, twelve
by thirty-four feet, the work being completed in the year 1909. Two years
previous to this he had rebuilt a large and modern house. Later he has
added a number of large sheds for bis machinery and for the comfort of his
many hogs and line Guernsey cattle. Air. Cordes owns his threshing outht,
but does only the threshing on his own farm and near neighbors.
Mr. and Mrs. Cordes are active members of the German Lutheran
church, in which denomination Mr. Cordes has been a member of the official
board fur six years. He is at the present time treasurer of the school board,
director of the creamery company and he holds the office of vice-president
witli the telephone companies of Otter Tail and Henning. Mr. Cordes has
been very active in all things that tend to the development and improvement
of his home and the community in which he lives.
MARTIN K. MARTINSON.
Martin K. Martinson, successful and well-known farmer of Compton
township, in Otter Tail county, a man who has taken no small part in the
development and advancement of the community and the support of its
movements and projects for a greater township and county, was born in
Sweden on August 4. 1864, the son of Martin Erickson and Emma ( Peter-
son) Erickson, both of whom were born in Sweden where they now live.
Martin Erickson being a farmer of that country. Martin Erickson and his
wife are the parents of four children, Margaret, Peter, Martin, and Chris-
tine who is deceased.
Martin K. Martinson was educated in the common schools of his native
land after which he came to America, in the year 1889, and went to the
state of Minnesota, where he located in Otter Tail county, working for some
year-- as a farm helper. In the year 1885 he bought eighty acres of farm
land in Compton township, section 28, paying for this land the sum of two
thousand five hundred dollars. On this place Martin K. Martinson lias
since lived, he having improved the farm and cultivated the soil until the
place is among the most desirable of the locality.
On December 4. ton-. Martin K. Martinson was married to Carrie
Peterson, wh<> was horn in Sweden, the daughter of Nels Peterson and wife,
who came to America in the year 1893, locating in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where they bought a farm, which later they sold to Martin K.
Martinson.
Martin K . and Carrie Martinson are the parents of one child, Algot.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 239
who was born on October 14, 1903. Mr. Martinson and his wife are well
known and highly respected members of the Swedisli Lutheran church, a
congregation in which they are actively engaged as workers and as support-
ers of the creeds of this denomination.
In public life Martin K. Martinson has taken no especial part, he pre-
ferring to live well and to do his duty as a private citizen of the county and
the township.
OLAUS O. HOYL.WT).
The history of one who has lived an honorable life and attained high
distinction in the community in which he lives should find a prominent place
in the biographical records used by succeeding generations. The lives of
these men serve as an inspiration to beginners and as a spur to novices in
the field of industry. Among those who have resided in Otter Tail county
since the very beginning of her agricultural development, is Olaus O. Hov-
land. As a boy he had the privilege of living on a Minnesota homestead
and to those days of stern labor and discipline be owes much of the success
which came to him in later life.
Olaus Hovland was burn in Winneshiek county. Iowa, on the 16th of
September, 1868, and is the son of Ole O. and Anna (Teslo) Hovland.
Contrary to the prevailing custom of that locality and period he received
more than the average educational training. He attended the local public
schools and at the completion of the common school course entered the high
school at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. During his attendance in the high
school, he absorbed the highest principles of right living and learned to
look upon the occupation of farming as a dignified and noble form of labor.
His first experience as a farmer was received on his father's homestead
where he went to work after leaving high school. For several years follow-
ing his period of residence on his father's farm, he rented a place whose
resources proved to be unusually profitable. In iqi_>, he bought the place
where he now reside^. The farm extends over two hundred acres of ground
located in sections 26 and 27. He has erected, since his occupation of the
place, buildings of modern construction and design. His interests are with
general farming and he gives some attention to stock raising. As a Repub-
lican he has served as township clerk and as school director and executed
the duties of each office with efficiency and force.
On the 21st of March. 1895, the marriage of Olaus Hovland to Minnie
Sjolaas. a native of Oscar township, Otter Tail county, took place She
is the daughter of John and Karin (Bjerke) Sjolaas, among the early set-
tlers of that section, who settled there in 186V). having come from Houston
county, Minnesota, where they had lived since the early development <>f
-'4° OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
that community. .Mr. Sjolaas died on the 27th of March, 1902, and his
wife passed away on the 7th of January. 10,14. No children have been born
to Mr. and Airs. Hovland, but they have found enjoyment and pleasure in
the task of rearing- the three nieces of Mrs. Hovland; Ida, Luella and Lena
Lider.
J'lie work of Olaus Hovland has been such as to win for him more
than passing recognition in the count)- in which he lives. While he has
worked mainly [or individual advancement, he has never lost sight of the
fact that there are movements for public good and has used his best efforts
in furthering the cause of honesty and business prosperity in Otter Tail
county. lie is a man of a versatile nature which has found expression in
deeds for the welfare of the public at large.
MM IX B. THOMPSON.
A man of splendid attainments as a lawyer. John B. Thompson has
long held local precedence as an exponent of the most loyal and progressive
spirit. An influential factor in the promotion of various important business
enterprises, he is eminent!}- entitled to mure than passing consideration in
the biographical records of the county in which he resides. A native son
of < )tter Tail county and a representative of one of its well-known and
honored Norwegian families. Mr. Thompson has well upheld the prestige
of the name which he bears and which has been long and prominently iden-
tified with the industrial affairs of Battle Make, this comity. His character
and services have but further exemplified that line type of citizenship which
has made the Norwegian element one of so much importance and influence in
the sturdy citizenship of Minnesota.
John B. Thompson was horn on November 4. 1876. in Mane Prairie
township, this county, son of l'.ernt and Inger (Gulseth) Thompson. His
parents were horn in Selber, Trondhjem, Norway, where they were also
married. Upon their arrival in America with a large family early in the
seventies, Mr. and Mr>. Thompson settled in Spring Grove, Minnesota.
They later came to Otter fail count) ami took a homestead claim on one
hundred and sixty acres on the wesl side of Indian lake in Dane Prairie
township. In that section Mr. Thompson met the trials of pioneer lite in
.1 strange community, but his character was of such force and strength that
he was able to turn his means of maintenance in life from a hardship to a
pastime. lie cleared a place for a log cabin before he entered upon any
form of agricultural life, and lived several years in the dwelling, most of
which had been erected by himself. Later in life he sold his place to his
son. Nels B. Thompson, and moved to the opposite side of the lake. wher<
he died after a few years. Mr-. Thompson spent her last days with her
THOMPSON.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 24I
daughter, Mrs. Thomas Larson, the wife of one of the prominent men of
this count}', a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this
volume. Mr. Thompson was a Republican and took an active interest in
the political affairs of the county, but could never be persuaded to accept a
candidacy for a political office. He was deeply devout in all his religious
undertakings ami with his wife gave loyal support to the Lutheran church
of which they were members. Mr. Thompson was not only one of the
founders of the church in the community in which he lived, but for a time
before its establishment on a permanent basis, gave the use of his house as
a meeting place for the congregation.
John B. Thompson received the advantages of a liberal education, avail-
ing himself first of the opportunities offered in the course of study at the
Wilmer Seminary. After he left Luther College in the year 1896. he
attended the University of Minnesota, from which institution he was gradu-
ated in the year 1904. Following the plan he had mapped out for his
future profession, his course in the university was that of the law and
shortly after his graduation he was admitted to the bar and began his prac-
tice in Henning, a village in Otter Tail county. During the legislative
session of 1905, he was engrossing clerk, and at the expiration of that term
of service he returned to Otter Tail county, where he has resided ever since.
Mr. Thompson has made rapid and substantial progress in his practice of
law and through his ability and well-fortified powers as a counselor, has
gained a position entitling him to the full confidence and respect of the com-
munity. Aside from his law practice, he has at different times been engaged
in business enterprises which have proved most successful. In 1912, in com-
pany with T. A. Ranstad, Mr. Thompson made his initial appearance in the
field of business enterprise, as agent for a popular line of automobiles. This
line of work has not only proved to be profitable, but it has also been of an
unusually pleasant nature, and has gained for the subject of this sketch a
wide acquaintance throughout the entire county of Otter Tail. Further
prestige was later gained by him as director and manager of the Battle Lake
Milling Company which he organized. He has also found time ami oppor-
tunity for work in the field of real estate in which he takes a live interest.
Mr. Thompson has given bis entire political supporl to tin- cause of the
Republican party, and has been honored for the last four years with the
position of mayor of Battle Lake. With the numerous cares of professional
and business interests on his mind Mr. Thompson still finds time to engage
in the recreations of fraternal and social life. He is a member of the Elks
lodge at Fergus Falls, and also of the Modern W Imen of America. He
fills the office of secretary of the Commercial Club at Battle Lake, an office
I t6b)
2-|- OTTER PALL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the duties of which have brought him in contact with the best class of
citizenship of the community in which he lives and won for him much popu-
larity among its members.
On June 23, iqoj, John B. Thompson was united in marriage to Pauline
Tjostelson, who was born in Dane Prairie township, the daughter of Peter
Tjostelson, one of the pioneer settlers of that locality. Air. and Mrs.
Thompson have no children.
HENRY GEORGE HOFF.
From the land of Norway have come to America many of the desirable
and enterprising citizens of foreign countries who take an important and
conspicuous part in the life of this country; men who are hardy, persevering,
industrious and resourceful, a type of manhood without which America and
American life would be denied one of its most acceptable elements. Of this
type of manhood and citizenship is Henry George Hoff, and the excellent
family of which he is a representative.
Henry George Hoff was born on the farm where he now lives, in
Tordenskjold township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on July 10, 1883,
the son of John T. and Marie dishing) Hoff. both of whom were born in
Norway, the father at Hedemarken, on August 12, 1840, and the mother at
Vadsoe, of northern Norway, on April iS. 1856. John 'I'. Holt was the
son of Tollef and Gunor ('Johnson) Hoff, who were horn in Norway, where
they were married and to whom were born four sons, one. .Andrew, came to
America in the year 1868. and located in Houston county, Minnesota. Later
Tollef and Gunor Hoff, with their three sons, came and located with the son
and brother, Andrew, in Houston county, where they lived for one year
and then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Tollef Hoff and
two sons took up a homestead in Tordenskjold township. Later Tollef
Hoff sold his homestead and moved to Ashby where he died in January.
1897. Gunor Hoff preceded her husband in death thirteen years, dying in
the year T8S4.
Marie Ilshing was the daughter of Ole and Guri fishing, who were
born in Norway ami came to America in the year 1865 and settled at Minne-
apolis, Minnesota, where Ole fishing followed his trade as a mason, until
the year [868, when he. with his family, moved to Otter Tail county, and
took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, in section 32, where
Henry George Hoff, the subject of this sketch, now lives. After some years,
during which time Ole Ilshing cleared his land and improved it. he sold his
farm to John T. Hoff. following which he moved to St. Olaf township,
and purchased a farm which later lie sold ami then hought another farm,
which after a time he sold. Then Ole Ilshing became a merchant at Dalton.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, -MINNESOTA. 243
.Minnesota, a business in which he continued until four or five years later,
when he died, his wife, Guri, having preceded him in death, in the year
1886. Ole and Guri Ilshing were the parents of three children: Marie,
mother of the subject of this sketch; Hans, who died as a boy, in Norway;
llaiisiiKi, who married Halbert Parker and lives at Junction City, Oregon.
John T. and Mary Hoff were married in Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
after which they established a home on the claim of John T. in section 7,
of Tordenskjold township, a place where they lived for four years and then
bought out the place of Ole Ilshing, a farm of two hundred acres in section
32. John T. and Mary Hoff lived on this farm until 1907 when Mr. Hoff
sold his place to his son, Henry George, and retired. John T. Hoff was one
of the founders of the Lutheran Free church of Minnesota. Mary Hoff
lived as the faithful wife of John T. Hoff until her death in the year 1900.
To the marriage of John T. and Mary Hoff were born six children : Oscar
Theodore, who lives on a farm in Tordenskjold township. Minnesota; Gena
Gurina, who married Edward K. Johnson and lives in Tordeskjold town-
ship; Alma Helena; Henry George, the subject of this sketch; Manda
Georgia, a stenographer, who lives in the state of [daho, and Borghild Julia.
Henry George Hoff was educated in the schools of district No. 20, of
Tordenskjold township, and then he worked on his fathers farm for a time
after which he attended the agricultural college of the state of Minnesota.
during the year 190 1 -2, and then returned to the farm and aided his father
until 1907, when he bought his father's place and engaged himself in the
pursuit of general farming and stock raising.
On June 23, 1909, George Henry Hoff was married to Mary Weiby,
who was born in Dalton. the daughter of Clement Weiby and wife. To
this marriage two children have been born : Jean, who was born on March
13, 10.10, and Allen, who was born on May 18, 1913.
NATHAN T. FINN.
Born in Chase county, Kansas, December 4, 1870, Nathan ]. Finn, of
Oak Valley township, is a prosperous farmer. Mr. Finn is the son oJ
Jasper and Yilctte (Packard) linn, the latter of whom was a native of
Illinois. They were married in [owa and later settled in Kansas in an early
day. .Mr. Finn's father died in Kansas, November 11, [901. His widow,
however, is still living. Mr. Finn knows very little about his parents, how
ever, as he was reared by his maternal grandparents, Nathan FT. and I. no
Packard. They came to Otter Tail county in June. [875, and settled on
section 2. of Oak Valley township. Mr. Finn's maternal grandfather died
in iNoi and his grandmother in 1893.
Mr. Finn came to Otter Tail county with hi- grandparents in 187:;
-44 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and has since resided in this county. He remained with his grandparents
until their deaths and, after this, the farm was sold. He purchased one
hundred and twenty acres in sections 2$ and 25, of Oak Valley township.
In 1912 Mr. Finn built a large barn, thirty-two by forty-four feet. He
also has improved the farm in various other ways.
In 1893, after the death of his grandmother, Nathan J. Finn was mar-
ried to Hattie Smith, who was born in 1873, in Chicago, and who is the
daughter of Charles and Sarah (Naylor) Smith. They came to Oak Valley
township in 1876 and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in
section 26. Mrs. Finn's father died in October, 1913. Her mother is now
living in Hewitt. Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Finn have two children. Lee.
born on July 2. 1910, and Leona, born on March 22, 1913. Mr. and Mrs.
Finn also have tun adopted children. Naomia, who is seventeen years old,
and Ralph, who is fourteen.
Mr. Finn is a member of the township board at the present time and
is treasurer of the school board, a position which he has filled creditably for
several years. He is well known and well liked in the community where
he lives and where the people have had an opportunity to know his char-
acter and his worth as a man.
ANDREW ISAKSON.
Andrew Isakson, an enterprising farmer of Inman township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was horn in Sweden on December 16, 1872, the son of
Isaac and Betsey Johnson.
Mr. Isakson's parents were both natives of Sweden. They immigrated
to America and settled at Henning, Otter Tail county, in 1892. Mr. Isak-
son's father died in Henning in 1896 at the age of fifty-six years and his
mother in iqn at the age of seventy-eight. They were the parents of six
children, John. Christine (who lives in Sweden), Berg, Nels (deceased),
Andrew and Olaf.
Andrew Isakson was educated in Sweden and. in 1892. came to America
and settled at Henning, purchasing forty acres in section 17, of Henning
township. Later Mr. Isakson sold this farm and in 1900 purchased eighty
acres in section 12, of Inman township. He has cleared his farm and erected
good buildings on it. Mr. Isakson is not only a good farmer and stock man,
but he is a carpenter by trade and has worked at this trade almost con-
tinuously during the past two years. Nevertheless, Mr. Isakson has kept a
very close oversight on his farm and has supervised the work on the farm.
In iQOf) Andrew Isakson was married to Sadie Person, who was born
in 1889 in Sweden and who is the daughter of Olaf and Ellen Person, of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 245
Leaf Lake township. Mr. and Mrs. Isakson have two sons, Edwin, born
on August 29, 1909, and Melvin, born on July 22, 1913.
Mr. Isakson is now serving his second term as supervisor of Inman
township. Mr. and Mrs. Isakson are members of the Swedish Lutheran
church. They are not only prominent in religious affairs but likewise
prominent in civic affairs of this township. They have a host of friends
in the neighborhood where thev live.
JOHN S. TORGERSEN.
Among the pioneer citizens of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and among its successful farmers and business men, is
John S. Torgersen, who was born near Talvake, in Sopnes, Norway, Septem-
ber 12, 1849. Mr. Torgersen is the son of Michael and Kari (Thompson)
Torgersen.
Michael Torgersen was born at Raroaas, Norway, and his wife in Tap-
luft, near Talvake, Norway, the former in 1815 and the latter about 1825.
They were married in Norway and lived near Sopnes, where, for twenty-
five years. Michael Torgersen taught school. After the death of his wife,
in April, 1866, Michael Torgersen came to America with his family. The
voyage to America was made on a steamship and on their arrival in America,
the family spent on winter in Winneshiek county. Iowa. After moving to St.
Paul, Minnesota, Michael Torgersen left three daughters in that city, and,
with three sons and two daughters, came to Otter Tail county. The journey
from St. Paul to St. Cloud was made by rail and from St. Cloud to Otter
Tail county by wagon. Upon arriving in Otter Tail county, Mr. Torgersen
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold town-
ship on the west shores of Stalker lake. A cabin built on the shore of the
lake was destroyed bv fire in 1868. For some time Mr. Torgersen had no
horses and only two cows. Subsequently, he built another log house on a
hill just north of the first and there lived until late in life, when he built a
little house near the home of his son, Jens. He died there in i8qX. After
coming to Otter Tail county, he had married Ellen Haldorson. He also
taught school here for some years and, for some time, sang in the choir of
his church. He was a prominent member of the Synod Lutheran church.
Of his twelve children, four died early in life in Norway, Salvine married
Robert Karsman. and, having returned to Sweden, now lives in Stockholm;
Magdalena married Thomas Dwyer and died in Minneapolis; John S. is the
subject of this sketch; Lena married Andrew Burg and lives in Grand
Island, Nebraska; Dora is the widow of Knut Foss and lives in Butte. Mon-
tana; fins is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Bert lives at Tentpole,
246 OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
North Dakota, where he is a farmer; Bolletta married Sam Huseby and
lives in Fergus Falls.
John S. Torgersen was educated in the public schools of Norway and
spent about one month in the schools of America, after which he engaged
in farming. In 1871 Mr. Torgersen homestead ed one hundred and forty-
nine acres in Tordenskjold township, adjoining his father's farm. Here
he erected a shanty and began clearing the land. After a time, he bought
forty acres from the railroad just north of his first farm. He now has a
good modern house, barn and other outbuildings, all of which are kept in
a splendid state of repair. Mr. Torgersen is a general farmer and stock-
man and is a stockholder in the local telephone company and in the Dalton
elevator.
In 1874 John S. Torgersen was married to Johanna Nelson, a native
of Norway and the daughter of Nels Langrjovold, who died in his native
land. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. John S. Torgersen.
Kari. who married Olaf Tue and lives in Carlton county, Minnesota; Annie,
who married Spencer Folkedal and lives in Dalton; Martin, who lives in
Moose Jaw, Canada; Emma, who died in infancy; Nels. John and Christine.
who live at home; Emma, who married Andrew Utne and lives in Dane
Prairie township, and Olga, who married Richard Sjordal and lives in
Montana.
Mr. Torgersen is a Republican in politics and both he and his wife are
members of the Free Lutheran church.
JOHN DOLL.
John Doll, farmer and widely known citizen of Rush Lake township.
< Hter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Mercer county. Ohio, on May -'<>,
[839, the son of Anton and Mary Ann ( [barter 1 Doll, both of whom were
natives of Baden, Germany, the former born in iSto. the latter in 1S10
\11ton Doll was the son of Joseph Doll and wife. Joseph Doll, after the
death of his wife, in German), coming to America in 1830, and settling in
Perry comity, Ohio, where be lived for five years ami then moved to Mercer
comity, where lie died in 1838. Joseph Doll and wife were the parents of
tin following children; \nton. father of the subject of this sketch. John.
Wentler, Francis and Mary Ann. \nton Doll received his education in
Germany and then came to America, with his father, in [830, ami located
in Ohio, where he lived until 1N07. and then moved to Otter Tail comity,
Minnesota, Inlying four hundred and seventy acres ,>t land in Rush Lake
township, a place which be cultivated and improved and made his home
until his death in 1881. Mary \nn. the wife of \ 1 n ■ -i 1 Dol, died on the
home place, in the year 1<)T_>. aged ninety-three years. Anton and Mary
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 247
Ann Doll were the parents of five children, John, the subject of this sketch,
Joseph A., Anton, Mary Magdalena and Thresa (deceased).
John Doll was educated in the public schools of Mercer county, Ohio,
after which, in 1866. he moved to Rush Lake township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in
section 12. Later, Mr. Doll added to his original farm until he is now the
owner of five hundred and forty acres of well improved and highly culti-
vated land, where he lived as an active farmer until iSoo, when he retired.
On January 30, r866, John Doll was married, in Mercer county, Ohio,
td Catherine Weis, who was born in Mercer county, on March 31. 1841,
the daughter of Joachim and Barbara (Studer) Weis, natives of Baden,
Germany. John and Katherine Doll are active members of St. Lawrence
church, of Otto township.
Joachim Weis was the son of John and Mary Ann (Algeier) Weis.
who came to Ohio, from their home in Germany, during the year 1823, and
located in Mercer county, where John Weis died in 1867, his wife, Mary
Ann, having died in 1868. Barbara Weis was the daughter of Joseph and
Mary Ann Studer. who after a short residence in Columbus, Ohio, follow-
ing their arrival in America, moved to Mercer county, where Joseph Studer
died about i860, his wife surviving him unt;G >;i,mc years later.
JACOB JUNG.
Jacob Jung, well-known farmer of Rush Lake township, Otter Tail
countw Minnesota, was born in Sheboygan county. Wisconsin, on March 27,
[849, the sun of John and Katherine (Silbernagel) Jung, the former born
in Germany in 1826, and the latter in the same country in 1824. John Jung
came to America in 1847. with bis parents, John Jung, Sr.. and wife, and
located in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where John Jung. Sr., died in
[851 : his wife died in 1847. Katherine Silbernagel came to America and
located at Racine. Wisconsin, where she was married to John Jung. Jr.,
after which they moved to Sheboygan county, and in 1881 came to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. After living in Perham, Minnesota, until 1899,
John Jung moved to Macon. Georgia, where he lived until his death in
January, 1002. he being survived by his wife, who died on March 25, [915.
John and Katherine Jung were the parents of the following children, Jacob.
John. Peter, ("hrist. Richard. Blandina and Anna Marie, all of whom are
now living.
facob Jung was educated in the public school-, of Sheboygan, Wiscon-
sin, after which he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a shorl time and
then to Brainard, Minnesota, where he lived until February, 1873. and then
returned to Minneapolis, In November, 1873, Jacob Jung went to Wiscon-
248 OTTER TAIT. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
sin, where he lived two years and then he came to his farm in Rush Lake
township, a place which lie improved extensively and where he is now
engaged in general farming and in the dairy business. The farm of Jacob
Jung is known as "Rush Lake Dairy Farm."
On November r6, 1876, Jacob Jung was married to Mary Ottilia Fuchs,
who was born in Stearns county, Minnesota, the daughter of Balthasar and
Ottillia 1 Esser) Fuchs, who came front the state of Ohio to Stearns county.
Balthasar Fuchs died on December 22, 1014, in Saskatchewan, Canada: and
his wife had preceded her husband in death by twenty-one years. To the
marriage of Jacob and Alary Jung have been born the following children:
John Arthur, who married Elizabeth Sheideker and to whom have been
born four children. Robert, Louisa, Edward and Albert: Annie K.. who mar-
ried John L. Doll, of Rush Lake township, and to whom have been born
eight children. Barbara. Raymond, Louisa, Alois. Arthur, Vincent, Robert
and Christ. Jacob Jung and all of his family are active members of St.
Joseph's church.
Jacob Jung has served his community in various public offices, among
which are the offices of township clerk, assessor, supervisor and treasurer.
For ten years Mr. Jung has been chairman of the board of supervisors.
hi business life Jacob Jung ijs.no less prominently affiliated, he being presi-
dent of the Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company, an office which he has
occupied for fifteen years. Mr. Jung is president of the Farmer's Creamery
Companv. of Perham, and is a member of the Farmer's Shipping Associa-
tion, an organization which he assisted in organizing. Jacob Jung is presi-
dent of the Perham Rural Telephone Company, and has been a member of
the school board for many years, having served for six years as clerk of the
hoard and for five years as treasurer.
THORVALD L. TORUD.
Born in Norway, Mav >■>, 1N-7, Thorvald L. Jorud, an enterprising
Farmer of Henning township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of
Lars and Chestena Jorud, who were natives of Norway, They came to
Fillmore county, Minnesota, in 1869 and the next year moved to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, settling in Eagle Lake township, where they homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres ,.1" land. There Mr, Jorud's father died in
1000. at the age of eighty-four years. His mother died in 1010. also at the
age of eighty-four. They were the parents of the following children:
Amelia. Thorvald !... Hans. Thea, Thea and Ole. The first child named
Thea is deceased.
Thorvald L. Jorud was educated in the public schools of his native
land. In [869, when his parents came to America, he accompanied them
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 249
to this country and settled with them in Fillmore county, Minnesota. \\ hen
Mr. Jorud was old enough, he took up farming on the old homestead. In
1878 he took a homestead in Henning township. Having begun with one
hundred and sixty acre-; of land, he has added to this original tract until he
now owhs four hundred acres in Henning township. He has made general
farming and stock raising his business since coming to this county and has
erected substantial buildings on his farm.
In January, 1891, Thorvald L. Jorud was married to Paulina Peterson,
who was born in Norway, in 1873, the daughter of Peter and Chestena
Peterson, who now live in South Dakota. Airs. Jorud's father is eighty-five
years old and her mother about the same age. By his marriage to Paulina
Peterson. Thorvald L. Jorud is the father of seven children. Charles,
Marlow, Palmer, Cornelius, Edgar, Joseph and Chester. These children all
live at home with their parents.
Air. and Airs. Jorud and family are members of the United Lutheran
church. Air. Jorud has devoted himself almost exclusively to farming. Me
has never taken any considerable interest in politics, but is well known in
the township and popular in the neighborhood where he resides.
GUSTAV HANSON.
Rorn in Norway, May i_\ [864, Gustav Hanson is a son of Hans and
Sophia Hanson, both of whom were also natives of the same country, and
who, in 1869, emigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, and took a homestead
of one hundred and sixty acres of land. There Air. Hanson's father died
in 1874. at the age of forty-three years. His mother died in 1875. Hans
Hanson ami wife were the parents of four children, of whom Martha, the
youngest, is deceased. The living children arc Gustav, Ilaldan and Hannah
Gustav Hanson, who is a prosperous farmer of Gerard township, Otter
Tail county. Minnesota, was educated in the schools of Dane county, Wis-
consin. He took up farming early in life, and after working as a farmer
and thresherman for a number of years, came to Minnesota in 18S8. Men
In- rented land in Yellow Medicine county. Minnesota. Subsequently he
purchased eighty acres of land, hut in 1903 -old that farm and purchased
two hundred and sixty-three acres in section |. of Gerard township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, A lake near Air. Hanson's farm is now known as
Hanson's lake. Mr. Hanson has sold eighty acres of this farm to hi- son,
Henry, lie is now well known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Ches-
ter White hogs. In 101 4 Air. Hanson built a new and attractive residence,
ami all of his farm buildings are kept painted and in the besl possible state
of repair. Eightv acres of the farm have been cleared and are under culti-
250 OTTER 1'MI COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
vation. Mr. Hanson's farm is the old Mclntyre homestead, and is one of
the best in the township.
On November 29, [888, Gustav Hanson was married in Yellow .Medi-
cine county, Minnesota, in ^ndrine Obrekke, who was born in Norway
in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson are the parents of the eight children. Henry.
Hannah. John, Julius, George, Vnton, Julia and Gusta, all of whom are
living with the exception of John.
Mr. Hanson has always been prominent in local politics. He has
served as treasurer of the township for eighl years, and as clerk of the school
hoard tor nine years, discharging well the duties of both offices. Mr. Han-
son is well known and highly respected throughout the township where he
J. HOWARD WALBRIDGE.
J. Howard Walbridge, a successful farmer of Oak Valley township,
< >tter Tail county. Minnesota, was horn in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, Octo-
ber t2, [857, and is the son of Julius and Lucretia (Bull) Walbridge. Mr.
Walbridge's' father was a native of Vermont, where he was horn in 1817,
and his mother also a native of Vermont, born there in 1832.
In an early day, the Walbridge family immigrated to St. Lawrence
county, New York, and after their marriage there, Julia and Lucretia (Bull)
Walbridge immigrated to Wisconsin in [854. Still later they moved to
Dakota county, Minnesota, and, for a number of years, kept a hotel at
Lewiston. In [882 Mr. and Mrs. Julia Walbridge moved to Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, where Mr. Walbridge died in September, [900. His widow is
still living and 1- now eighty-three years old. They were the parents of
-even children, Llhanan, J. Howard, Alberta (deceased), Judson, Irene.
Lillian and Lionel.
Mr. Walbridge's paternal grandfather, Frank Walbridge, was a native
of Vermont, who moved to St. Lawrence county, Xew York, and in 1854
located in the state of Wisconsin, where he died. I lis wife, who before
her marriage was Temperence Austin, was also a native of Vermont and
she died at St. (loud. Minnesota, at the age of ninetx two years,
Mr. Walbridge's father, the late Julius Walbridge, was a farmer by
occupation and a hotel keener. For a number of years lie had a hotel on
Bismarck avenue, Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
I. Howard Walbridge was reared on a farm and educated in the public
5cl Is. In [882 he- settled in Oak Valley township, purchasing eighty
acres of land in section 11. where he now lives. Since that time he has
added one hundred and twenty acres in sections 2 and 10, and now owns
ether two hundred acres. Mr. Walbridge is a farmer and stockman
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 25 I
and has made many improvements upon his farm. His buildings are all
in good condition and are well painted.
On October 16, 1879, J. Howard Walbridge was married to Margaretta
Branch, who was born on December 29, 1859, in Pennsylvania, and who is
the daughter of Adam and Margaretta (May) Branch, both of whom were
natives of Germany. They immigrated to America and settled first near
Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1862 or 1863, they moved to Dakota county,
Minnesota, and located on a farm near Hastings. About 1877 they came
to Oak Valley township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they subse-
quently acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land. Mrs. Walbridge's
father died in 1885 and her mother in 1889. There were nine children in
the family, of whom five, Catherine, Lewis, Adam, Charles and Benjamin,
are deceased. The living children are, George. Margaretta, Lena and Frank.
Mr. and Mrs. 1. Howard have been the parents of seven children, Lloyd,
Chester. Llewellyn, Zi, Mable and Lelah, all of whom are living, and Ray-
mond, who died in infancy.
In politics, Mr. Walbridge is identified with the Democratic party. He
served three year- on the township board and also served as assessor for
many years. For twenty years he was treasurer of his school district and
still holds this position, lie is an enterprising farmer, a successful business
man and popular among the people of Oak Valley township.
:dw \rd parks.
One of the well-known farmers of Inman township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, who owns two hundred acres of land free of all encumbrances,
and who is a progressive, up-to-date farmer, is Edward Parks, who was
born on Big Creek, five miles west of Sparta, in Monroe county, Wisconsin,
July 2, [868,
Mr. Parks is a son of George and Harriet (Hodgskins) Parks, both
of whom were natives of New York state. In pioneer times the family
emigrated from New York and settled in Wisconsin, and on June 7. 1871.
removed from the latter -late to Parker- Prairie. Minnesota, homesteading
one hundred and sixty acre- of land. It was there that George Parks died
in November, [900, at the age of sixty-five wars. Hi- widow is still living
and i- now seventy-two years old.
Edward Park- was reared on the farm and received his education in
the public schools of Parkers Prairie. When old enough he engaged in
farming for himself, in which he has been very successful, now owning two
hundred acre- of splendid fanning land in Inman township. In 1883 he
purchased eighty acres in section [6, and ha- gradualh added to this original
purchase from time to time until he now ha- the acreage above referred to.
-'.--' OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Parks has made many material and substantial improvements upon his
farm, and keeps his farm buildings and fences in a good state of repair.
Besides general farming, he is also engaged in the breeding of purebred
stuck, and has specialized in Shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses. He is
an expert bee-keeper, and ordinarily keeps from thirty to forty hives of bees,
and makes and sells quantities of bees-wax. He also raises sugar cane and
engages in the manufacture of sorghum during the season. Mr. Parks is a
stockholder in the Henning Shipping Association, and also in the Henning
Creamery Company, lie is a well-known sportsman of the county, and is
an extensive breeder of fox hounds, and of Single Comb White Leghorn
chickens.
In 18N4, Edward Parks was married to Fannie Mason, who was born
at Sparta, Wisconsin, April 17. 1866. and who is a daughter of William
Talmage and Harriet Elizabeth (Sessuns) Mason. Mrs. Parks' parents
emigrated from Wisconsin to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1871, and
settled at Parkers Prairie. William T. Mason died in North Dakota, in
iqoo, at the age of seventy-two years, while Harriet Elizabeth Mason died
in Washington, September 13. 1912, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr.
and Mrs. Edward Parks are the parents of four children, Cleon, Glen, Eva
and Dee, all of whom are living.
For more than twenty-five years Edward Parks has been treasurer of
Inman township, and is now serving in this position. He is also treasurer
uf the school board, and has served as supervisor of [nman township. Mr.
Parks' father, who began with one hundred and sixty acres of land, was the
owner uf two hundred acres at the tune uf his death. Other members of
this family have been equally successful, and all are rated among the sub-
stantial and influential citizens of this county.
(HARM'S I'KPl'UNG.
< >ne of the well-to-do farmers of Henning township. Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, who has made a large success of his chosen vocation because
he has followed modern methods in farming, is Charles Peppling, a native
■ if Sweden, where he was born on October 13. 1862.
Mr. Peppling is the son of Andrew and Charlotte (Rask) Peppling,
both •>! whom wen- natives "i Sweden. In [883 they came to America and
settled in Otter Tail county, where they lived with their son, Charles, until
their deaths. Mr. Pepling's father died in July, [913, at the age of eighty-
two, and hi- mother in rQo8, at the age of seventy-three. They were the
parents uf seven children, uf whom four are deceased. The names of the
children, in the order uf their births, are: Alfred, deceased: Charles. Hulda,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MIXXESOTA. 253
Mary, deceased; Augusta, who died at the age of seven; Anna, and Selma,
deceased.
Charles Peppling was educated in the public schools of his native land
and in r88i came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Mr. Peppling walked to
Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail count}-, and. for some time, worked on neigh-
boring farms. In 1887 he moved to Henning township and purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of school land. Three years later he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in section 25, where he now lives. All of the
buildings which are now standing upon this farm Mr. Peppling erected.
He built a good residence in 1908. Altogether he now owns four hundred
and forty acres of land in Henning township and twenty acres of timber in
Inman township. He is a general farmer and stockman.
Mr. Peppling has heen prominent as a citizen for many years. He
served as supervisor for fifteen years. He is a stockholder in the Henning
Farmers' Shipping Association and in the Henning Creamery Association.
He is also a stockholder in the farmers elevator at Henning. Mr. Peppling
is a member of the Swedish Baptist church, of Henning. He is unmarried.
WILLIAM J. HENDERSON.
Born in Canada, April 13, 1864. William J. Henderson, a prosperous
farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of
Frank and Sarah (McKnight) Henderson. Mr. Henderson's father was a
native of Ireland and his mother of New York state, born at Albany. The
former came to Canada from Ireland and after his marriage in Canada.
moved to Blue Earth. Minnesota, in 1865, purchasing one hundred and sixty
acres of land. In 1879 he came to Otter Tail county and settled in Elmo
township, taking a homestead in section 30. He died on this old homestead
farm in 1004, at the age of sixty-five. His wife died about 1900, at the age
of fifty-five. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are
living, Jennie, William. .Marietta and Marion (twins). Frank, Sarah. Anna
and David.
William J. Henderson was reared on a farm in Blue Earth county,
Minnesota. Tie was educated in the public schools of that county and
accompanied his parents in [879 to Otter Tail county, where he has since
been engaged in fanning. In [896 Mr. Henderson purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in section 21, of Inman township. lie is a general
farmer and stockman and has heen very successful.
In 1891 William I. Henderson was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Mason,
who was born in Wisconsin and who is the daughter of George and Harriet
(Hodgson) Park. They came to Parkers Prairie. Minnesota, June 7. [871.
Mrs. Henderson's father died in 1000, but her mother is still living, at the
-'5-1 OTTER TAI1 COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
age oi seventy-two years. Mr and Mrs. Wiliam J. Henderson have nine
children, all of whom arc living, Alice, Frank, William. John, Sidney,
Olando, Reuben, Nellie and Guy.
Mr. Henderson has served as township clerk of Innian township for
nineteen years. He was also clerk of the school board for twenty years
The Hendersons arc members of the Methodist church.
LARS OLSON TOMMER \AS.
The late Lars Olson Tommeraas, who was a prominent farmer and
well-known educator of Trondhjem township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
was born in Norway, in the year [826, and following his education in the
public schools of his native country, became a school teacher, a profession
which he pursued until [877, when, having married. Lars Olson Tommeraas
came to America and located in Otter Tail comity, Minnesota. For one
year after reaching Otter Tail county, Lars Olson Tommeraas continued in
his \\orl< as a school teacher and then preferring farm life, he bought one
hundred and -i\p acres of land in section 30, Trondhjem township, a place
to which he added eight} acres, subsequently, and then followed general
agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1906.
During the year [876 Lars Olson Tommeraas was married to Julia
Gunderson, who was horn in Norway on July 31. 1X4(1. the daughter of
well-known people of her native locality. Lars Olson and Julia Tommeraas
were the parents of die following children: Olaf, who married Matilda
Rudh and now lives on the home farm with six children. Cyrus, Bernice,
Bertram, Evelyn, Edna and Curtis; Gilbert and Gustov, who arc deceased;
Christina, who married, Harry Ranger, to whom have been horn four chil-
dren, Elizabeth, Alois, Orpha and Joyce; Lewis, cashier of the Kent, Min-
nesota, hank, who married \ mlet Ranger, and to whom has been born one
child, Lois; Gilbert, who is a school teacher; Oscar and Enevold, who are
twins, the former who was married to Merticc Stearns, of Detroit. Minne-
sota, in 1812, is assistanl cashier of the Kent. Minnesota, bank, and the
latter proprietor of a pool room and candy store at McVille, North Dakota:
Alma, who i- a school teacher; Effie was married in 1015 to Benjamin A.
Helland, assistant cashier of the hank at Perley, Minnesota; Minnie, who is
a school teacher.
I ars I Hson [ommeraas was a man who lived a most active and useful
life, he, while a resident of hi- native country, having served his commun-
ity not only as a notably efficient teacher in the public schools of that coun-
try, hut he was a leader in public and official circles of bis locality, serving
in various offices and as a member of organizations and societies having for
theii objeel the promotion of the general welfare. As a pioneer school
OTTER I Ml. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 255
teacher in Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, Lars Olson Tommeraas performed
inestimable service to his locality and the county in general, giving of his
time and experience for the upbuilding of the public school system and the
training of the children of his township and the vicinity. In the death of
Lars Olson Tommeraas. Trondhjem township and Otter Tail county lost
one of its most valued citizens.
OLE LYKSETT.
The list of Otter Tail county agriculturists would be incomplete were
the name of Ole Lyksett omitted from these pages. He has set an example
"i steadfast integrity, and stands today as one of the representative men in
his line, holding the confidence of his community, and giving honest measure
in return for all he receives.
Ole Lyksett, farmer. Elizabeth township, was horn on February 28,
t86i, in Wisconsin, and received his education at the public schools of that
state. Alter his marriage he located firsl in Waseca county, where he
bought one hundred and sixt) acres and followed farming until two years
ago. when he moved to this township. In religion. Mr. Lyksett belongs to
the Lutheran church, in the work of winch he has always taken an active
part and has been a Sunday school teacher for many years. Politically, he
is a stanch Democrat, and has held some of the township offices, among
them being that of school board trustee, and is the present school treasurer,
lie came to this county because of the encouraging prospects, and has done
well in a financial way.
Ole Lyksett, father of the subject of tins sketch, was horn in Norway,
and was united in marriage with Alline Erikson, also a native of that coun
try. Vfter their marriage they came to America about 1N50. and settled 111
Wisconsin, where he followed fanning on a tract of eighty acres, located
near Kewaunee, where Mr. Lyksetl died in May. [881. This union was
blest with four children: Lars, deceased: Lars, Edward, deceased, and Ole.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Lyksett was married to Ole Christian-
son, by whom she had three children: (diaries, Mattic and Lena Christen-
son. Mrs. Christenson died in ioi_\ The parents of Ole Lyksett were
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and his stepfather was a sol
dier in the Civil War. serving about -i\ months during the latter part.
Ole Lyksett was united in marriage, November 17. [890, with Sarah
Vieg, daughter of Syvert Vieg. She was horn in Norway and came with
her parents to America. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyksett have been horn six chil-
dren- Helen, Sylvan, Harold. Eva, Alice and Melvin. Helen is the only
married one of this family of children. She became the wife of Walter
Lloyd and has one child. Thc\ reside at ^rgyle, Minnesota.
-W OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Syvert V'ieg, father of Mrs. Ole Lyksett, was born in Norway and
came to the United States, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Mr. Lyksett bears a reputation in his community that would do credit
to any man of honest principles. He is quiet and unassuming in manner,
and among those who know him he is held in high esteem.
MARTIN BENSON.
Martin Benson, a well-known citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and
one of the leading business men of this city, who is engaged in the furniture
and undertaking business, has achieved success largely because of his strict
attention to business, of which he is a profound student.
Mr. Benson is a native of Sweden, where he was born on June 9, i860.
He is the son of John and Olive 1 ( >kkerholm) Benson, the former of whom
was a painter by trade and the latter passed the greater part of her life in
her native land. Mr. Benson's uncle was a captain in the Swedish army
and, after the death of John Benson, he assumed the place of a parent to
young Martin, who at the time was but seven years old. The mother's
family has furnished many professional men to her native land.
In 1878 Martin Benson came to America, being but eighteen years old
at the time. He came direct to Otter Tail county, obtaining his first employ-
ment in Pelican Rapids with O. E. Blyberg, with whom he remained for six
or seven months. Realizing the advantage of an education, he attended the
public schools and acquired a good education. He afterward learned the
trade of a flour-miller, which occupation he followed for twenty-two years,
during which time he was head miller of several different mills. In 1888,
being then at Red Lake Falls, he was called by Joe Featherstone, who knew
his ability as a miller, to come to Fergus Falls to take charge of the old Red
River null, which .Mr. Featherstone hail rented. Mr. Benson came to Fer-
gus Falls, remodeled the mill and conducted it for one year. when, being
offered tin- po head miller of the new Otter Tail mill, which was
jusl completed, he accepted and continued as its bead miller for seven years.
In May, [898, VIr. Benson desired to engage in the furniture and under-
taking business, confident that there was an opening for such business, and
his wonderful success has proved the wisdom of the course he pursued,
rle opened a store in a small way on the north side of Lincoln avenue and
his business increased 50 rapidly that six months later he secured a larger
building in the Ulen and Cuttler block on Lincoln avenue west. In [903,
he purchased a block on Hi. cornet of Lincoln ami Court street, where he is
at present engaged in the same line of business, which ha- grown to such an
extent thai hi' occupies the entire block from the main street back to the
alley, three stories high He carries one oi the largest and best selected
MARTIN I'.KNSUN
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 257
stocks of furniture, carpets, rugs, draperies, linoleums and undertaking sup-
plies anywhere in the Northwest. Mr. Benson is one of the first state
licensed embalmers in the Northwest and is considered one of the foremost
and most progressive funeral directors in the state.
In 1914, Air. Benson added to his already large establishment a new
and up-to-date funeral chapel with a seating capacity of at least one hun-
dred and fifty, which is absolutely free to patrons wishing to make use of it
for funeral occasions. In connection with the chapel, the upper floor is the
casket show room, where such goods can be found from the cheapest to the
best. In another department in the same building is contained the embalm-
ing room, dressing room, etc., equipped with all modern improvements and
appliances. The building is steam-heated, electric-lighted, has water and
sew er connections and no expense has been spared in making this establish-
ment the best of its knid in the Northwest.
Mr. Benson has held many important offices in the Minnesota State
Funeral Directors Association and has had the honor to attend a great many
national conventions as state delegate, which has been both instructive and
enjoyable.
Always interested in the welfare and prosperity of the city of Fergus
Falls, Mr. Benson has contributed both time and money to that end and
was once a member of the city council. Mr. Benson is also interested in
many different enterprises in the city and is one of the directors in the new
Farmers and Merchants State Bank and is in possession of a good deal of
property, otherwise including a handsome new home just completed.
.Mr. Benson is an active member in the Masonic fraternity, the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Daughters of Rebekah, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen,
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Chippewa Club.
A I r. Benson was married at Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, in 1882, to
Julia Moe, a native of Norway, who came to America with her mother,
sisters and brothers when she was but seven years old, her father having
died in Norway. They were among the early settlers of Otter Tail county.
Mr. and Mrs. Benson are the parents of f<>ur children, as follow: Otto D..
Mary A., Bennie \. and Annie R. Of these children. Otto married Effie
Carsten and has one son, Donald. Annie married Robert Vedeen, of
Detroit, Minnesota, and has one son, < )ttis. Otto and Bennie are employed
in their father's establishment. Mary is a school teacher. All of the chil-
dren are graduates of the Fergus Falls high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Benson and family are devoted members of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran Synodical church, to which they have belonged for thirt.3
fi-h>
258 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
years and where their children have all been baptized and confirmed. They
arc all enjoying high esteem and respect in the church as well as in the
entire community.
OLE ANDREW OLSEN BONLIE.
Among the well-known and successful men of Otter Tail county is Ole
Andrew Olsen Bonlie, who is a native of Norway, having been born in that
country on April 19, 1850, being the son of Hansold and Kare Olsen, both
of whom were born in Norway. The Olsens came to the United States in
[856, at first locating at Black Earth, Dane count)', Wisconsin. In 1858
they removed to Iowa county, where they remained for four years, after
which they took up their residence in McLeod county, Minnesota, in 1862,
and in 1877 they moved to Clay county, this state, where the mother died
in 188S; the father died at Fargo. North Dakota, in 1901.
Ole Andrew Olsen Bonlie was educated in the common schools of
Dane county, Wisconsin, and in the schools of Iowa comity. After com-
pleting his education, he became a carpenter and engineer, which occupa-
tions he followed for many years. Mr. Bonlie also devoted much of his
time to farming, in which he has been successful. His first farm was a
homestead, which he entered in 1877, in Clay county, Minnesota. He was
located in Morehead at this time and worked at his trades. Although not
active in the cultivation of his farm, he was always interested in agriculture.
After a residence of some years in Morehead, Mr. Bonlie sold his
farm near there and in 1880 came to Otter Tail county, where he purchased
eight}- acres of land in section 9, Candor township. By close application
and diligent work he has improved the tract until today he has one of the
besl developed farms in the township, with good buildings and fences. Mr.
Bonlie practices general farming and devotes much of his time to the raising
of much stock, both of which receives his most careful attention.
Ole \. O Bonlie was married, in 1873, to Bertha Frederickson, who
was horn in Norway, July _'5. [853, where she grew to womanhood and
received her education. Her mother, Ellen Frederickson, died the same year
that Mrs. Bonlie was born, and her father. Frederick Frederickson, died
when she was a mere child. She remained in her native country until she
was nineteen years oi age, al which time she came to^Arnerica and settled
in Minnesota.
Mr. and Mrs. Bonlie are the parents of the following children: Caro-
lina, Anton Herman, Edward, Hattie, Anton, Charles, Fred. Anna and
Bertha, all of whom are alive with the exception of Carolina. Anton Her-
man and Charles.
OTTER TATL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 259
JOHN NORDGAARD.
A well-known and prosperous farmer of Trondhjem township, Otter
Tail count}-, Minnesota, is John Nordgaard, who was born in Norway,
March 28, 1864, he being the son of Staius and Mana Nordgaard, who
were natives of Norway. Staius Nordgaard came to America in 1867, and
settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived for four years and
then moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded eighty acres of land in
Trondhjem township, section 9, a place to which the elder Nordgaard added
eighty acres, at a later time, and where he now lives in retirement. Mana,
the wife of Staius Nordgaard, died in 1876. Staius and Mana Nordgaard
were the parents of two children. Staal and John.
Following his education in the schools of Fillmore and Otter Tail
counties, Minnesota, John Nordgaard became a farmer, taking possession
of Lhe home farm, a place to which Mr. Nordgaard added eighty acres and
where he now lives and cultivated his choice farm of two hundred and
forty acres. In addition to his general farming, John Nordgaard engages
in the raising of considerable good grade live stock.
During the year iSqq John Nordgaard was married to Dena Rynes, a
native of Otter Tail county, and the daughter of Bernt and Ellena Rynes,
who came from Norway to America in 1870, and located in Otter Tail
county, where Bernt Rynes now lives a retired life. John and Dena Nord-
gaard are the parents of the following children: Ella and Mabel (twins),
Selmer, Ehvena and Bertha. In the year 1908 Dena, the wife of John
Nordgaard. died, after which, in the year IQ12, Mr. Nordgaard was mar-
ried, secondly, to Mar)- Watternoe, of Trondhjem township. To this mar-
riage no children have been born.
WILLIAM C. KRUEGER.
Among the well-known farmers of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, the
proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres in section 2, of Bluffton town-
ship, and an active dairyman in this community is the man whose name
heads this biographical sketch.
William C. Krueger was horn in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on April
28, [862, the son of William and Wilhelmina (NelD Krueger, both natives
of Germany, the former born in 1838 and the latter about 1840. The
paternal grandfather. Christian Krueger, came to America about 1842 and
settled in Jefferson county, near \\ atertown, Wisconsin, where he lived until
his death. He was the father of live children, Fred. John. August, William
and a daughter.
William Krueger, the lather of the subject of this sketch, was brought
260 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
b) his parents to America at the tender age of four years, and. the family
having settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, was reared to manhood in
that county. Wilhelmina Nell came to America with other members of her
family when a girl of fifteen years of age and settled in Woodland, Wis-
consin. She met her future husband, William Krueger, in Dodge count}',
Wisconsin, and was married to him in that county. William Krueger had
been a farmer and merchant at Hustis Fort, Wisconsin, but removed from
thai place in the spring of 1X76 to Good Thunder, Blue Earth county. Min-
nesota, where he engaged in the mercantile business for one year. After
selling oui his business interests in Good Thunder, he removed to Hender-
son, Minnesota, where he bought a farm comprising two hundred acres of
partially improved land in Sibley county, where he lived until the fall of
1913. He then sold this farm and removed to a farm about one and one-
half miles from St. Peter, adjoining the farm of the asylum, where he died
on August 1. mil Mis beloved wife survived him and is still living at a
very mature age.
I<> William and Wilhelmina (Nell) Krueger were born nine children.
as follow: Frank, a fanner living near Drake. North Dakota; William C.
the subject of this sketch; Fred, who died at the age of thirty years at
Henderson; Julius, a traveling salesman living at Flasher, North Dakota;
Peter, a farmer residing at Bemidji; Flora, who married Adolphus Boden,
and died quite earl) m life; Anna, the wife of Paul Carpenter, who lives
at St. Peter, Minnesota : Philip, who lives at New Salem. North Dakota.
and Albert, who farms the home farm near St. Peter.
William C. Krueger received his elementary education in the evening
schools of St. Paul, where be had gone as a young man to make his way in
the world. Alter working in various wholesale houses in St. Paul for about
fifteen years, he removed to Buffalo Lake. Renville county. Minnesota,
where he engaged in the saloon business for a period of six years. While
working in St. Paul he had invested his savings in railroad land situated 111
1 liter Tail and Wadena counties. Consequently, in 1905, upon (putting the
saloon business in Buffalo Fake, he moved to a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in section 2, of Bluffton township, which he had but recently
purchased. This land had been homesteaded, and, aside from a few log
buildings, contained no further improvements. Determined to improve the
farm, Mr. Krueger began to clear the land, to build fences and to erect a
frame house. Later he enlarged his house and, in the fall of iou. erected
.1 new and modern barn, thirty by ninelv feel, with two additions, fourteen
irty-two feet, and ten b\ twelve feet, the latter being a milk room.
William ( '. Krueger has made a specialty of dairying and keeps on an
from twentv to thirtv cows, all of high grade stock, lie has a
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 26l
silo and in fact is up-to-date and modern in every detail. In addition to
his home farm, he still possesses the railroad land comprising one hundred
and sixty acres.
On September 2, 1891, William C. Krueger was married to Mary
Zeigo, a native of Grafton, Ozaukee county. Wisconsin, the daughter of
Charles Zeigo, an old settler of that state. Charles Zeigo was a soldier in
the Civil War, having served in Company C, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry. He died at Winona, Minnesota, at the home of
his son, Herman, on March 23. 191 5. at the age of ninety-three years. His
remains were interred in Fergus Falls, beside those of his wife, who died
on October 24, 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Krueger have been born three
children, namely: William A., born on July 18. 1892; Arthur H., Novem-
ber 26, 181)7, and Louis E. (Pat). May 6, 1901.
William C. Krueger has been prominent in the political circles of
Bluffton township, and, as a Republican, has served as both school treasurer
and a- justice of the peace. Both he and his beloved wife are devoted
members of the Lutheran church, and he is a member of the Order of the
Sons of Herman. He has commanded the respect and esteem of the people
of Bluffton township and is well known in the social and agricultural circles
of his community.
CHARLES H. BOWMAX.
Among the respected and successful agriculturists of Eagle Lake town-
ship, ( >tter Tail county, Minnesota. Charles H. Bowman is a worthy citizen.
He is a native of St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his
birth occurred on January 17. 1875. He is one of six children born to the
union of James H. and Mary L. (Caldwell) Bowman, natives of New York
and Ohio, respectively. The names of their children follow, in the order of
their birth: John R., Belle. J. P.. Melissa, Charles and Kattie. Jam- II
Bowman removed from his native state to Ohio, but shortly after changed
hi- location to Wisconsin, where he met and married Mary L. Caldwell. In
1873 they removed to St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and
in [875 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land (under the soldier's
right), which was under the direct management of James H. Bowman until
his death, on July to, 1909. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company
K. Twenty-second Regiment. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served
his country as a brave and loyal soldier for three years. Mary L. Caldwell
was a daughter of Robert and Ann Caldwell, who died in the state of Ohio
and St. Olaf township, Titter Tail county, Minnesota, respectively. The
paternal grandfather of Charles IT. Bowman was James Bowman, a native
<>f New York, whose death occurred in that state. His wife died in Iowa.
262 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
I harles H. Bowman received his education in the schools of Otter Tail
county, .Minnesota, and has always remained on the old home place, where
his mother, Alar)- L. (Caldwell) Bowman, also lives. In 1901 Charles H.
Bowman was united in marriage to Amanda Edlund, and they are the par-
ents of these children: Lorena, Ernest, Clifford and Vernon.
Charles II. Bowman, his wife and mother are all members of the Pres-
byterian church, and are actively engaged in the support and advancement
of this denomination. Charles H. Bowman is a member of the Sons of
\ eterans, and is now serving his fourth year as township assessor. He was
clerk of school district No. 114 for seven years, and for the past two years
has been secretary and treasurer of the Midway Mutual Telephone Company.
JOHN DUBEROWSKI.
John Duberowski is a native of Ohio, being born there on May 15,
1872. His parents, William and Wilhelmina (Brockop) Duberowski, were
natives of Germany. The father of John Duberowski came to America in
1 87 1 and after his marriage settled in Cleveland, where he worked in a
car-shop and lived for ten years. He brought his family to Minnesota in
1880 and bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres where he and his
son, John, now live, and where his wife died. Their children are John,
Emma and Ida. By a previous marriage, Mrs. Duberowski was the mother
of three children, whose father's name was Schultz. These children are
named Gusta, Andrew and Minnie.
John Duberowski had only limited educational advantages. Attending
the local schools he was obliged to discontinue his education in order to
make a livelihood. Purchasing forty acres about one mile southeast of his
present home, he began his independent career as a farmer. He later
acquired forty acres more and after eleven years' residence there, he returned
to the old home place, where lie has erected all of the buildings excepting
the dwelling, lie now owns one hundred and twenty acres and his father
IS the owner of fort}' acres.
On December 27, 1898, John Duberowski was married to Anna Broc-
kopp, who was born in German] 1 mi September jo, t88o, and came to
America at the age of three with her parents. She is the daughter of Fred
and Wilhelmina Brockopp, of Effiington township, this county. They came
from Germany in [883. The mother died in 1911, her husband having pre-
lier in January, 1903. lie farmed on eighty acres of land. Mrs.
Duberowski ha- three sisters and one brother, nameh : Bertha, Gusta, Otto
and Emma, named in the order of their birth, she being the third born. To
Mr. and Mrs. Duberowski were horn s,\ children, of whom the eldest son.
Tohnie, who was limn on January 22. iqoo. is deceased. The others are:
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 263
Paul, born on September 6, 1902; Vivian, November 5, 1906; Lulu, Octo-
ber 9, 1909; Myrtle, May 25, 1911, and Geneva, March 22. 1913. Their
parents are members of the German Lutheran church, which was also the
religious affiliation of Mrs. Duderowski's family.
Such has been Mr. Duderowski's activity outside of his vocational
work that he has retained a keen interest in all that concerns the welfare
of the commonwealth in which be lives. A devoted father and husband, a
kind, considerate neighbor, a man of broad sympathies, it is not surprising
that he has many rinse friends among the residents of this county.
JOHN BYE.
John Bye is one of those men who. by diligent effort and honesty, have
earned the respect of thejr fellow citizens and a comfortable competency as
well. He is a native of Norway and is the son of Nels and Martha (Han-
snn 1 live, also natives of Norway, who remained in their native land until
their deaths. Nels Bye was a farmer and the father of three sons : Ole,
Christian and John, John being the second born.
John Bye emigrated to \merica in 1872, at the age of twenty-three
years of age, his birth having occurred on January 1, 1849. Finding the
education already received inadequate to the needs of his new life, he
attended school for one winter after his arrival in this country. For seven
years he engaged in various occupations, mostly in Wisconsin, and in 1879
removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he engaged in agricultural
pursuits. In t88o he was successful in winning the hand of Liza Kjer and,
with the new responsibilities of home making, he became interested in
operating for himself. With this view in mind, an homestead was pur-
chased consisting of one hundred and twenty-three acres, located in Eagle
lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and immediate improvements
w<re begun. Forty acres have been added to the original property, and it is
now well improved. There have been born three children to the union of
John Bye and Liza Kjer, namely: Martha, Nels J. and Hans A. Mrs. Bye
died "ii February -'. [909. John Byi is a member of the Norwegian Luth-
eran church, in which his wife was also an earnest worker.
John Bye has proven hi- worth to the community by his having been
appointed to offices of trust, time and again, holding the office of township
assessor for a period of seventeen years. He has also served his fellow
citizens in the capacity of township clerk and as justice of the peace, also as
clerk of the school district, and has been secretary of the church congrega-
tion the past thirty-three wars. That be his discharged all duties to the
best of his ability and has given conscientious service, denotes him to be of
Sterling character and the confidence reposed in him has not been misplaced.
_>(>4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
KNUT X. SONMOR.
Like many of the prosperous and progressive tanners of St. Olaf
townhsip, in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, Knut X. Sonmor, of this -ketch,
has found time from his busy life to devote a part of his talents and ability
to the welfare of the community, as a result of which he is one of those
citizens who have won a place of note among the men of the township and
county for their efforts and unselfish interest in the development and
advancement of their communities. As a result of his success in agricul-
tural pursuits and because of his place in the public life of the locality.
Knut X. Sonmor is entitled to a place among the prominent citizens of the
community.
Knut X. Sonmor was born on the Sonmor homestead in St. Olaf town-
ship, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, on October 22, 1869, the son of Nels
and I'ettronille Sonmor, both of whom were natives of Norway. Nels
Sonmor was a farmer of that country until the year 1866, when he came
to America and after a year of residence in the state of Iowa, he came to
St. Olaf township, Otter I ail county, Minnesota, and secured one hundred
and sixty acres of land, on which he built a log cabin for a home, aftet
which he broke up the sod of his new possession, cultivating his land suc-
cessfully and later added to his holdings until he was the owner of three
hundred and fifty acres of well-tilled and highly-productive land. From
the days when this pioneer farmer came to St. Olaf township, making the
trip from St. (loud. Minnesota, by ox team, until later when he was a well-
to-do farmer, he was compelled to suffer many privations and hardships,
due to the distance from market, where he could sell his produce and bin
his supplies; but with a spirit >'i determination and a persevering nature,
Nels Sonmor was able to rise above his drawbacks and become one of the
more prosperous nun of agricultural life in the community. Xcls Sonmor
and his wife were the parents of live children, Jacob Knut. the subjeel of
tin- sketch, Martin. Nels and Mary. In church circles Nels Sonmor was a
man known to be especially active, giving largely of his time and effort for
the work of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he was a prominent
member. Politically, the elder Sonmor was an ardent Republican,
Knut X Sonmor received his education in the common schools of St.
Olaf township, < M ter 'fail county, Minnesota, after which he helped his
father on the home farm for some lime. In the year 1N01 he went to Polk
county, Minnesota, where be engaged in the restaurant business for three
wars, following which he returned to St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county,
and rented a farm on which he lived for about two years, [n the year
[805, after his marriage, Knut X. Sonmor went to Wadena county, Minne-
sota, where h< homesteaded eighty acres of land, where he farmed until the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 265
year [898, at which time he came hack to Tordenskjold township, this
county, and bought eighty acres of land, farming there until the year 1900,
when he bought the old home farm of one hundred and ninety-six acre-.
where he now lives, engaged in general farming and stock raising.
During the year 1005 Knut X. Sonmor was married to Alary Johnson,
who was horn on November jt. [869, the daughter of Ole Jensen and wife,
and to this marriage have been born the following' children: Mae. Julia.
Ruth, Oscar, (dare, Johnnie and Nellie. Knut X. Sonmor and his familv
are members of the Norwegian Lutheian church.
In the public and official life of St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, Knut X. Sonmor has taker, his part willingly, and he is a citizen
who for seven years served the office of township assessor and for six years
served as treasurer of the school board, with well-known ability and tact.
Politically. Mr. Sonmor is independent of party in local affairs, preferring
to be of use and service to his community wherever he can. without regard
to party or creed.
CLAES ALFRED LUNDBERG.
Far away Sweden has contributed mam a thrifty farmer and good
citizen to this county, none of win mi stands higher than Claes Lundberg,
who came here with his parents when he was only fifteen year-- old. He
was burn in Sweden, February 17, [856, and is the sun of Johanas and
Mary (Anderson) Lundberg, both natives of Sweden. The mother of
Claes Lundberg was the second wife of his father, with whom she came to
America in [871. 'I hey journeyed from St. Cloud to Parkers Prairie in a
primitive wagon drawn by two faithful oxen. It was July 25 or 2~ when
they arrived in the littl town which for many years has been their home
and thai of their children. Mr. Lundberg, while a carpenter, also acquired
one hundred and sixty-acres in Eastern township as a hometsead, and here
he died Dii March 21, 1873, leaving a widow and two children, the eldest
being the subject of tin-- sketch and the youngest being Fred, who is now a
farmer in Plentywood, Montana. The mother lived until October 15, [882.
By a previous marriage, Mr. Lundberg was the father of six children, all of
whom an' deceased.
Claes A. Lundberg. who was educated in the common schools of Swe
den. came to lln^ country in his youth and on March 7. 1N77. took up a
homestead of a quarter section where he now lives, in section jo. Eastern
township. Here he cleared the laud and built a home and other equipment.
In 1884 Claes V Lundberg was married to Tilda Anderson, who was
born in Sweden, where her father. Vndres Anderson, lived and died. Onl)
one child, a son, \uguM \lfred. is at In. me. the other child, a daughter,
266 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
named Mary Alfield, being deceased. Mrs. Tilda Lundberg died on Decem-
ber 26, 1914. Mr. Lundberg has been prominent in this community and
has served as supervisor and member of the school board. He is an enter-
prising and painstaking workman, a loyal citizen, upholding always the
good, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose conduct and career
have been guided by principles of right and justice.
LAWRENCE P. STENSTROM.
Lawrence P. Stenstrom, who for more than thirty-six years has been
an active minister of the Swedish Lutheran church, in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, was born in Sweden on Tune 18. 1843, he being the son of Jacob
Peter Stenstrom and Gustava Elizabeth Martinson, both of whom were born
in Sweden. Jacob Peter Stenstrom died in 1845. His widow, Gustava
Elizabeth Stenstrom, were the parents of two children, John J. and Law-
rence Peter, J. P. Stenstrom and his family were active members of the
Swedish Lutheran church in their native country.
Lawrence Peter Stenstrom was educated in the public schools of his
native country, and after his marriage, in Sweden, he came to .America in
1872 and located in the state of Pennsylvania, near the city of Warren,
where Mr. Stenstrom made his home for seven years and then moved to
Otter Tail county. Minnesota. On reaching Otter Tail county, Lawrence
Peter Stenstrom became the minister of the Elizabeth, Minnesota, Swedish
Lutheran church, he since having been in charge of the church at Fergus
Falls. Pelican Rapids, Erhardt and Amor. The Reverend Stenstrom is now
the minister to the churches at Elizabeth and at Erhardt, Minnesota. Law-
rence Peter Stenstrom has been a minister of the Swedish Lutheran
church during a term of thirty-six years. Tn addition to his ministerial
work, the Reverend Stenstrom cares for the activities on his farm of one
hundred and two acres, located in Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county.
Lawrence I '. Stenstrom, on January 21, 1866, was married to Julia
Charlotte Stenstrom, and to this marriage have been horn nine children,
Svan. Gothold, Samuel, T'oseph, Gabriel, I'.ina. Ruth. Miriam and Nina
LAURITS M. HEGGEN.
Laurits M. Heggen, the -on ,,f Martin L. and \1111 lleggen. was born
in Fillmore county, this state, on March 28, 1872. The parent- were natives
of Norway and came to the United States in [869, landed in the Xew York
and moved direct to Fillmore county, where the father worked for others
For seme four years. \fier deciding to seek a new location, he walked to
Ottei Tail countv, where he purchased eisrhtv acres of land and then returned
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 267
afoot to his home tor his family. Having them established in their new
home he returned with an ox team for the family supplies. He later bought
more land. He lived for seven or eight years in Fergus Falls, but returned
to the home farm two years ago. where he now lives, the wife having died
in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Heggen were the parents of the following children:
Ingaborg, Christine, Laurits, Adolph i deceased ) . Anton, Julia, Samuel and
Martin.
Laurits M. Heggen received his education in the common schools of
Otter Tail county, where he has lived the greater part of his life. On
March 9, 1898, he was married to Carrie Rude, who was a native of Nor-
way. They are the parents of five children : Arthur, Myrtle. Mauris, Clar-
ence and Arnold, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Heggen purchased his farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres in
Oscar township in 1898. He has improved and developed the place and
erected most of the buildings.
The family are members of the Lutheran church, in which they take
an active interest.
Mr Heggen. besides owning his most excellent farm, is the owner of
stock in the Farmers Elevator Company at Rothsay and in the Farmers
Telephone Company. He is a successful farmer and business man, and one
of much influence in his community.
TOHN G. HAGGSTROM.
The present age demands of men who are to attain a position of prom-
inence in the world, self-reliance, industry and an unswerving devotion to
duty. All of these elements of character have been exemplified in the life
of John G. Haggstrom, who has gained more than ordinary recognition in
the agricultural field. He who is the subject of this sketch was born on
January 1. 1853. in Sweden, and is the son of Gustav Pearson and Mary
M. (Greta) Pearson, both of whom were born in Sweden. The parents of
John G Haggstrom never left their native land, where they lived on an
old homestead, to come to America as most of their neighbors were doing
at that time. They were devout members of the Lutheran church.
John G. Haggstrom came to this country in 1869, at the aye of sixteen
years. He landed at Quebec, Canada, practically alone and without friends
upon whom he could rely until he was started in the business world. He
went first to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Chicago. In Lockport, Illinois,
where tin subject of tin-; sketch finally took up his residence, he worked for
fourteen years in the stone quarries and as a carpenter of that community.
The initial appearance of John G Haggstrom in Otter Tail county was
made in December, of the year T882. ^fter remaining ai Pelican Rapids
268 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
four months he moved, in 1883, to the town of Maine, where he bought
fort) acres of land. In [884 he bought thirty-two acres of land and three
years later added twenty-seven acres to his possessions. In 1900 he bought
twenty-seven acres and seven years later added forty acres to his farm,
which now extends over an area of one hundred and sixty acres. The farm
is in an excellent state of improvement and the owner continues to keep it
supplied with all modern conveniences.
John G Haggstrom was twice married, first to .Mary Johnson, the
daughter of Jonas Johnson, on the 27th of June, [882. To this union were
horn Amanda, who is a nurse in Moscow, Idaho; five children who died in
childhood, and one son, who died at the age of twenty-two years. His first
wife passed away on the 3rd of August, 1896. On the 4th of June. 1898,
he was united in matrimony to Hannah Honson, the daughter of Hans
Pearson, a native of Sweden, who never emigrated to this country. Mr.
and Mrs. John (i. Haggstrom have two sons, Conrad and Gustaf Adolph,
and are members of the Lutheran church, which they attend regularly, [n
political affairs, the subject of this sketch has never taken a prominent part,
hut has been content to devote his time to his agricultural interests. In
traveling over the rural sections of the county, Mr. Haggstrom finds an
automobile an indispensable convenience.
TORKEL E. RISBRUDT.
Torkel K. Risbrudt is generally known throughout this section as a
leader in public affairs, and as a citizen he is highly respected. He is the
s. m of Engebret and Kari (Ellefson) Tarkelson, both natives of Norway,
where his birth occurred on November 6, 1845. Engebret Tarkelson was
horn on April _'o. [825, and emigrated to America in 1861. Immediately
upon his arrival in this country, he located in Spring Grove Houston county.
Minnesota, and the following year removed to Winneshiek county. Iowa.
where he remained until [867. lie then removed to Douglas count)', Min-
nesota where he remained until May -'4. 1868, at which time he squatted
mi land which was nut surveyed at the time, located in Si Olaf township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and continued to reside on that place until
his death, on October ~. 1907. This home was purchased under the home-
stead law and consisted of one hundred and sixt) acres. Kari Ellefson was
horn on September 24, 1
count v. Iowa-
Torkel E. Risbrudt
of his native land and th
a young man he squatte
Olaf township, adjoining his father's farm, and paid ten dollars for his first
ind
died on October 4.
1X0 1. ,
1 Winneshiek
ed
lie must of his edu
cation i
11 the Schools
mil
s' attendance at the
schools
in Iowa. As
one
hundred and sixty
acres 0
f land in St.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 269
sack of flour, which he purchased at Alexandria, Minnesota, and for which
he borrowed the money. During the first years of his farming operations
he did teaming in connection with his agricultural work and gradually
added to his holdings until he owned four hundred and eighty acres of
well-improved land. Before he began selling this property to his sons it
was devoted to general farming and stock raising.
Forkel E. Risbrudt has seen many changes in this section, his first
memory of Fergus Falls being but a lone log cabin in which he spent the
night upon his first tr;p to thai town. Among the many offices which he
has held are those of constable, assessor, chairman of township supervisors,
township clerk and director. lie also served as treasurer of the township
for sixteen years. Politically, he votes independently, and his religious
affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church.
On March [8. [873, Torkel E. Risbrudt was united in marriage to
Geuine Ellfson, and they are the parents of six children, whose names fol-
low : Edward, Clara. Theodore, Christopher and Helena.
OLE M. RUDE.
Successful and prosperous as a farmer, alter some years of determined
and persevering effort to reach a position of independence in the agricul-
tural circles of Pelican township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, Ole M.
Rude is a man who has shown his desirability as a citizen and has demon-
strated his possession of those qualities which, used in matters of public
welfare and progress for the community, have given him a rank among the
appreciated men of Otter Tail county and 1'elican township.
Ole M. Rude was born in Norway. December 20, 1856. the son of
Martin O. and Sigeri (Olson) Rude, both of whom spent their entire lives
in Norway, where Martin O. Rude was a man engaged in general work,
Ole M. Rude, the subject of this sketch was educated in Norway, after
which he came, in the year 1883, to America, landed at Quebec, Canada, and
from there came to Otter Tail county, settling at Pelican Rapids, near
where he worked for some years as a farm hand, engaged in clearing the
land of the early settlers in Pelican township. In the year [88/ Ole M.
Rude bought fort) acres of land 111 Pelican township, a place which he
cleared of timber and brush, and where he erected the necessary buildings,
on land which as yet was bare of any improvement. Since his first invest-
ment, Ole M. Rude has added to his land holdings until he now owns one
hundred acres of land in Pelican township, and sixty-three acres of valuable
land on the east side of Pake Luda. on this land engaging in general farm-
ing, together with some stock raising.
During the year [884 Ole M. Rude was married to Carrie Martinson,
27O OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
who was born 111 Norway, the daughter of Martin Broughten and wife, who
were natives of Norway. To the marriage of Ok and Carrie (Martinson)
Rude was born one son, Martin. In the year 1885 Ole M. Rude was mar-
ried, secondly, t.o Carrie Jaeobson, who was a native of Norway, the daugh-
ter nf Jacob Haakensen and wife, who were among the early comers to
Pelican town-hip. Ole M. and Carrie 1 Jaeobson) Rude are the parents of
the following children: Jacob, Simon Henry, Minnie, Amalia, Carl Oscar,
Lawrence George, Agnes Sophie, Clara Otthilia and Eddie Norman. Mr.
Rude and his family are well-known and respected members of the United
Lutheran church of Pelican township.
Politically, < Ik M. Rude has taken no especial part as an office holder
or public man, but has served as a good citizen in the ranks, one who is
known to be willing to do all in his power for the interests of his commun-
ity.
ENGEBRET L. KVERNSTOEN.
Engebret L. Kvernstoen is of Norwegian parentage and was born in
Norway. January 24, [865, his parents being Lars O. and Ingri CEmbret-
datter 1 Kvernstoen, who emigrated to America in the spring of 1869. Upon
their arrival in the United States they located in Iowa for one year, and
then removed to Goodhue county. Minnesota. Their intentions were to
eventually establish' a home in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and after
remaining in Goodhue county for one year they began their journey to
Tumuli township. Ingri ( F.mbretdatter) Kvernstoen traveling by team,
accompanying Carl Steien and family, while the hsuband and children jour-
neyed by rail as far as Benson, where they hired a team to take them to.
Tumuli township, where they joined the mother. This was in the spring of
1871 and the} at once entered a homestead of one hundred and twenty
acres, on which Engebret L. Kvernstoen now lives. Pars O. and Ingri
( Embretdatter ) Kvernstoen remained on this place until their deaths. Thev
were the parents of four children, all of whom are deceased with the excep-
tion of Engebrel !.. Kvernstoen.
Engebret P. Kvernstoen received his meager education in the district
schools of Tumuli township, Otter Tail county, and after finishing same,
assisted his father with the work on the home place and has always remained
on the farm. This farm now consists of two hundred acres, eighty acres
having been added to the original purchase. General farming is the mode
of cultivation, also some stock raising. The names of the brother and sis-
ters of Engebret P. Kvernstoen are as follow: Ole. Anne and Kirsti.
In the fall oi [890 Engebrel L Kvernstoen was united in marriage to
Ingeborg Sageng, and to them have been born nine children: Intra, Ole.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2JI
Otto (deceased), Carl, Marie, Laura. Ottelie. Ruth and Otto. Engebret L.
Kvernstoen and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
The paternal grandparents of Engebret L. Kvernstoen, Ole and Anna
Kvernstoen, were natives of Norway and lived and died in that country, she
at the advanced age of more than ninety rears.
LARS O. RONNING.
Lars O. Ronning is a highly-respected citizen of Dane Prairie township,
Otter Tail county. Minnesota. He has been very successful in his chosen
calling, and his native ability, for honesty and worth, has won him many
friends. Lars O. Ronning is one of nine children born to the union of
Ole Larson Ronning and Ingeborg Anderson, both natives of Norwav. The
birth of Lars O. Ronning occurred on December 31, 1845, in Norway,
where be was reared to manhood and where all but two weeks of his educa-
tion was received.
Ole Larson Ronning emigrated to America in t86~. and located in
Goodhue county, Minnesota, when- he rented a farm for a period of two
years, in the meantime sending for his family, consisting of his wife and
nine children, who arrived in [868. They then removed to Chippewa county,
Minnesota, where the father and his son, Lars O. Ronning, each entered a
claim or homestead. Five years later Ole Larson Ronning sold his land and
removed to Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and pur-
chased a homestead, where both he and his wife died. The youngest daugh-
ter still resides on the home place. The names of their children follow :
Thor, Lars O., Anna, Mettie, Bertha, Julia. Ole, Christian and Sophia.
Lars O. Ronning is indebted to the schools of his native land for the
education which he received. After his arrival in this country he attended
school for a period of two weeks, but discontinued his studies for the oppor-
tunity of accepting a position as painter in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where
he remained for six years following his trade. He was united in marriage
to Oleva Erickson, while a resident of Minneapolis, the marriage having
been solemnized in 1S75. Three years later he removed to Dane Prairie
township, Otter Tail count), and purchased eighty acres of homestead land.
111 which he now resides. While engaged in agricultural pursuits he has
followed his trade most of the time and is now practically retired from
active labor. Most of the improvements on the farm have been made by
Lars O. Ronning, who has developed the place into a very productive piece
of property. Ilis wife. Oleva (Erickson) Ronning, was born in Norway
and emigrated, alone, to the United States, her parents having remained in
Norway all of their lives. To the union of Lars O. Ronning and his wife
-'7-' OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
have been born eight children: John, Severt, Oleva, Laura, Phena, Ber-
nard. Allien and Mary.
The members of this family are affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran
church and are actively engaged in the advancement and support of same.
Lars O. Ronning was elected to serve in the capacity of supervisor for
Dane F'rairie township and also as school director.
KNUD C. HANSEN.
\moiig the prosperous financial institutions of Otter Tail county men-
tion must be made of the First National Bank, of Battle Lake, which is a
reorganization of the old Otter Tail County State Bank, and of which Knud
C. Hansen is the cashier.
Knud C. Hansen was horn near Christiana. Norway, June 16. 1868,
a son of Christopher Hansen Bye and Boel Skatvedt. After his marriage,
Mr. Hansen's father dropped the "Bye," and used "Stovern" in its place.
Both Mr Hansen's parents were born in Norway and spent their entire lives
in that country. The elder Hansen was a farmer and reared a family of
seven children, two of whom came to America, Helga, who is unmarried and
lives in San Francisco, California, and Knud C, the immediate subject of
this sketch.
Knud C. Hansen received his education in the public schools of his
native land, and at the age of nineteen years came to America. For seven
years he was employed as clerk in a store in Sargent county. North Dakota,
hut in [895 removed to Battle Lake, this county, and engaged in business
with T. A. Ranstad, under the firm name of Ranstad & Hansen, and was
thus engaged in the hardware and implement business until IQ07, a period
of twelve years. In 1^07 Mr. Hansen reorganized the old Otter Tail County
State Bank into the hirst National Bank of Battle Lake, and was elected
cashier of the institution, a position which he now holds.
The First National Bank of Battle Lake has as its president. Charles
Keith: vice-president, Henry Olson; cashier, K. ( '. Hansen and assistant
cashier, F. J. Rudh. A condensed statement from the report made to the
comptroller of the currency on .May 1. 11)15. shows the hank to have total
resources of $283,078.17, divided as follows: Loans. $213,613.61; over-
draft-. $138.02; United States bonds, $25,000: banking house, $8,000;
stock federal reserve hank. SX50.00: cash on hand and due from hanks.
$34,226.54; redemption fund with United States treasurer. $1,250.00. The
liabilities of the hank, which amount to $228,078. 17. are divided as follows;
1 apital stock, $25,000.00; surplus, $3,500.00; undivided profits. $1,263.03;
circulation, $25,000.00; deposits, $228,315.14. The hank makes a specialty
of farm loans at the lowest rates, and all matters entrusted to that institu-
KNTI> C. IIANSKX.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 273
tion receive prompt, careful and confidential attention. The bank is in a
most prosperous condition, due in a large measure to the efficient banking
methods of its officers, and the cordial relations between the public and its
cashier.
Knucl C. Hansen, since coining to America, has been identified with the
Republican party. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Fergus Falls.
I< Ml AX A. MELBY.
Johan A. Melby is a native of ( alniar. Winneshiek county, Iowa, and
his birth occurred on February 2. 1869. He is the son of Andrew Johnson
and Martha ( Osselson ) Melby. Andrew Johnson Melby was born in 1825,
in Ida. Wermeland, Sweden, and emigrated to America when a young man,
chosing Chicago as bis location. While a resident of that city he was
engaged in various occupations, and while there his first marriage was sol-
emnized. During the great struggle of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson
Melby was drafted for service, lint was released because of disabilitv. \bout
this time the death of his first wife occurred, and he returned to his native
country, where he was employed for a dredging concern. For eight years
he was a resident of Norway and Sweden, at the end of which time he
returned to America, locating in Winneshiek county, Iowa. Shortlv after
bis arrival in Winneshiek county he rented land and engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits for some years, also operating a threshing outfit, of which he
was the owner.
Andrew Johnson Melby was united in marriage to' Martha Osselson. a
native of Gran, Hadland, Norway, who was born in 1832. She was a widow
and the mother of one daughter, who died when very young. To the union
of Andrew Johnson and Martha (Osselson) Melby were both these chil-
dren: Johan. Mary, now Mrs. Guilder Hanson, died in Grant county;
Caroline, deceased; Olat. deceased, and Anna, also deceased. In the fall of
1871 tin- family moved to St. Olaf township. Otter Tail countv, Minnesota,
and purchased a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Eagle
Lake township. Their home consisted of a "dugout," in which they lived
for nine years, at the end of which time a log house was erected, and is still
standing on the original site.
Johan A. Melby received bis education in the local schools of Eagle
lake township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and has always resided on
the home place, which he now owns. General farming and the breeding and
raisin- of Shorthorn cattle are the principal industries of this farm, which
is well improved and well managed.
(1 8b)
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINN] 501 \
MICHAEL VVALZ.
Among the progressive and influential citizens of Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, none are held in greater esteem than Michael Walz, who has
been honored with many positions of trust. His birth occurred on October
13, 1852, in Illinois, and lie is the son of Michael and Eva ( Schmidt) Walz,
both natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1848 and located
in Illinois, "/here Michael Walz engaged in agricultural pursuits. In c86o
they removed to Stearns county. Minnesota, where a farm was purchased
and this became their home until their deaths. They were the parents of
fifteen children.
Michael Walz received his education in St. John's College and was
graduated from that institution in 1868, after which he taught school for
seven years in Stearns county, Minnesota. He then removed to Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, locating in the town of 1'erham, where he engaged in the
general mercantile business. He continued in this line for nearly fifteen
years and then entered the banking business, organizing a private bank-
known as the Weber, Kemper & Walz Hank. This bank was operated from
1890 until 1000, at which time Michael Walz sold his interest in the institu-
tion and dealt in real estate. In 1912 he organized the Perham Holding
Company and became its secretary and manager, which position be occu-
pied until 1915. He served the public as representative from 1903 until
1907.
In 1882 Michael Walz was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ries. and
they became the parents of five children, whose names follow: Fred A..
Romeo P., Arthur R., and Katheryn M. and Antoinett M., who are twins.
Michael Walz and his wife are devout members of the Catholic church, and
Mr. Walz is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
EDWARD L. JENAL.
Edward L. Jenal is one of the representative citizens of the community
of 1'erham, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his progressive ideas have
been of great benefit to the citizens. He is the son of J. P. and Katherine
fGoeden) Jenal. and his birth occurred on November 3, 1879, in Cedar
county. Nebraska. J. P. Jenal is a native of Switzerland and his wife is a
native of Wisconsin. J. P. Jenal is engaged in the real-estate Imsincs^ and
is located in Los Angeles, California.
Edward L. Jenal received his early education in the public schools of
Hartington. Nebraska, graduating from the high school in that town. He
then attended Creighton University, of Omaha. Nebraska, upon the com-
pletion of which he entered St. Vincent College, <>f Los \nge1es. California.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 275
and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1902. Soon after this he
became assistant cashier of the Pierce Comity Bank, in Pierce county.
Nebraska, and occupied that position for six years. He then became assist-
ant manager of the Chaffee-Miller Milling Company, in Castleton, North
Dakota, which position he held for two years. In 191 1 he became manager
of the Globe Milling Company, in Perham, Minnesota, and has retained
that position until the present time.
In 1906 Edward L. Jena! was united in marriage to Florence Fay Hut-
ton, and they are the parents of one child, Winnefred. Florence Fay (Hut-
ton ) Jenzd is a native of Pierce, Nebraska.
Edward L. Jenal is a supporter of the Republican party and very active
in promoting party principles. Both he and his wife are members of the
Catholic church. Besides his other interests, Edward L. Jenal is financial
secretary for the Perham Council No. 1773, Knights of Columbus, in which
order he is a member.
NILS T. SKOGLUND.
Every successful business man, it is said, leaves behind him a trail of
accretions to the well-to-do classes. His children start with advantages of
education, environment, easy command of capital. Their occupations, their
standards of living are on a new plane. This is what Mr. Skoglund has
done for his children and his community. He has been for twenty years a
resident of this county and for fifteen years the township treasurer. Mr.
Skoglund was born in Sweden on December 1, 1864, and is the son of Jens
and Anna (Jenson) Jenson.
Jens Jenson, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather was a soldier in the
Danish War. The father of Nils J. Skoglund, who was a laboring man, is
still living in his native country of Sweden, but his wife has passed away.
They were the parents of six children, namely: Sven, who lives in Sweden;
Nils J., Peter and Anna, residents of the United States; Bengta, who lives
in Sweden, and John, who died in America.
After finishing his education in his native state, the subject of this
sketch did military service for two years. He then came to America in
1 89 1 and for the two following years worked on a railroad near Fargo,
North Dakota, which was then his home. In 1895 ne came to this county,
where he purchased a farm which is the site of his present home. In East-
ern township he now owns two hundred and forty acres, upon which he has
built substantial buildings and fences. He is a well-known raiser of Hol-
stein cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Skoglund's present possessions are
an interesting contrast to his store of worldly goods when he arrived on the
2/6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
shores of America, for at that time he had been obliged to borrow the
money with which he bought his ticket which was to bring him from the
( lid World.
The marriage which made Air. Skoglund and Elsie Christiana Pehrson
man and wife took place in 1803. The bride had come to America with her
parents when she was a child, her father, Andrew Fehrson. migrated to
Fargo, North Dakota, and after a residence in that state came to this
count}-, where he took up the occupation of farming. The children born in
this household are: Edwin, Hilden, Telia, Delia, Rhode and Bernard.
Mr. and Mrs. Skoglund are interested in the Swedish Lutheran church,
of which they are members. Mr. Skoglund is now occupying the office of
township trustee, a position which he has filled with credit for the past
fifteen years. He is interested in many business enterprises in Parkers
Prairie, being vice-president of the Farmers Equity Association, of which
he was one of the organizers and since its beginning a director. He is also
a director of the Joy Creamery Company, located at Parkers Prairie. He is
also vice-president of the Eastern Telephone Company and was one of its
organizers, and has held the office he now holds, namely, the vice-presi-
dency, since the beginning of the organization. The many positions of
honor and trust which have been held by the above named gentleman classify
him as one of the progressive, wide-awake citizens of Parkers Prairie. His
life has been no small contribution to the general welfare of this commun-
ity, who in return give him their respect and esteem.
TENS CHRIST! VXSOW
When an ambitious youth starts out with no capital except his health
and his determination to succeed and middle age finds him a representative
of his chosen line of work, no better evidence is recpiired to show that in the
beginning he possessed the necessary traits of character. Jens Christianson,
a native of Sweden, was born there in July, i8f>6.
Christian Johnson and Anna Christianson, parents of the gentleman
whose name appears above, were natives of Sweden, but came to America
in r8c)3 to live with their son. Tens. The father was a working man in the
old country. Here the) lived until their death.
Jens Christianson, the subject of this sketch, went to school in Sweden
and came to America in December, [892. He journeyed to this township,
where he has lived ever since. About a year after his arrival he bought
eighty acre- and to this later added forty acres more, and again twenty
acres. In 1909 he bought one hundred and twenty acres in section 28, of
Eastern township, and later erected the buildings in which he and his family
have lived and carried on their farm work.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2~jj
Jens Christiansen was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna (Skoglund)
Carlson, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Melvin,
Ruth, Stella, Freda and Mildred. Anna Skoglund was first married to
August Carlson, to which union were born two children, William and Agnes.
Mr. and Mrs. Christianson are affiliated with the Swedish Lutheran church,
in which they are active and devout members.
Mr. Christianson, besides his farming interests, is a stockholder in the
Joy Creamery Company. He has been gifted with the qualities of perse-
verance and energy for which his countrymen are noted, and he richly
deserves the prosperity which has come as. a result of his active, ambitious
career.
WILLIAM TANGLEN.
So sharp is modern competition that even the man who inherits an
estate and is able to retain it is accredited rightfully with success. William
Tanglen, a well-known farmer of Parkers Prairie, deserves mention here
not only as a man who has attained recognition by reason of his material
prosperity, but because, as a public servant, he has been honorable and
upright in the discharge of his duty. William Tanglen, a native of the farm
on which he now lives, was born on November 26, 1881, his parents being
John and Louise (Peterson) Tanglen. both of whom were natives of
Sweden.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Tanglen was Peter Magnus, who
lived and died in Sweden. The maternal grandparents were Peter and Ellen
Hawkinson, the latter of whom died in Sweden, and her husband came to
America in 1873, dying in Otter Tail county. Louise Peterson came to
America in 1871 and lived at Stillwater, Minnesota. Her husband was
educated in Sweden and came to the United States about i860, locating in
Illinois, where he enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer
infantry. During the Civil War he was wounded and was in the hospital,
but served until the close of the war.
John Tanglen then returned to Illinois for awhile and later came to
Stillwater, where he met and married Mrs. Tanglen. After taking up
various occupations, in i860 he began farming, homesteading a quarter sec-
tion, the farm on which his son now lives, remaining there until his death,
on June r<), 1902. His widow still lives on the farm. Tt is said that he and
frank V>. Saunders were the lirst settlers of this township. Mr. and Mrs.
John Tanglen are the parents of twelve children, of whom Minnie, the eldest.
1- deceased. The others are: Hilda. Mary. Matilda, Peter, Anna. William,
l.vdia, Albena. Josie. Blanch and Walter. The parents belonged to the
Lutheran church
278 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
William Tanglen, who has continued to live on the home place, has
been a successful farmer, to which fact his well-cultivated and modern-
equipped farm as well as his beautiful new home, will bear testimony.
Although not given to seeking public office or honors, Mr. Tanglen has
served his community in an official capacity, and has also aided the move-
ments which in his judgment contributed to the general good of the com-
monwealth of which he has become a prominent factor.
ANDREW ANDERSEN.
As a boy denied those things which are part of youthful life and with-
out educational advantage or training; to be thrown upon the world with
the necessity of relying on one's resources and, regardless of this handicap,
to rise to a place of prominence in the business life of the community and
to be given a place of note in the public affairs of the locality of his resi-
dence is the record of Andrew Andersen, who is one of the leading citizens
of Otter Tail county and of New York Mills.
Andrew Andersen was born in Finland, February 18, 1854, the son of
Andrew and Mary Huhtaketa, both of whom were born in Finland, where
they lived on one of Andrew Huhtaketa's farms during their entire life.
Andrew Huhtaketa and wife were the parents of eight children, of whom
was Andrew Andersen, the subject of this sketch.
Andrew Andersen had opportunity for attending school but one day in
his life and that when about eighteen years of age, shortly after which time
he came to America and went to the state of Ohio, where he was employed
on a railroad for some time and then later he engaged in general farm work,
after which he went to Ashtabula. Ohio, and was there employed as a dock-
hand, until the year [879, when he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
and bought a farm of one hundred and forty acres of land in Leaf Eake
township, land which as yet was uncleared. With a determination to suc-
ceed, Andrew Andersen proceeded to clear his newly-acquired land and for
a home he built a log cabin, one which is in use to tin's day. During the
year 1898 Mr. Andersen bought eighty acres of land located in the village
of New York Mills, to which place he moved and became the agent for the
Monarch Elevator Company, with which company he was employed until
they became a part of the New York Mills Farmers Elevator Company,
when he was continued a- the agent of the new proprietors.
During the year t88i Andrew Andersen was married to Mary E Runts,
win. was born in Finland, the daughter of Eric Runts and wife, who at an
early date emigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail count)-. Minne-
sota. To the marriage of Andrew and Mary Andersen were born the fol-
lowing children: Emil A., who i- manager of a store at 1 fibbing. Minne-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2/Q
sota; Huldah, a school teacher; John L., a farmer who lives on the home
place; Ida, who lives at home; and Alma, George, William, Vernon, and
twi i children who died in infancy.
Andrew and Mary Andersen are members of the Lutheran church at
New York Mills and take an active part in the work of that congregation.
In politics, Mr. Andersen is an ardent Republican.
Andrew Andersen is a man who amid his personal business affairs has
found time to work in the interests of community good, and for those things
which have had no small part in the development of the town and the
county.
CHRISTIAN JOHANESEN.
A well-known farmer and man who has taken active interest in the
affairs of Pelican township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Christian
Johanesen. Successful as a farmer and stock raiser, public spirited in his
attitude to his community, and a man of force and personality so that he has
become an influence among his associates and fellow citizens, he is a man
who has a place among the prominent citizens of the township and county.
Christian Johanesen was born in Norway, October 30, 1859, the son
of Johanes Hogenson and Martha Christianson, who were natives of Nor-
way, in which country they lived until the year 1880, when they came to
America, and located in Pelican township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
where Johanes Hogenson bought twenty acres of land, which he farmed for
the remainder of his days. To the marriage of Johanes Hogenson and
Martha Christianson were born eight children. Agnes, Hakon, Christian,
Mathias, Karen, Netta. Mathia and Marie.
I hristian Johanesen was educated in the public schools of Norway,
after which he became a farmer, later, in the year 1882, coming to America
and locating in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he bought a farm of
eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added until he now has one
hundred and sixty-six acres of well improved and highly cultivated land,
on which he lives as a farmer and stock raiser.
During the year 1880 Christianson Johanesen was married, in Norway,
to Marie Johanesen. daughter of Johanes Mekelsen and Agnets Haagenson.
who came to America with their daughter and son-in-law and at their home
lived fur fifteen years, after which the elder Mekelson and his wife died.
(hristian and Marie Johanesen are the parents of eleven children,
Anna, Edins, Minna. Melvin, Carl, Hans. Alvin, Henry, Joseph and Clara.
Mr. fohanesen and bis family are active members of the Norwegian Luth-
eran church.
In political or public life ("hristian Johanesen has taken no especial
280 OTTER TAN. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
part, but has preferred to serve his community as a good citizen and as one
ready to volunteer his services in those ways or places where he may be of
use or benefit. Mr. Johanesen and his family are well and favorably known
throughout the township, they being people who are highly respected and
esteemed for their part in the life of Pelican township and of Otter Tail
county.
AUGUST T. SITZ.
A man of conspicuous affiliation in business and financial circles of
Otter Tail county, one who in public life has served prominently and who
has brought honor to his community as a representative in political associa-
tion, a citizen who in the affairs of local life has been given a place second
to none, the name of August J. Sitz takes a leading place in the record of
life and event of Otter Tail county, and of the town of Xew York Mills.
August J. Sitz was born in the province of East Poland, near Schnei-
demuhl, Prussia, Germany, on June _'-|. 1851. the son of August and Doro-
thy (Utke) Sitz, both of whom were born in Germany, there grew to
maturity and were married, after which August Sitz, Si\. took up a position
as manager of a large farm in his native country, the duties of which he
followed for seven years, and as compensation for which he received fifty
dollars per year, bis bouse rent, the use of one cow and the wool from two
sheep, this product being spun in the home. In the year [853 August Sitz,
Sr., with bis family, came to America and went to the city of Milwaukee.
Wisconsin, where lie engaged for some time in general work. Later he
rented a farm in Milwaukee county, which be cultivated for four years and
•beii be moved to Monroe county, Wisconsin, and bought a farm near the
town of Tomah and lived there for about sixteen years, until bis death.
which occurred in the year r88o. Dorothy Sitz, bis wife, lived the remain-
der of her life with her son. August, at New York Mills. Minnesota, she
dying during the year r8o8. Kugust and Dorothy Sitz were devout mem-
bers of the Evangelical Lutheran church. August Sitz, Sr.. was a man of
Hunt and retiring disposition, preferring to live as a common citizen, rather
than to hold public office or to take part in those things which would bring
him before the public
To August and Dorothy Sitz were born three children: Louisa, who
married Christopher Liefke. and who died near Tomah. Wisconsin; August,
the subject of this sketch, and Augusta, who married ^.ugusl Spangler. and
lives near Brainerd, Minnesota, where Mr Spangler is a moulder.
August 1- Sitz. the subjeel of this sketch, was educated in the public
schools of Tomah, Wisconsin, and following bis school days be worked on a
farm and then bought oul the heirs of bis father's farm and lived there
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 261
until the year [883, when he came to the state of Minnesota and settled at
New York Mills, near where he worked one season as foreman of a ditch-
ing gang \\h<> were employed on the construction of the Northern Pacific
railway in thai locality. Later in the year August J. Sitz built a store on
Front street, of the tow 11 of New York Mills, where he engaged in the sale
of implements and general hardware, at first carrying a small stock and
later, with the progress of his business, adding to his line until, in the year
1915, Mr. Sitz disposed of his holdings for the sum of twelve thousand
dollars, which was more than five times the value of his original stock.
During his mercantile experience, August J. Sitz was able to see his business
increase to the point where he found it necessary to erect a warehouse and
to enlarge his store room to one having a fifty-foot front. When he dis-
posed of his store. Mr. Sitz was the oldest merchant, in poinl of continuous
business, in the town of New York Mills.
For the past four or five years August }. Sitz has been the occupant of
the office of vice-president of the First State Rank of Xew York Mills, at
the same time serving his community in several local offices, among which
are those of councilman and village president. During a period of more
than twenty-seven years this worthy citizen has served his locality in some
of the various offices of honor and of trust, he at the present time being
treasurer of the township. In political life. August J. Sitz has represented
his district at a number of county and state conventions, where he has at
all times been a credit to his constituents and to his county. He was county
commissioner for four years.
During the year 187S August J. Sitz was married to Sophia Pankow,
who was horn at Watertown, Wisconsin, the daughter of the Rev. Krdman
Pankow and wife. The wife of Mr. Sitz died during the month of March.
[NXo. and on June 6. 1896, August Sitz was married, secondly, to Anna
Pankow, who was a half-sister to the lir-i Mrs. Sitz.
To the marriage of August J. and Sophia Sitz were horn five children:
Adolph, a lumber dealer of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Luella, who lives at
home; Rufus B., who lives at Duluth, Minnesota, where he is assistant
buyer for the Marshall-Wells Hardware Company; Blandine, a school teacher
of Walla Walla, Washington, and Alexander, who is a Lutheran clergyman
of Tomahawk. Wisconsin.
August J. and Anna Sitz are the parents of three children: Arnold, a
student of the Lutheran Seminary, of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Herbert, a
student at Xew I'lin. Minnesota, and Krna. who lives at home.
August J. Sitz and his wife are active and esteemed members of the
Lutheran church of Perham. In political affiliation. Mr. Sitz is a Republi-
can.
282 OTTER TAT] COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
L. H. D. SCHMIDT.
L. H. D. Schmidt is a native of Germany and was born in that country
on iVovember : 5. [86r. He is the son of Deidrich and Caroline (Tearman)
Schmidt, also natives of Germany. Deidrich Schmidt was a blacksmith by
trade and followed that vocation until his death. I.. H. D. Schmidt received
his education in the schools of his native land and upon the completion of
same engaged in the wagon-making business until his emigration to America
in r8Sc>. Upon his arrival in the United States he at once located in Min-
neapolis, Minnesota, where he again took up his trade for more than three
months, removing thence to Perham, (titer Tail count}-. Minnesota. Imbued
with an independent spirit, he opened a wagon-making shop and has con-
tinue.! in that line until the present time. In [904 he erected the present
simp, which is eighty by eighty feet and two stories in height at the front.
His three sons, one other man and himself are constantly employed in the
manufacture of wagons. and bob-sleighs, completing about fifty of the for-
mer and from two hundred to five hundred of the latter each year.
In [890 1-. II. D. Schmidt was united in marriage to Emma Bauck,
and tn them have been born nine children, whose names follow: Dora,
I. 'aus !]., Herman. Arthur, Martha. Luella. Theodore, Milton, Caroline.
Louis, Herman and Arthur are connected with their father in the manufac-
turing business, lunma 1 Bauck) Schmidt is a native of Illinois and the
daughter of John Bauck, a pioneer farmer of Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, win 1 still lives i>ii the farm near Perham.
1.. H. 1). Schmidt and his wife are both members of the German Luth-
eran church, and active in church affairs. In politics. Mr. Schmidt is a
Republican.
HENRY SCHMIDT.
Henry Schmidt is one of ten children born to the union of Deidrich
Schmidt am! Caroline Tearman, both natives of Germany. Henry Schmidt
was born mi June 27, [866, in Germany, and is indebted to the schools of
his native land for the education which lie received. Deidrich Schmidt was
a blacksmith and followed that vocation until his death, having lived and
died m Germany. Caroline (Tearman) Schmidt is still living.
I lenry Schmidt was reared in the land of his nativity ami became a
blacksmith, assisting his father in that business until his emigration to
America, in [890. Upon his arrival in the United States, Henry Schmidt
immediately proceeded to Perham, Otter Tail county, this state, and engaged
in his former vocation, opening the blacksmith business which he has con-
tinued until the present time. In [906 the present building ■>!' brick was
erected..
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 283
In 1890 Henry Schmidt was united in marriage to Dora Brockman,
and to them have been born eight children, whose names follow: Emma,
Arnold. Robert, Richard, Edwin, Walter, Paul and Hilda. Dora (Brock-
man) Schmidt is a native of Germany. Both Henry Schmidt and his wife
are members of the German Lutheran church and very active in its support,
lie is a respected citizen of the town of Perham, having devoted energy
and thought to the solution of the community problems.
PER GUSTAV MATSON.
Successful farmer and stock raiser, well-known citizen of Otter Tail
county, and a man who has had an important part in the development of
Pida township and its resources, Per Gustav Matson, because of his helpful
and useful life to the community, has attained a notable place among those
men, who from the ranks of common citizenship as well as in public office,
have done no small part to make the locality an advanced and prosperous
community.
Per Gustav Matson was born in Westerbotten, Sweden, on March. 14.
1867, the son of Mathias Olson and Maria Margareta (Nelson) Olson, both
of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden, where Mathias Olson was a
farmer and landowner. Mathias and Maria Olson were the parents of eigh-
teen children, Maria Matilda, Bertha Louisa, Margareta Katherine, Eliza-
beth Sophia, Anna Christina, Charlotta Wilhelmina, Carl Magnus, Olaf,
Eva Erika. Nils, Mathias. Johan, Clara Gustava, Erik, Anders Oscar, Per
Gustav, and two other children who died in infancy.
Per Gustav Matson was educated in the public schools of Sweden,
after which he came, in the year 1802, to America and located near Bertrand,
Nebraska, where he bought eighty acres of land which he farmed until the
vear 1900, and then came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he bought
one hundred and thirty-one acres of land in Lida township, bordering the
beautiful Lake Lida. a few years later adding forty more acres, a place
which Mr. Matson has greatly improved and where he now lives, engaged
in genera] agricultural pursuits.
During the year 1892, shortl) before leaving bis home in Sweden, Per
GustaA Matson was married to Marie b'.llena Sundleng, who was born in
Sweden, the daughter of Nils Frederick and Charlotta Johana (Johnson)
Sundleng. Nils Sundleng being a farmer in Sweden, his wife. Charlotta,
being deceased. To the marriage of Pel' Gustav and Marie F.llena Matson
have been bum twelve children, Olga Maria. Mma Wilhelmina, Amy
Augusta, Gustav Elmer (deceased), Edla Erika, Victor Carl Bernard, Ver-
ner Theodore, Gustav W. Mfml. Myrtle Lilian (deceased), Emil Wgoi
Renhold, Ethel Lilian and Leonard Raymond. Per Gustav Matson and bis
284 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
family arc active members and workers in the Swedish Lutheran church of
I .ida township.
Per Gustav Matson has proved to be one of the best and most desirable
citizens of I. ida township, he being a man who has given much time and
effort for the good of the community, not only during the time when he
served his township most efficiently as a township supervisor, but in all mat-
ters having for their objeel the betterment of general conditions in the
county and more especially i.ida township.
\NTON B. EVAVOLD.
Anton Ij. Evavold is a native of Norway and was born on June 6, 1885.
lie is die s, m m(" Glaus Evavold, who emigrated to America from Norway
when Ant' in J.',. Evavold was a child of three years. Anton B. Evavold
received his education in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and
has been reared mi the home place, having assisted with the cultivation of
the same until the present time. He is the sole owner and manager of one
hundred and forty acres of well-improved land, which he devotes to general
farming and stuck raising, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle.
In 1912 Anton E. Evavold was united in marriage to Minnie Lang,
daughter of Xels A. Lang, and a native of Lund township. Douglas county.
Minnesota. Anton B. Evavold and his wife are the parents of one child,
Arnold Wilton McKay. They are active members in the Norwegian Luth-
eran Free church and lend their earnest support to this denomination. Anton
I'.. Evavold was appointed to act as road supervisor and has served in that
capacit) tor a period of two years, discharging the duties of that office with
dispatch and efficiency.
M. T. DALY.
M. J. Daly holds a place of sincere regard in the hearts of his fellow
citizens, as is evidenced by the positions of trust to which he has been
elected, lie is the son of M . F. and Mary ( Malarky ) Daly, both natives of
Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1847. 'hey located in New York
City until [856 and then removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where M. F. Daly
was employed as a bookkeeper Some years later they removed to Carver
county. Minnesota, where ihe\ both died. They were the parents of eighl
children.
\1. T. Daly was 1,,,,-n on March 13. [861, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and
his education was received in the public schools of Minneapolis. He was
graduated from the Iowa State University in 1886, having studied law in
thai institution, and immediately began 10 practice law in Perham, Minne-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 285
sota. During the first seven years of his practice he was associated with a
Mr. Baxter, but has since been independent in his vocation. He is con-
nected with the First National Hank in the capacity of vice-president, and
served as county attorney from 1891 until 1899. He also served as state
'senator from 1899 until 1903. His fraternal affiliations are with the Bene-
volent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Relig-
iously, he is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and a member
of the Knights of Columbus.
In 1893 M. I. Daly was united in marriage to Emma Mohr, and to
them have been born two children, whose names follow: M. J., Jr., and
Lenora. Emma (Mohr) Daly is a native of Perham, Minnesota, and is
also a member of the Roman Catholic church. M. J. Daly is a member of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in which order he is held in high
esteem.
ASBJORN ASLAKSEN.
Having lived in this vicinity for twenty-seven years, during which time
Asbjorn Aslaksen has become a well-known farmer, he has come to be
considered one of the substantial citizens of Pelican township. Although
born in the southern part of Norway, he has thoroughly identified himself
with the life of the community in which he has lived for many years. His
birth took place on March 12, 1869, but two years later he was left an
orphan by the deatli of his father. Aslak Asbjornson, whose wife. Ingeborg
Eliason, came to America in [889, one year after the subject of this sketch
settled in Pelican Rapids. Both of Mr. Aslaksen's parents were born in
Norway.
The subject of this sketch was the only child burn to Mr. and Mrs.
Aslaksen. The former, who served in the Norwegian army, became ser-
iously ill during a military drill ami for the two years which preceded his
death, was a helpless invalid.
Asbjorn Aslaksen's school days in Norway were followed by a period
during which he worked '>n his father's farm, and in [888, influenced by the
glowing reports of friends in Vmerica, he started out for die new country
and arriving in Pelican Rapids, worked as a farm laborer for the following
two years. In 1892 Ik- became the owner of one hundred and sj\t\
land !'n milrs north of Pelican Kapids and to this he added other land until
he had acquired three hundred and seventy acres. This property became his
home until the fall of 0110. when he traded it for eighty acres in Pelican
Kapids. Flis present home is a well-buill modern dwelling Although living
in town he still gives his attention to grain farming and stock raising. In
286 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the latter branch of industry he specializes in dairy and beef cattle, of which
he raises mostly the Hereford breed.
In iSijt) Asbjorn Aslaksen was married to Xettie Johnson, of Becker
county. Minnesota. She came to this count}- with her parents, who entered
a homestead claim near Cormorant about the year 1875. Her father was
Xils Johnson, a native of Norway. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Aslak-
sen was enhanced h\ the adoption of two children whom they took into their
home and hearts as their very own. The children are Emma Engel and
Arthur Nygaart.
Mr. and Mrs. Vslaksen are devoted members of the United Lutheran
church, of which the former is secretary. He has held the office of secre-
tary for fifteen war-, both of the church here and at Grove Lake. He has
also been assessor of Scambler township and was for eight years the treas-
urer of school district No. 39. These honors have been assumed by Mr.
Aslaksen without solicitation on his part, for he has never aspired to be an
office holder. Gifted with the ability to engage in continuous toil, and to
concentrate all of his energies upon the task in hand, Mr. Aslaksen has
made a success of life. He occupies a prominent place in the business and
religious life of the community, while both he and his capable wife have
made many warm friendships here.
ALBERT ELLWANGER.
Albert Ellwanger is a native of Clitherall township. Otter Tail county,
this state, and his birth occurred on February [3, 1874. He is a brother
1 if John and Mathias Ellwanger, who, tor many years, owned the old home
place together. ["he first agricultural venture of \lbert Ellwanger was
when the three boys, Albert, John and Mathias, purchased the home farm
of their father and, together, cultivated it for many years, Albert finally
selling his interest to John, and Mathias doing likewise. Albert Ellwanger
then rented a farm in Eagle Lake township for a period of three years. In
1005 he purchased one hundred and thirty-eight acres of land in Eagle Lake
township, Otter Tail county, and has continued to cultivate this place until
the present time, lie has made all of the improvements and put it under a
line state of cultivation, lie has also erected all of the present buildings.
[n 1901 Albert Ellwanger was united in marriage to Oliva Olson.
daughter of Nels Olson, a native of Sweden and an early pioneer of Clith-
erall township, and the\ an- the parents of seven children: Floyd, Clar-
ence, NTorris, Eveline, Vernie, Hazel and William. Oliva (Olson) Ell-
wanger is a sister of Ah in Olson, and has been a very material help to her
husband in his effort to Lrain an honorable competency. They are devout
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Ashby, Minnesota, and are
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 287
active workers for the advancement of that denomination. Albert Ell-
wanger is a good citizen and fanner, and is much liked by tbe people of his
community.
W. E. THOMAS.
W. E. Thomas, one of the prominent business men of Otter Tail comity.
was born in Bloomington, Wisconsin, January 3. 1856, and is tbe son of
Anson H. and .Martha (Cooley) Thomas, natives of New York. His -rand
father. John 11. Thomas, was a native of Xew York, where he lived until
he moved to Illinois in the early forties and engaged in farming. He later
removed to Grant county, Wisconsin, where he purchased a farm near the
village of Bloomington, and where he died in 1885. Anson H. Thomas was
educated in the common schools after which he spent three years in the min-
ing districts of California, having made the trip overland to that state with
an ox-team train ol gold seekers in 1849. Me was moderately successful in
his mining ventures, and on returning to Wisconsin he purchased an improved
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and also eighty acres of timber land.
He came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in 1898, and died there in 1901, the
wife and mother having died in 1869. They were the parents of seven
children: Lucy E., W. E., Frank V, Jesse E., bora E., Linda E. and Mabel
M. all of whom, at this writing, are living.
W. E. Thomas was educated in the common schools of Grant county,
Wisconsin, and in Pittsfield, Illinois. During bis early life he was engaged
in farming, having been reared on the farm; agriculture has always appealed
to him. Me came to Otter Tail county on October 20, 1878 bringing with
him two hundred dollars in cash which he had earned working out In the
month on a farm in Illinois. He located at Fergus Falls, and for a few
years worked out by tbe month, then engaged in the flour and ict.-d business
in Fergus balls, and continued in that business until 1NN7. when he sold out
the business and came to Maine township, and built a water power dam across
tbe Red river, where the little burg of ['helps has since been built. He then
took in a partner, E. 1'. Adams, and together they built the Maine roller
mills, known far and wide as tbe ".Maine Mills." They started tbe mill in
December. 1889, and milled under the firm name of Thomas Adams until
June. 1894, when Mr. Thomas bought out Mr. Adams' interest in the prop-
erty and has since carried on the business alone. He has built to and
increased the capacity of the mill. Me has enjoyed a good trade and has
been most successful in the business.
On September 7. 1885, W. E. Thomas was married to Liona Phelps.
She was a native of New York, having been born in that state on February
2*, [860, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Phelps. Her father is
288 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
still living in Otter Tail count)-. Her mother passed away in December,
1913. Mrs. Thomas died on October 5, 1006. She was a good and true
helpmate and helped him to bear the many burdens and hardships which he
encountered during the stringenl times while he was building, starting in as
he did with but little cash or capital to work on. Mr. Thomas attribute-
bis success to the help and encouragement she gave him during those trying
tunes and which she continued to give throughout the rest of her life.
In the summer of [908 Mr. Thomas tore out the old dam. which had
begun to leak and cause some trouble, and built in its place a stone and con-
crete dam, and lie now has , me of the best water powers on the river. Aside
from the water power and mill property Mr. Thomas has four good houses
in Phelps which he has built and he owns one hundred and sixty acres of
kind near Phelps.
W. b. Thomas was married, secondly, to Ida C. Murk, January 26,
iqio. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Murk, of Amor town-
ship.
Mr. Thomas is ;i member of Maine Camp No. 41 16, Modern Woodmen
of America, and has been venerable consul of that camp ever since its organ-
ization in 1896. He is also a member of the Royal Neighbors of America
and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
ANTON THOMPSON.
Anton Thompson, a prosperous attorney and the present county attorney
of Otter Tail county, is a native of this county, where he was born on
February 8, 1870, son of Bernt and Enga (Goldseath) Thompson, natives
of Norway and farmer- in Dane Prairie township, this county. Anton
Thompson was reared on a farm in Dane Prairie township, and obtained bis
elementary education in the district schools of the township.
When Mr. Thompson was fifteen years old, he entered the seminary at
Wilmar, Minnesota, and was later graduated from that institution. After
teaching school for five years successfully in Otter Tail county. Mr. Thomp-
son entered the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, in [896, and three
years later was graduated from the law department with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. The year following his graduation, he engaged in the
practice of his profession at Henning. Mr. Thompson still retains his office
at Henning, although in [908 he formed a partnership with Clifford L.
Hilton, under the firm name of Hilton & Thompson, and lias since been
in the practice of law at Fergus Falls.
Having been elected as county attorney of Otter Tail county in 1908,
Mr. Thompson has held the office continuously for the past seven years.
He has proved to be a very capable and trustworthy counselor of the law
ANTON THOMPSON
OTTER JAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 28g
and is well versed in the decisions of all courts as well as the great body of
common law, upon which our present statutory law is based.
In 1897 Anton Thompson was married to Ragnhild Vinje, daughter
of Olof O. Vinje, of the town of St. Olaf, this county, and to this union
seven children have been born, Marion B., Harriet G., Frances V., Innis
M., Owen V., Anton R. and Helen M.
Air. Thompson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of
the Hlks and of the Sons of Norway. He and his family are members of
the Lutheran church.
AMOS MARCKEL.
Amos Marckel is a representative citizen in the commercial and civic
circles of his community and has always been interested in the progress of
the town and county. He is the son of John L. and Maria Marckel, and
his birth occurred on June 11, 1862, in Columbiana, Ohio. John L. Marckel
was a farmer, and both he and his wife died when Amos Marckel was a very
young child.
After completing his education, which was received in the common
schools of Columbiana, Ohio, he entered the services of a hardware con-
cern, as a clerk, and remained in their employ for a period of five years.
In 1886 he removed to the town of Perham, Minnesota, and engaged in the
hardware and implement business independently. The first store was located
just three doors west of his present location and the business was pur-
chased from A. E. Luedke. In 1895 he purchased the present site, con-
taining an excellent brick structure. He has engaged in the lumber and
automobile business in connection with his hardware and implement busi-
ness, all of which he operated individually until 1914, when he incorporated
the entire enterprise as The Marckel Company. His employees became the
stockholders and he was elected as president. In 1906 a partnership was
formed with A. II. llaut. and a business opened in Gackle, North Dakota.
known as Haut & Marckel. They operate a store, similar to The Marckel
Company, lie also is the owner of a farm near Dead Lake, Minnesota, on
which he breeds purebred Guernsey cattle. In 1913 he assisted in the
organization of the Hall Hardware Company, of Minneapolis. Minnesota,
and is vice-president and director of same. This company is engaged in the
wholesale hardware business.
In [888 Amos Marckel was united in marriage to Emma C. Coblentz,
ami they are the parents of one child. George E., who is now a student in
the high scl 1 in Perham. Emma C. (Coblentz) Marckel is a native of
Columbiana, Ohio. Both husband and wife are members of tlu Grace
- K/b!
29O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Reformed church. The lodge affiliations of Amos Marckel are with the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and his membership consists of rela-
tions with the blue lodge of Perham, the chapter in Detroit, the command-
cry in Wadena, and the Shrine in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has served his
community as mayor and village recorder.
osCAR YOUNG.
The memory of the late < )scar Young long will be cherished in Amor
township, this county, where for years he labored for the advancement of
material conditions thereabout. Arriving in Otter Tail county in 1870, as the
live-year-old son of a homesteader, Oscar Young became one of the most
forceful citizens of Amor township, and at the time of his death, on Febru-
ary 14, 1906. he was the owner of a fine farm of four hundred acres, which
he bad helped to claim from the forest wilderness.
Oscar Young was born in Sweden on November 15, 1865, son of John
N. Young, a Swedisli farmer and carpenter, who came to America during
the early childhood of Oscar, and after working on the railroad at that time
being constructed in this region, entered a homestead claim in Amor town-
ship, this county, and there made bis home. That was in the year 1870,
Oscar Young being at that time but five years of age, and be retained a
distinct menmn of being carried a long distance on his father's back during
the wearisome trip to this county from the nearest railroad point. John N.
Young and Solomon Larson were homesteaders together, and during the
time they were "prooving up" they lived in the same humble dwelling.
Reared on the homestead farm. Oscar Young grew up amid all the
hardships attendant upon pioneer living, receiving such meager education
as was afforded in the primitive schools of that day. his schooling having
been obtained in district No. 69, and here be was a farmer all his life. \ fter
his marriage, in 1890, lie moved to the farm in Amor township, where the
rest of his life was spent, and which he greatly improved during his occu-
pancy. In 1X07 he built a commodious harn and in 1 Sou erected the com-
fortable dwelling in which his widow and children are now living. As he
prospered in bis agricultural ventures he added to his farm by additional
purchase from time to time, until be became the owner of a farm of four
hundred acres. In addition to his extensive farming interests. Mr. Young
found time to engage actively in civic affairs and for a time was a member
of the town hoard, being regarded as one of the influential men in that sec-
tion of the county.
On May 24, [890, Oscar Young was united in marriage to Mary
Bjorgaard, who was born in Norway on May 10. 1866, daughter of John
and Sophia ( Erickson) Bjorgaard, and to this union six children were horn,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 29I
Mabel, John. Leonard, Donald, Alphild and Edna, all of whom are living at
home, aiding their widowed mother in the management of the farm and are
making a fine success of their labors. Mrs. Young came to America alone
in 1882, proceeding at once to Otter Tail county, where she joined her
brothers, Christian and Oliver, who had come here some years before. In
1883 Mrs. Young's parents came to this county from Norway, bringing
with them the other children of the family, John, Oscar and Emelie. The
Bjorgaards, as were the Youngs, were members of the Swedish Lutheran
church and all these children, as were the children of Mr. and Mrs. Young,
were reared in the faith of that church.
The late Oscar Young was devoted to his family, and his death, in
1906, was a great loss to his loving wife and family of young children, as
well as to the whole community, for he was a man who was doing well his
part in the community in which he had established so excellent a home and
he will not soon be forgotten there.
ANDREW G. MURK.
When Andrew- G. Murk, now one of the most substantial farmers, as
well as one of the best-known citizens of Amor township, this county,
arrived in Otter Tail county, he bought a quarter of a section of land,
paying for the same five dollars an acre. He proceeded to improve the
same and cultivated it with such profit that he presently was able to enlarge
his holdings, until now he is the owner of five hundred and eighty acres of
fine land, the most of which is under excellent cultivation.
Andrew G. Murk was born in the kingdom of Sweden, July 13, 1856,
youngest son of Gabriel and Magdalena (Carlson) Murk, who were the
parents of six children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Albert-
ina, Matilda. Oscar. Frank and John. Albertina and John are deceased.
Gabriel Murk was born on January 20, 1813. For twenty-nine years he
served his king as a soldier and was a participant in the arduous campaign
which marked the war between Germany and Denmark years ago, and in
[879 came to America. his last days being spent in the home of his son.
Andrew, in this county.
In October, 18S7. Andrew C. Murk was united in marriage to Clara
Josephine Gustafson, who also was born in Sweden, and to this union four-
teen children have been born. Oscar, Anna, Ida, Hanna, Beda, Amanda,
Hulda, Gilbert, Emily, Arvid. Harold, Rolla. Carl and Clara. Oscar and
Hanna are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Murk are members of the Swedish
Lutheran church and their children have been raised in the faith of that
church, the family being held in high esteem throughout the entire neighbor-
2()> OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
hood. Mr. Murk for years has taken an active part in public affairs in
Amor township and for fifteen years was treasurer of the school board.
As noted above. Andrew G. Murk's start as a farmer in this county
was on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid five dollars
an acre. Since then he lias increased his farm holdings until now he owns
nearly six hundred acres of fine land, most of the improvements on which
he has made himself, lie having built the house and barn and numerous
other substantial improvements. In addition to his general farming. .Mr.
.Murk gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, his Shorthorn
cattle and Shropshire sheep showing an excellent strain. He is a good
citizen and has many friends in Otter Tail county, all of whom hold him
in the highest regard.
HERMAN GREFE.
Herman Grefe, born near Hanover, Germany, January 4. 1866, is one
of the successful farmers of Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Herman Grefe,
the father of the subject of tlii-. -ketch, was born in Hanover, Germany,
May [7, 183 1. Herman Grefe, Sr., was married to Mary Clasen, who was
born near Hanover, February 24, [836, and died in August, [889. The
senior Herman Grefe received his education in the common schools of his
native land. He never came to America and on the completion of his school
work engaged in farming on the farm that bis father had owned. The farm
had been in the possession of the Grefe family for over two hundred years.
Herman Grefe, Sr.. was the father of the following children: Loise, Her-
man, Henry, Hick and William. Louise and William remained in Ger-
many; Henry, deceased, came to America in [882; Dick came to America in
i88(), direct to Otter Tail county, and Herman came to America in the year
1887. William is an officer in the German army at the present time. He
has seen active service, and has been returned home for surgical treatment.
John Henry Grefe, the father of Herman Grefe, Sr., was born in [802
and died in 1877. He was an extensive landowner and a prosperous farmer
in the community in which he lived. John Henry Grefe was an active and
respected member of the German Lutheran church.
Herman Grefe, on bis arrival in America in 1NN7. first worked in Kan-
sas and later, in 1805 came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has
since resided, with the exception of a short visit to bis native land. On his
return to the United Slates he came direct to Otter Tail county, where be
bought a farm of two hundred acres in Otter Tail township, sections 10 and
11. lie has added to Ins first purchase until be now lias a well-improved
farm of three hundred acres.
Herman Grefe married Sophia Misegades, a native of Hanover, Ger-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 293
niaii\-, in May, [896. Mrs. I irefe was bom in 1876 and came to this country
early in life. Mr. and Mrs. (irefe are the parents of the following children:
Katherine, Herman D., Rebecca, William and Lorine.
Herman < irefe and his wife have devoted much time and energy to the
development of their farm. It was for the most part a wilderness of wild
and undeveloped land when purchased by them, but by constant and patient
labor they have seen their rough acres develop into a valuable tract. In the
early part of their married life they built a new house and from time to time
have added many substantial improvements, in the nature of outbuildings.
barn and the telephone.
Mr. and Mrs. Grefe are members of the German Lutheran church and
take an active part in the services. Mr. Grefe is active in the affairs of the
community, being secretary and treasurer of the Farmers Society of Equity,
he is secretary of the creamery that was established in 1905 with but forty
patrons and under his wise and careful management the)' now have one hun-
dred and thirty patrons. In 1015 the creamery paid out for butter fat to
the fanners more than thirty-seven thousand dollars The Farmers Society
of Equity is an organization of farmers for the purpose of buying and sell-
ing. They devote most of their energy to shipping and selling of stock
During the past year more than thirty-nine thousand dollars worth of live
-tuck has been shipped and sold by this organization. This society has
handled in 11)15. more than forty-eight thousand dollars for farmers around
1 )tter Tail.
LEONARD JOHNSON.
Among the successful farmers of Compton township. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is Leonard Johnson, who owns two hundred and forty acres in
this township.
.Mr. Johnson is a native of Sweden, where he was born on June _'. 1 S ^ -
His parents were John Anderson and Inga Lisa Magnuson, wdio were also
natives of Sweden. Mr. Johnson's paternal grandfather was Andrew Ander-
son, a native of Sweden and a farmer in the old country. Tie was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran church.
John Anderson, the father of Leonard Johnson, received military train-
ing in his native country, but farmed practically all of his life. For eleven
years he was the overseer of a large tract of land. He died on November
29, [899, and his wife in June, [903. They were members of the Lutheran
church and the parents of six children, of whom \ndrew is deceased. Two
of the children, Leonard, the subject of this sketch, and Gustav. came to
America. The other children, John Gustaf, August and Matilda O. live
in Sweden.
294 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Leonard Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native land.
He came to America shortly after bis marriage on February 18, 1881. Mr.
Johnson was accompanied to America by his wife. They landed in New
York City on April 24. 1881, and came directly to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota. Mr. Johnson purchased eighty acres of land in section 19, of Comp-
ton township. After living on the farm for twenty-one years, he has gradu-
ally increased its acreage until he now owns two hundred and forty acres.
He paid six dollars and seventy-five cents an acre for the original tract of
eighty acres, which consisted of wild land. Later he paid two thousand
dollars for eighty acres which he purchased from his brother in 1899. He
moved to the second farm two years later.
To the marriage of Leonard Johnson and Mary Anderson, there have
been born eight children, all of whom are living, Allilda O.. Emma M.,
Selma J., John I... Gustav A., Hulda E.. Alma W. and Oscar W.
In 1 9 1 3 Mr. Johnson rebuilt his residence and in 1905 built a new barn.
Leonard Johnson not only carries on general and mixed farming, but has
made a specialty of stock raising, and has been very successful. Mr. and
Airs. Johnson and family are members of the Lutheran church in Compton
township.
ANDERS T. NOREEN.
\nders J. Noreen, the proprietor of one hundred and eighty-five acres
of good farming land in Compton township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
was born on June 11. 1861, in Sweden, and is the son of Jons Jansson and
Margaret Anderson, who were also natives of Sweden. Mr. Noreen's
grandfather, Jan Anderson, was also a native of Sweden and a farmer by
occupation. He owned a small farm in his native land. He and his wife
were members of the Lutheran church.
Mi-. Noreen's father, Jons Jansson, was educated in the public schools
of his native land and spent all of his life in Sweden. When a young man
In- received the customary military training. In hi? native land his name
was written Trap]) Jons Jansson. He died in September, 1005. and his wife
in November, 1007. They were the parents of four children, of whom two,
Nels and Vnders I., came to America. Karin. the second child. L deceased.
rin- eldest child, Trapp Jons Jansson, lives in Sweden.
Anders J. Moreen was educated in Sweden and. after finishing his edu-
cation, came to America. Me landed in New York City on Ma\ 26, 1882.
and immediately thereafter proceeded to [owa, where he remained for two
month'-. He then came to Otter Tail county, \linne^>i.i. and For two years
, upon neighboring farms. \( the end of two years Mr. Noreen was
able to purchase sixty-five acres of land in section 2t. of Compton township.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 2<)Z,
He has added to this original farm until he now has one hundred and eighty-
five acres. In 1886 Mr. Xoreen built his first house. His original farm
was purchased from the railroad company and most of it has been cleared
at the present time. Mr. Noreen has live stock on the farm and has been
successful, measured by the standard of the community in which he lives.
In 1886 Anders J. Noreen was married to Anna Johnson, a native of
Sweden, and to them have been horn six children, all of whom are living and
are unmarried. The names of the children in the order of their births are
as follow : Fred William. George Henry, Ruth Emelia, Elsie Josephine,
Ellen Augusta and Sophia Magdeline.
Mr. and Mrs. Anders J. Noreen and family are members of the Mission
church and are active in church work. Mr. Noreen is chairman of the town
board and has served as chairman for six years. He is a prominent citizen
of Compton township and a man who wields a tremendous influence in
behalf of worthy public enterprises.
VERNON STEDMAN BEMUS.
Vernon S. Bemus, a prosperous farmer of Compton township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, who owns a most attractive farm in the community
where he lives and whose buildings are all practically new, both the house
and barn having been erected in 1914, is a native of Dodge count v, Minne-
sota, horn on October 22. i860.
Mr. Bemus is the son of William and Elizabeth (Stedman) Bemus,
natives of Clay county. New York, and Virginia, respectively. Mr. Bemus's
father died in 1901 at the age of eighty-one. The father of William Bemus
was a native of England, who, during the later years of his life, immigrated
to America and settled in New York state. The Bemus family were farm-
ers by occupation and attended the Methodist church.
The late William 1 Senilis was a carpenter and contractor until i860,
when he moved to Dodge county, Minnesota. After working at his trade
in Dodge county for one and one-half years, he took a homestead of one
hundred and sixty acres in Dodge count}- and lived upon this farm until his
death. He attended the Methodist church. His wife died in April, 1008.
The\' were the parents of nine children, all of whom are living, George \\'.,
Cora, Luella May. Vernon S., Frank E., Florence F.., Henry ('., Eva and
\lva V
Vernon S. Bemus received a good common-school education in the pub-
lic schools of Dodge county, Minnesota. After his first marriage, Mr.
Remus lived in Dodge county, Minnesota, for nine years, renting land for
a time. Finally, he purchased two hundred acres, which he sold when he
came to Otter Tail county on March 1. [912. At tin'-; time Mr. Bemus pur-
2f)6 0TTEK TAII COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
chased two hundred and forty acres, but sold it in the fall of 1914 and pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres in the farm where lie now lives and
eighty acres for his son, Harold. The barn on Mr. Bemus's place, which
he erected in 11)14, 's thirty-two by sixty feet. Mr. Bemus is one of the
enterprising farmers of this section, and is one of the foremost stock raisers
of Otter Tail comity, where he owns and operates "Fair View Stock Farm,"
situated two miles east of the town of Deer Creek.
Vernon S. Bemus has been twice married. He was first married on
December i, [881, to Carrie May Baldwin, who died on February 14, 1890.
By this marriage, there was born one son. Percy \Y. Mr. Bemus was mar-
ried, secondly, on November 18, [892, to Emma Leibold, and to them has
been born one child, Harold Earl, who married Mildred Arbuckle and lives
in Otter Tail county.
Mr. Bemus is among the leading farmers and stockmen of Otter Tail
county and is popular in the community where he lives.
ANDY VEDEN.
Andy Veden, who owns two hundred and twenty acres of line farming
land, all of which is well improved and which is situated in Compton town-
ship, and who is the president of the Deer ("reek Co-operative Shipping
Association, which did a business amounting to ninety-six hundred dollars
in 1914, is a native of Otter Tail county, born here <>n November 6. 1874.
Mr. Veden is the son of Charles and Caroline (Johnson) Veden, both
of whom were born in Sweden, the former in 1833. Charles Veden came
to America before his marriage. He located in Chisago count}-. Minnesota,
where he owned eight)' acres of land. Some time after the Civil War he
sold the farm and moved to Parkers prairie. Otter Tail county, pre-empting
oik- hundred and -i\tv acres of land at Horse Head lake. He lived on this
farm until !<^7/. when he sold out and came to Compton township. Here
he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 4. and here
lived until his death, lie served three years in the Civil War, as a private
in the Third Regiment. Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Veden's father
was a member of die Lutheran church and one of the organizers of the
church in Compton township. He served as constable of his township for
twenty-six years. He died in November, 1913, and his wife in June, 1914.
They were the parents of seven children, two of whom. Theresa and Corena,
are deceased. The living children are Mtora, John, Andy, Elot and Herbert.
Andy Veden was educated in the public schools of Compton township
and has been engaged in fanning all of his life. He has lived on the farm,
which he now occupies, for twenty years. In the beginning Mr Veden pur-
chased one hundred and twenty acres of land, most of which was wild prairie.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. _><)-
He now owns two hundred and twenty acres, all of which is in one body.
In i<)i.-, -Mr. Veden built a splendid house and in 1907 a large barn.
On June 24, [895, Andy \ eden was married to Charlotte Lngwald, who
was born in Sweden and who is the daughter of Swan lngwald. Mr. and
Mrs. Veden have seven children, all of whom are at home. Eleonora, Delia.
Clarence. Lilly, Charles, Mable, and Donald.
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Veden are members of the Lutheran church and
take an active interest in church work. Mr. Veden served fifteen years as
constable of Compton township, but is no longer filling this position. He
also served as assessor of Compton township for seven years and served
seven years as clerk of school district No. 94.
vNDREW A. PETERSON.
Andrew V Peterson, a prosperous farmer of Eagle Lake town-hip.
()ner Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Sweden, September 6, [860, the
son of Andrew and Cagse Peterson, who were also natives of Sweden. Mr.
Peterson's father was a farmer in his native land and was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits until he came to America in 1S67. During the first two
and one-half years of his residence in America, he was employed in the
copper mines of Michigan. Subsequently, he immigrated to Missouri and,
because of ill health, moved from Missouri to Iowa and, at the time of his
arrival in Iowa, had only aboul fifty cents. In the spring of 1S74 he came
to Eagle Lake township, Otter Tail county, and homesteaded one hundred
and si\t\ acres of land, to which he added until he owned two hundred
and forty acres before his death. He had a hard struggle to make a suc-
cess in life, but he did succeed in a large measure and, at his death, left his
family well provided with all of the comforts of life. Andrew and Cagse
Peterson were the parents of five children, Andrew A.. John. Peter. Magnus
and Daniel. The late Andrew Peterson was a member of the Swedish
Lutheran church, and was identified with the Republican party.
Andrew \. Peterson was educated in the common schools of Eagle
lake township and, until he was twenty-three years old, was employed on
his father's farm. In 1 SS ; he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land,
where he now lives and. the next year, moved to the farm. Mr. Peterson is
engaged in general farming and stock raising. Most of the improvements
which are to be seen on the farm today have been put here by Mr. Peter-
son's own hand. lie iris erected all of the buildings and practically all of
the fences and installed most of the drainage.
In 1883 \11.lrew V Peterson was married to Kate Peterson, and to
them have been born four children, Alvin J.. Oscar I... Vide and Phoebe.
Mr. Peterson has departed somewhat from the political wavs of his
298 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
father. Andrew A. Peterson is identified with the Democratic party, while
his father was a Republican. Mr. Peterson has served as chairman of the
township board as supervisor and as constable. The Peterson family are
members of the Swedish 1 utheran church.
Andrew A. Peterson is one <>\ the most hustling farmers of Otter Tail
count) and has ,1 variety of interests aside from his farm. He is a director
in the Battle Lake Telephone Company, a director in the Melby State Bank,
a director in the .\lelh\ Farmers Elevator and a director in the Melby Live
Stock Shipping Association. All of these various interests demand a great
deal of his time, lie is a man of engaging personality and extremely popu-
lar in the countv where he lives.
OLE O. AUNE.
Among the self-made citizens of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and among its successful farmers, is Ole O. Aune, who was born
on December 11, 1836, in Norway, the son of Ole O. Aune, Sr., who lived
and died in bis native land.
Air. Aune was educated in Norway and immigrated to La Crosse, Wis-
consin, in [869. Prior to coming to America, be had been engaged in ship-
building in bis native land. After coming to this country be worked on the
railroad in Huston county. Wisconsin, for a time and then went to Eau
( 'laire. Wisconsin, where he worked in a saw-mill. Later be worked in the
pine regions of Wisconsin and. during the summer of 1S70. worked in the
mills on the river, fie was taken sick in the fall of 1870 and in February
of the following year, returned to work in the mills. Tn May, 1871, Mr.
Aune set out for Minnesota. One of his companions purchased an ox team
at St. Peter, Minnesota, and met Mr. Aune at Willmar, Minnesota, from
which place the two made the trip to Fort Abercrombie, North Dakota. They
moved to a place called Georgetown and then turned east and followed the
Buffalo river in where the city of I law ley now stands. Here they built a
In-' cabin, shortly after June. 1 S~ 1 . \ iter remaining at this place until the
spring of [872 the) came to Fergus Falls, which at that time was ;i small
\ illage.
Shortly afterward, Mr. Aune located on a farm of one hundred and
forty-four acres, where he now lives. During the next few years, he was
busil) engaged in clearing the land and in making miscellaneous improve-
ments. Tie is a general farmer and stockman ami, in addition to bis farm-
ing interests, own- stork in the elevator and in a store and creamery at
I biderwood.
Tn [888, Ole O. Mine returned to Norway and was there married to
Gertrude Halgunset, who was born on January 12, 1800, in Norway, They
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 299
have been the parents of two sons, Ole O., Jr., who was born on May 26,
1890, and who was educated in the schools of Otter Tail county, is a farmer
and lives at home with his parents, and John O., born on November 30,
1893, was also educated in the public schools and lives at home on the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Ole O. Aune, Sr., are Lutherans. Mr. Anne is a Repub-
lican in politics, but in late years has not been especially interested in politics
and has taken no part in it. He is a good farmer and has been successful
as a result of his own personal effort.
TOHN T. WOLD.
John J. Wold., a well-to-do fanner and business man of Sverdrup town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Norway, January 28, 1854.
Mr. Wold is a son of Jens and Johanna (Swenson) Wold, both of whom
were natives of Norway. Mr. Wold's father was born in 1820, and his
mother in the same year. They were married in Norway, and in 1868 they
emigrated to America, locating first in Goodhue county, Minnesota. In
1872 they made the journey by ox team from Goodhue to Otter Tail county.
Here they homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, where their
son. John J., now lives. They cleared and improved this farm and made it
their home the rest of their lives. Mr. Wold's father died in 1891, and his
mother in 1903. They were earnest and devoted members of the Lutheran
church, and were active in religious matters in this township in the early
days. Of the six children horn to Jens Wold and wife, Edward, the eldest,
is deceased. The other children in the order of their birth are as follow:
Sophia, John J.. Elizabeth. Ole and Theodore, all of whom are living.
John J. Wold received his education in the public schools of Norway,
and also attended the schools in Goodhue county, Minnesota, after coming
to this country. When Mr. Wold was eighteen years of age, he came to
Sverdrup township. Otter Tail county, with his parents, and has lived con-
tinuously upon the farm where he now resides since coming to the county.
After his father's death, in 1891, John J. Wold purchased the old home-
stead farm, and built thereon a fine residence. He has also made many
other substantial improvements on the farm and now has one <<i the most
desirable tracts of land in this pari of Otter Tail county. He is a general
farmer and stockman.
On November 30, 180-'. John I. Wold was married to Karen Thronson,
who was born in Norway, November 15, 1864, and whose parent- never
left their native land. To this union have been horn three children ; Edwin,
born on August 35, 1893, was educated in the public schools and lives at
home with his parents; Clara Gelcna. horn on February o. [897, wa
student in the public schools of her home- township, and is living at home;
300 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
i on May 20, 11)04, is a student in the schools of
rgaret
T<
ihanna
ie t<>\\
Mr.
us
W
hip.
old is
stockholder in the Underwood Co-operative Creamery
Company, and in the co-operative mercantile store at Underwood, as well
as the Farmers Elevator and Shipping Association, at Underwood.
Politically, Mr. Wold is identified with the Prohibition party. He lias
served as supervisor of Sverdrup township, and as treasurer of the school
hoard for seventeen years. Air. and Airs. John J. Wold and family are all
very active members of the Lutheran church in this township. They are
substantial and successful farmers, and well-known and valued citizens.
DAVID L
. ROWE.
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owe.
who
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iwn in L\
erts
towns
hip, Otter Tail
countv.
Minnesot
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a. as
a successful farmer and
lid farm of two hundred
1 ireec
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ler of
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HoLtein
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and win
splen,
ted in
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nat
ive ■'[ Korv
ray, where
he was born on Fel
►ruary
10. 1 s.i,1-;
Mr.
Howe is
the si
>n 0
f Lars and
Kari 1 Groethe 1
Rowe
, both of
whom
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rn in No
rway,
the
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1814 and
the
latter
in 181 5.
The>
came 10
1 lodge 0'
Hint}'.
Wi
sconsin, in
[852, and
three
years
later moved to
Portage county, Wisconsin. Later the) moved t<> Waupaca county and pur-
chased a farm of eight) acres, to which they added fort)- acres. Mr. Rowe's
father died in Waupaca count)- in [892 and his wife in [898. They were
the parents of three children. David I... \ndrew L. and Olena. Mr. Lowe's
mother had been previously married and by this first marriage, had three
children, \~els, Susan and Kisti. The Rowes left Bergen. Norway, on May
T7. 1852. and were ten weeks on the voyage from Norway to America.
David L. Rowe was four years old when the family arrived in Wis-
consin He was educated in the public schools of that state and, when
twenty-five years old. in 1873. moved to Mower count)-. Minnesota, where
In- acquired a farm and where he lived until IQ03, when he moved to South
Dakota. After living in South Dakota for eight years. Mr. Rowe immi-
grated to Otter Tail county and purchased a farm of two hundred and forty
acres in sections o and 01, Everts township, lie is a general farmer and
stock man and a breeder of llolstein cattle.
In 1877 Mr. Rowe was married in Mower count)-. Minnesota, to Kisti
Monson, who was horn mi January 13. 1851. in Norway, and who is the
daughter of Mons < ). ami Kari (Tomjum) Monson. Mrs. Lowe's parents
came to Wisconsin in 1801, hut the same year immigrated to Union count).
South Dakota. From Union county, the family traveled overland by ox
tram to |,,wa. Later thev settled in Mower countv. Minnesota, purchasing
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 30I
one hundred and twenty acres of land, where Mrs. Rowe's father died. Her
brother later sold the farm and moved to Union county, South Dakota, and
now owns die farm which his father had owned in that county. Airs.
Rowe's mother died in Smith Dakota in 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Rowe have been the parents of eight children.
Lars, who is deceased; Clara, who is the wife of Leif Swennumson and has
three children, Francis, David and Robert; Matthew, who was burn on
September 29, 1881, in Mitchell county. Iowa, where his parents lived for
three years, was educated in the public schools and is now a farmer, living
at home with his parents; Lawrence, born on April 14, 1883, in Mitchell
county, Iowa, was also educated in the public schools and the Leroy high
school and immigrated t<> Hettinger count}'. North. Dakota, where he took
up a claim and farmed for two years, now being clerk of Everts township,
to which office he was elected in 1013; Olene, who is the wife of Raymond
Hendrix, of Elk Point, South Dakota, has two children, Margaret and
Raiman Rowe; Norman, who lives at Devon, Montana, has a claim of one
hundred and sixty acres in that state and is unmarried; Carl Edward, who
died at the age of three vears, and Esther, who lives at home.
DLL BERG
( He Berg, a very successful farmer, who owns two hundred acres of
land in Compton township, besides one hundred and sixty acres in Canada,
is a native of Sweden, his birth having occurred in that country on June 0.
[856.
Mr. Berg's parents were Ole Olson and Margaret Anderson, both natives
of Sweden. His grandfather was Ole Anderson, a farmer by occupation
and a prominent member of the Lutheran church in his native country. In
1887 Ole Olson came to America, and after landing at Halifax, came direct
to Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Here he purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land in sections 23 and 28. of Compton township, and took
up farming. He is now living with bis son, Ole Berg, at the advanced age
of eighty-nine war-. His wife died some years ago. He is a devout mem-
ber of the Lutheran church, and in politics is a Republican.
Ole P>er>;\ the only child of his parents who grew to maturity, was edu-
cated in the schools of Compton township, and when old enough took up
farming on hi- father's place, ami in this vocation has been verj successful,
and besides having a splendid farm, it is improved to I he minutest detail
The buildings are all well painted and are kept in a g 1 state of repair.
In km 1 Mr. Berg built a barn sixty by thirty-two feet.
In 1885 < )le Berg was married t" Maggie Anderson, and to tin- union
have been burn four children, Maggie, \nie. Andrew and Charles, all of
302 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
whom are unmarried and who live at home with their parents. Mr. Berg
and family are earnest and faithful members of the Lutheran church, and
for many years have been active in church work. For the past five years
Air. Berg has been treasurer of the local congregation. Aside from his
interests in his church, Mr. Berg's whole interests are centered in his family
and in hi- farm. He has a host of friends in this neighborhood.
CHARLEY EKLUND.
Charley Eklund, another well known and enterprising farmer of Nidaros
township. Otter Tail count}', Minnesota, is a native of Sweden, where he
was born on July 7. 1864.
Mr. Eklund is the son of Ole and Hannah (Johnson) Eklund, both of
whom were born in Sweden. Mr. Eklund' s father was born on January 22,
1836, and his mother on July [9,-1834. They were married in Sweden and,
after some years, Mr. Eklund' s father came to America, settling at Litch-
field in iS6;>. The family came to America the next year and settled with
the father at Litchfield. In the fall of 1870, the family moved to Clitherall
township, Otter Tail county, settling on a homestead farm in section 32.
This farm had been pre-empted in [868. Mr. Eklund's father improved
the land and erected excellent buildings. He died on the farm on March
1 1. 1910, and his widow is still living on the old homestead. He was one of
the first members of the Swedish Lutheran church, known as the Eagle Lake
church. By his marriage to Hannah Jsakson, there were born seven chil-
dren, erne df whom, Elizabeth, is deceased. The living children are, John.
Charley, the subject of this sketch. Inga, Sophia, Helnia and Otto. The
last named lives on the old homestead.
Charley Eklund was five years old when he accompanied his mother and
the remainder of the family to America. He lived with his parents and
attended the public schools for a number of years, after which he took up
farming. From his father, who had purchased four hundred acres of rail-
road land in Nidaros township, .Mr. Eklund obtained one hundred and sixty
acres in section [9, and has since added to that original farm until he now
owns two hundred and forty acres. He .also owns forty acres in section 20.
Mr. Eklund has forty-five acres in Clitherall township. In 1885 he moved
l<i the farm located in section [9, where he now lives. He has a splendid
home situated in a pretty grove and all of the buildings on this farm are
thoroughly modern. Mr. Eklund is a general farmer and stockman. When
tin- family moved to * >tter Tail county from Benson, Minnesota, the trip was
made with an OX team and immediately upon their arrival, a sod house was
built. for some time the family lived in this house, which had only a clay
floor.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 3O3
On September 6, 1885, Charley Eklund was married to Emma John-
son, who was born in Sweden, September 6, 1865, and who is the daughter
of Carl Peter and Christine (Johnson) Johnson. Mrs. Eklund's parents
were both born in Sweden, her father on July 27, 1839, and her mother on
August _'4, 1844. They came to Meeker county, Minnesota, in 1870, and
the next year moved to Otter Tail county, making" the journey with an ox
team. They took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Leaf
Mountain township and here Mrs. Eklund's father died on February 3, 1890.
Her mother is still living. They were the parents of fourteen children,
Emma Xatolia, Hilda Ulrike, deceased; Elof William, Janni Amanda, Hen-
rick Wicter, Hilma Ullrika, Ida Theresa, deceased; Anton Frittjof, Addvingd
Wilton, Alma Victoria, Elena Alvia, Clifford Livingston, Hatfield and Cora
Saraphena.
Mr. and Mrs. Charley Eklund have seven children, Alma Liventina;
Florence Georginia, the wife of William Denoon, has one child, Kenneth
Eklund Denoon; Edith Hafire; Lydia Elizabeth; Willie Luther Natanael;
Mardel Adina, and Judith Eleanora.
Mr. and Mrs. Eklund and family belong to the Eagle Lake Swedish
Lutheran church. Air. Eklund has served as a member of the school board
in Nidaros township and has been otherwise prominent in local affairs. He
has a host of friends in the township where he lives.
ERICK E. BOEN.
One of the elder citizens and one of the highly respected farmers of
Aurdal township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Erick E. Boen, who was
born on October 13, 1853, in Norway.
Mr. Boen is the son of Erick T. and fngeborg ( Bjorgo) Boen. who
were natives of Norway and who, after coming to America, homesteaded
eight}' acres of land in section 27, of Aurdal township. Mr. Boen's father-
died in 1896 and his mother three years previously in 1893. They had a
family of nine children, three of the suns are living and three of the daughters.
Erick E. Boen was educated in Norway. Upon his arrival in America
in 1868, he settled in Moore county, Minnesota, but on October 13, 1871.
came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and, for a year, was engaged in trapping
and shooting. Mr. Boen did not enjoy the assistance of wealthy relatives
or influential friends, but has made his own way in the world. Tn [873 he
bought one hundred and sixty acres of internal improvement land in this
county and it is upon this farm that Mr. Boen now lives. He has cleared
the land and erected very fine buildings upon it.
In 1878 Erick E. Boen was married to Christina Halverson, who was
born in 1800 in Wisconsin and who is the daughter of Gutron and Christie
304 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Halverson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mrs. Boen's parents
came to America in the early fifties. In 1871 they homesteaded one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. Mrs. Boen's father died at the age of seventy-
three years, but her mother lived to be ninety-four and one-half years old.
Mr. and Mrs. Erick E. Boen have been the parents of eight children,
as follow: Edith, the wife of Sigval Johnson: Clara; Ida, the wife of John
Helden; Anne, who died in infancy; one who died unnamed; Edmund, who
lives at home with his parents; Gustav, who married Ida Onstad, of Sver-
drup township, and Mabel, who lives at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Boen and family are members of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Boen has held practically all of the township offices except that of
justice of the peace and township clerk.
JORGEN G. VIGEN, M. I).
The scion of a distinguished Norwegian family, Dr. Jorgen G. \ igen,
1- a well-known and successful physician of long standing at Fergus Falls,
this county. Fie was horn on September jo, 1864, at Selbu, Trondhjem,
Norway, a picturesque town situated on Lake Selbu, which is twenty miles
in length and seven and one-half miles long. There is a small island in the
lake composed mostly of towering rocks and an old fort, where King Sverre
and his followers were wont to defend themselves one thousand years ago
from his enemies. It was within a stone's throw of this historic old battle-
ment that Doctor Vigen was born. I lis parents. (, under and Sigrid (Gul-
seth) Vigen, were natives of Norway, both members of old and prominent
families there. Doctor Vigen's grandmother's brother, Mr. Norby, was a
distinguished citizen of Norway many years ago. lie was a member of the
Storthing, which is the highest legislative body in the country.
In [869 Jorgen ( i. Vigen, being then four years of age, came with his
parents to America, the journey being made via Quebec. The family settled
at VVanamingo, in Goodhue county, this state, where the father purchased
forty acres of land and engaged in farming until [883, in which year he
moved to New Solum, in Marshall count)-, and there be homesteaded one
hundred and si\t\ acres and lived until his wife ami daughter died, after
which he rented the home farm and retired from the active life of the farm.
Educated in the Red Wing Seminary at Red Wing. Minnesota, Jorgen
(i. Vigen later attended the high school at St. Paul and was graduated with
the class of 1891. Subsequently, be took a medical course of three years
al the Universit) of Minnesota and was graduated in [894. After serving
as an interne for one year in the city hospital in St. Paul, he went to Daw-
son, Lac qui Parle count}-, this state, and there began the practice of medi-
cine. The field, however, was too small and the chances for advancement
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 305
were too uncertain and in July, 1896, Doctor Vigen located at Fergus Falls,
this county, where he is still engaged in the active practice of his profession
and where he has built up a lucrative business. One of the honors which
the people of Otter Tail county have bestowed upon Doctor Vigen is that
of coroner of the county, in which office he is serving his third term. He
also was city physician and health officer for several years.
By his marriage to Martha Bartelson. the daughter of Gunder and
Bertha Bartelson, Doctor Vigen has two children, Harold D. and James H.
both of whom live at home with their parents.
Dr. Vigen is a member of the Park Region Medical Society, the Minne-
sota State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
Doctor Vigen not only was well trained for his profession, but he has ever
since his college days been a deep and thoughtful student of the latest
developments in medicine and surgery, among his post-graduate studies hav-
ing been a course of five months in the great medical school at Berlin, where
he studied diseases of the stomach and intestines, and this, in a large meas-
ure, accounts for his splendid success. He is also a man of pleasing and
agreeable personality and is popular not only as a physician, but as a man
among his fellow townsmen.
ANDREW TWETEN.
Andrew Tweten, a successful farmer and stock man of Everts town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin,
September 12, i860. Mr. Tweten is a son of Ole and Karen Tweten, both
of whom were natives of Norway, the former born in 1812. Mr. Tweten's
father came to America and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1839
The voyage occupied eighteen weeks from Norway to America, coming over
in one of the old-fashioned sailing vessels. He was married in Dane county,
Wisconsin, and there his wife died in 1870, at the age of about forty years,
leaving seven children. Julia, Ole, Kare, deceased; Engbret, Andrew, Erick
and Johannes. In 1874 the family moved to Everts township, Otter Tail
county, and purchased a farm of one hundred and eighty-three aero, and
here Mr. Tweten's father died on January 7, 1900.
Andrew Tweten was reared on his father's old homestead farm in Dane
county, Wisconsin, and on the farm in Otter Tail county. He remained
with his father on the old home farm until his marriage in 1887. and now
owns the old farm.
In 1SS7 Mr. Tweten was married to Sena Ledel, who was born in 1869
in Dane county. Wisconsin, and who is a daughter of John and Mary Ledel,
both of whom were natives of Norway and early settlers in Dane county.
,20b")
306 OTTER TAN. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Wisconsin. Subsequently, however, they emigrated to Everts township,
Otter Tail county, where Mrs. Tweten's father died in 1915, at the age of
seventy-eight years. Airs. Tweten's mother died in Everts township several
years ago.
Andrew Tweten and wife are the parents of eight children as follow:
Ando, who lives at home; Olger J., Thorfin, Warner. Cora. Geneva, Lillian
and Irene.
Mr. Tweten and his family are all earnest and faithful members of the
Lutheran church. Mr. Tweten has never been active in politics, but has
devoted his energies and his time rather to his chosen vocation, in which
he has been very successful.
BENJAMIN F. YOUNG.
Prominent as a farmer and dairyman in Henning, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, was Benjamin F. Young, a well-known citizen of the township
and a native of Sibley county, Minnesota, where he was born on December
10, 1S57. Mr. Young was the son of Benjamin L., Sr., and Polly 1 Snyder)
Young.
Mr. Young's parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, his father
being born on August -'4. 1830. His parents came to Sibley county. Minne-
sota, in 1855, and a little while thereafter pre-empted one hundred and
sixty .acres of land. There Mr. Young's father now resides. His wife
died on \]iril 3, 1015. at the age of eighty-four years. They were the par-
ents of eight children, of whom four, John Quincy, the eldest, Ella, Benjamin
F. and Emma, are deceased. The other children are Harry, Charles, Anna
and William.
Benjamin !•'. Young was reared in Sibley county. Minnesota, except
four years which he spent in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived before
they moved to Minnesota. He was educated in the public schools of this
state and was always engaged in farming. On May 28, r88o, Mr. Young
came to Henning township and took a homestead of one hundred and twenty
acres of land in section 6 He subsequently added forty acre-- to the farm
and in all owned one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Young made a specialty
of keeping dairy cattle and had about twenty head of cows. He was also
a general farmer and stockman.
On January 17. [882, Benjamin F. Young was married to Mary E.
Bi He-, who was born in the state of Wisconsin on May ,^. 1863, and who
is the daughter of William and Martha Bones. They came from Wiscon-
sin to Sibley county, Minnesota, and both died in this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Benjamin F. Young were the parents of six children, of whom one.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 3O7
an infant daughter, is deceased. The living children are, William, Laura,
Lester, Jesse and Walter.
Mr. Young had a well-improved and fertile farm. He erected all of
the buildings which' now stand on the farm and they are kept well painted
and in first-class state of repair. He was a progressive citizen who believed
in enjoying all of the comforts which are available to people who live in the
country.
Benjamin F. Young was clerk of the local school board. Although he
never took an active part in politics and never aspired to political office, he
was a man of wide influence in the community where he lived, and especially
in matters pertaining to agriculture. He enjoyed the confidence of a host
of friends in his home neighborhood. Benjamin F. Young died suddenly
of apoplexy, on August 12, 1915.
LARS OLSON.
bar- Olson, a prosperous farmer of Henning township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Olmstead county, Minnesota, June 1, 1858.
He is a son of Ole and Kari Olson, both of whom were natives of Norway,
the former of whom was born on November 16, 1816, and the latter born
August 14, 1S21. Mr. Olson's parents came to the United States from
Norway in 1847, locating first in Wisconsin. Later they moved to Iowa,
and in 1855 came to Olmstead county, Minnesota, where they homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres of land. On this land more than three hundred
Indians were at one time encamped. They gradually added to this original
tract until at one time the family had more than two hundred acres of land,
ami it was on this farm that Mr. Olson's father died on September 20, 1899.
His mother had passed away more than a quarter of a centurv previously.
August 3. 1872. Ole Olson and wife were the parents of seven children,
of whom only three, Thomas, Olaus and Lars, are living. The deceased
children are Ingeborg, Halvor, Helge and Helena.
Lars Olson received his education principally in the schools of Olmstead
county, Minnesota, and for a time was a student in the Benson high school,
and also spent one term at St. Olaf's College, Northfield, Minnesota. He
was reared to the life of a farmer, and in 1884 came to Otter Tail county,
purchasing fort) acres of land in section 17, of Henning township. At this
tini'- he also owned an eighty-acre farm in section [9 of the same township,
lie disposed of this land, however, and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres in Folden township, hut for the past seven years has lived in Henning
township on a farm which is situated in section 17.
On April 10. 1887. Lars Olson was married to Carrie Grovdal, who
was horn in Norway in r866, and who 1. a daughter of Hans and Anne
308 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Grovdal. Mrs. Olson's parents came to Dodge county, Minnesota, in 1876,
and here her father died in 1895, while her mother died in Otter Tail
county three years later in 1898.
Mr. and Mrs. Lars Olson are the parents of seven children, of whom
one, Lawrence, is deceased. The living children are Oscar, Carl, Emma,
Harris. Edwin and Lillian.
Mr. Olson and family are earnest members of the United Lutheran
church, in which they take an active interest. Mr. Olson has served his
township as assessor for seven years, holding that important office at the
present time.
ORRIN H. VARGASON.
Orrin H. Vargason, who is a native of Iowa, but who owns a splendid
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Inman township. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, was born on June 19, 1883.
Mr. Vargason is the son of Charles H. and Orena ( Curtis) Vargason,
both of whom are natives of Iowa. Charles H. Vargason was born in
Buchanan county, Iowa. May 28, 1859, and his wife, who before her mar-
riage, was Orena Curtis, was born in Buchanan count}-, Iowa, March 3.
1865. They were married on June 17, 1882.
Charles H. Vargason was the son of Charles Vargason, a native of
Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, ami the latter was born on
May 27, 1836. He was married to Cordelia Merrill, a native of Xew Vork
state, who was born on June 14, 1838. She was a daughter of R. G. Mer-
rill, who was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of the Third Iowa Cavalry
and who owned a farm of eight}- acres in Buchanan county. Iowa. R. G.
Merrill, after serving about one year in the army, returned to his home,
was taken ill and died shortly afterwards. Charles Vargason was the son
of Hiram Vargason, a native of Towanda. Pennsylvania. Hiram Vargason
was the son of Henry Vargason, a native of Wales, who. after coming to
America, settled in Pennsylvania and later moved to Iowa. Hiram Varga-
son was a farmer by occupation and an active anti-slavery advocate. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Dalton, and, after his marriage, farmed in Pennsylvania for
a time Later he moved to Michigan and, after a few years' residence in
that stale, moved to Wisconsin. Still later he moved to towa and settled
in Buchanan county, where be owned one hundred and twenty acres of land.
Charles Vargason, the father of Charles 11. and the grandfather of
Orrin II.. was educated in the common schools and was a farmer all of his
life lie died <'ii November _'. [859, when his son, Charles II.. was only
five months old. lie was a member of the Methodisl Episcopal church.
\i\w his death, hi- w 1 t'e remained in the Hawkeye state, (diaries H. Var-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 3OQ
gason was educated in the common schools and, from his earliest years, was
a young man of very studious habits. He spent a great many of his nights
in patient and unremitting study. After his marriage in 1882 to Orena
Curtis, he located on a farm in Buchanan county, Iowa, but sold out and
moved to Otter Tail county, purchasing land in section 10, where J. A.
Allen later lived. After three years, however, he sold the farm and exchanged
for a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he now owns. Mr.
Vargason has erected all of the buildings on the farm, but in 1913 a fire
destroyed his house and barn, which have since been replaced. Charles H.
and Orena (Curtis) Vargason have been the parents of five children, Orrin
H., Clara, Floyd, Florence, who died at the age of eighteen, and Eva. The
Vaigasons are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Vargason is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America and the oldest member in his camp.
He served on the school board for thirteen years and, until last year, was
overseer for a period of fourteen years. Mr. Vargason is a Republican in
politics. During the early years of the local creamery company, he was
president of the organization.
Reared on a farm in the state of Iowa. Orrin H. Vargason was edu-
cated in the public schools. In 1899 he moved to Otter Tail county, and
located in Tnman township, where he began renting land. In 191 1 he pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 14, and has followed
general farming and stock raising.
In 1909 Mr. Vargason was married to Belle Fletcher, who was born in
Nidaros township. Otter Tail county, and who is the daughter of James A.
and Rose ( Murdock ) Fletcher. James A. Fletcher was born at Old Clither-
all on February 17. 1866, and is the son of Edmond ami Sarah (Muir)
Fletcher, the former of whom was probably born in Pennsylvania, but moved
to Indiana, when only six years old. He also lived in Illinois and Iowa.
but on May 6, 1865, came to Otter Tail county with a colony. Edmond
Fletcher settled at Oldtown and worked at the blacksmith's trade for a time.
Later, he engaged in farming with his two sons. Emery and James. They
put chased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Nidaros township and
Girard township. Here Edmond Fletcher lived until his death on July 26,
1906. His wife, a native of Michigan, had come with her sister, Mary,
to Otter Tail county. Site was horn in [842 and is still living. They
were the parents of four children, Louisa, who married Harry McLoughlin
and live- at ('arson Lake. Minnesota: James A.; Emery, who is a farmer
01" Girard township, and Elsie, who married Frank Whiting, of Shelbrook,
Canada.
James A. Fletcher was educated in the public schools at Oldtown. In
[890 Mr. Fletcher, in partnership with his brother, purchased one hundred
3IO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and sixty acres of land in Nidaros township and has since been engaged in
general farming and stock raising. He and his wife are members of the
church of Jesus Christ and Mr. Fletcher is a trustee in the church. Airs.
Fletcher is the daughter of Hiram Murdock. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have
three children, Belle, who is the wife of Mr. Vargason; Clyde, who was edu-
cated in the Clitherall high school and who is a farmer and lives at home,
and Lee, who also lives at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Orrin H. A'argason have been the parents of four chil-
dren, Myrtle, Ilo, Harry, deceased, and Hazel.
Mr. A'argason is a stockholder in the Deer Creek Shipping Association
and also in the Farmers Potato Warehouse, of Deer Creek, Minnesota.
He is a well known farmer and substantial citizen.
CARL GUSTAV WEMSTROM.
Carl Gustav Wemstrom, a well-known farmer of Everts township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden, August 2, 1858, ami is
the son of Xels and Hellena Gustina (Lundbeck) Wemstrom, both of whom
were born in Sweden and who lived and died in their native land.
Carl Gustav Wemstrom was reared in Sweden and educated in that
country. In 1801 Air. Wemstrom came to Chicago. Illinois, shortly after
his marriage in Sweden. In 1893 his wife and family also came to Chicago.
Mr. Wemstrom moved thereafter to a farm in Will county, forty miles
southwest 'if Chicago and. fur the next seventeen years, rented land. In
1910 Air. Wemstrom came to Otter Tail county and purchased a farm of
two hundred and twenty-five acres, where he lived until a short time ago,
whin he sold the farm, lie paid forty-two dollars an acre for the farm ami
suld it for seventy-five dollars an acre.
On December 22, 1S7S. Carl G. Wemstrom was married in Sweden
to Matilda Monson, who was born in Sweden on February 3, 1857. Airs.
Wemstrom's parents spent their entire lives in their native country. Fight
children base been horn to Air. and Airs. Wemstrom as follow: Xels, in
iN;w: Kare < hestin, in [884; Manges, in 1886; John, in [889; Marie, in
[894; Ida, in r8g6; Carl, in 1898, and Clara Floreda, in 1901. Of these
children, Nels, who is a farmer in Illinois, married Rosa Wemstrom and has
seven children, John, Andrew, Carl. John, Joseph, Marjorie Rose and Rose
Marie, the two latter being twins. Rare Chestin is the wife of Xels Xel-
sen, of Illinois, and has two children, Hilda and William Xels. Marie is
the wife of Edwin Andersen and lives 'Hi a farm southwest of Fergus halls.
I he remainder of the children are at home.
Air. and Mrs. Carl G. Wemstrom and family are members of the Luth-
eran church.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
TOIIX PERSONS.
John Persons, of Oak Valley township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is
an enterprising and up-to-date farmer, who lias made a splendid success of
agriculture.
Mr. Persons was bom not far from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. March
12, 1851. lie is the son of William and Marsha (Bagley) Persons, natives
of Xew York state and Vermont, respectively. Mr. Persons' paternal grand-
parents were Brainard and Lucretia ( Burrows) Persons, who were early
settlers in X'ew York state and who later came to Wisconsin. Brainard Per-
sons died in the state of Wisconsin, hut his wife died in Xew York state.
The maternal grandparents of Mr. Persons were George and Sarah Bagley.
bcth of whom died in the state of Vermont.
Mr. Persons' parents, William and Marsha (Bagley) Persons, were
married in New York state, hut shortly after their marriage, immigrated to
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Later, they moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, and
still later to Green count). There William Persons died in 1859. His
wife survived him more than a half century, passing away in 1910 in Green
county. Wisconsin. To them were born live children. William, Byron, John,
Oscar and Myron, the latter being deceased. Mr. Persons' mother was mar-
ried afterward to David Heathman and to them was horn one child. Henry.
John Persons was reared on a farm in Green county. Wisconsin, and
educated in the public schools of that state. In 1880 Mr. Persons immi-
grated to Iowa and purchased a farm in Pocahontas county, comprising two
hundred and forty acres. He resided in Iowa until 1898, when lie moved
to Otter Tail count}", purchasing eighty acres of land in section jq, of < >ak
Valley township. Since that time, Mr. Persons has added one hundred
and sixty acres and now has eight) acres of the farm cleared and well
improved. While a resident of Iowa. Mr. Persons was a member of the
school hoard.
On Jul}- jo. [872, John Person- was married in Green county, Wis-
consin, to Jane Meredith, who was horn on May -'3. 1 N 5 5 . in Wales, the
daughter of Edward J. and Mary (Evans) Meredith. They were both
natives of Wale- anil in [866 came to Green count)-. Wisconsin. Mrs. Per-
sons' father was a shoemaker by trade, hut he owned several farms in Green
count). Wisconsin, which he subsequently sold. Finally, he and his wife
moved to Chicago, where the latter died on February 21, 1906, at the age of
seventy-four. \fter her death, he moved to Lansing. Michigan, where he
lived with his daughter. Mollie Mch'adden, until his death in 1011 at the
age of seventy-seven. Mrs. Person- is one of eight children horn to her
parents, -lie being the second child Two of the children, Man Ann, the
312 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
eldest, and James, the sixth child, are deceased. The living children, besides
Mrs. Persons, are, Edwin, Mollie, Thomas, Anna and Rose.
Mr. and Mrs. John Persons have six children, Mary, Lillian, Myron,
Anna, Edwin and John. Mary, born on June 23, 1874, is the wife of Frank
Chase, of Todd county, Minnesota, and has eleven children. Pearl, Paul,
Frank, Man-, Clara, Lloyd, Eunice, Melvin. Alpha, Irene and Fred. Lillian,
born on November 19, 1877, was the wife of Adrian Chase and had two
children, Lottie and Esther. She died on April 6, 1912. Myron, born on
May 11, 1881, married Carrie Townley and has four children, Ruth, Ivis,
Dorman and Lillian. Anna, September 6, 1886, is the wife of Roy Martin
and to them have been born five children, Eva, deceased: Hazel, Cecil, Vera
.and Edwin. Edwin, March 1, 1890, is unmarried. John, December 5,
1895, lives at home with his parents. The Persons family is highly respected
by all of the people of Oak Valley township. Mr. and Mrs. Persons have
reared an industrious and hard-working family and well deserve the respect
and confidence of their neighbors.
OSCAR NORDMARKEN.
The name Trondhjem, given to the township in which Oscar Nprd-
marken resides, suggests the fact that the community was first settled by
Norwegians, but there is nothing in the name to signify what feats of bravery
were accomplished by those pioneers who met the clangers of both land and
ocean in order that they might enjoy an independent life in a country where
liberty and success go band in band. The story of the achievements of these
men must be left to the biographer, who can do little more than outline
the rugged course pursued bv these men of Norwegian birth in the county
in which they now reside.
Oscar Nordmarken was born on the 20th of November, 1873. in Trond-
hjem township on the farm where he still resides. He is the son of Gilbert
Nordmarken and Martha Haaogth, among the oldest settlers of that part
of Minnesota in which their son now resides. No more tragic example of
the pioneer days in that section of the country can be related than that of
the struggles "i Ole and Thora Haaogth, the parents of Martha Haaogth,
who, after arriving in America, came to [Minnesota for residence. The
journey across the Atlantic in those days covered a period of sixteen weeks,
during which perilous encounters were met and thrilling dangers passed.
After remaining only a short lime in Fillmore county. Minnesota, where
the) iirst settled upon their arrival in this country, (lie and Thora Haaogth,
made a journe) to Otter Tail county, during one of the most severe winters
ever known in that locality. During a heavy snow storm which came up
during the course ol the trip, 1 >le Haaogth was frozen and died shortly after-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 3 1 3
ward, leaving his wife to meet the hardships of an unpopulated farm region,
alone and unknown. She proved to be a woman of remarkable strength of
character, however, and reared her family to respect the highest princi] le
right living. Her death was the culmination of a life of usefulness and
unremitting toil. She died in Norwegian Giove ! ■' ', here she had
spent most of her days since the tragic death of her husband.
The parents of Oscar Nordmarken were born in Hadeland. Norway, his
father*s birth having occurred on the 29th of October, 1845, ancl n>s mother's
on the 28th of March, 1842. Martha Haaogth came to America with her
parents, in 1866, and lived with them in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where
she met Gilbert O. Nordmarken, the man who later became her husband,
and who had come to this country also in the year 1866, on the same ship.
Gilbert Nordmarken rented a farm in Fillmore county during the first five
years of his residence in America. His second move was to Otter Tail
county, where he went by a team of oxen, in a covered wagon. In this
locality he homesteaded two hundred acres of land in section 20, which
was located in Trondhjem township. The character of the farm was wild
with prairie vegetation and the first piece of labor was that of putting up a
log cabin which was a task of strength and ability. As success came to Mr.
Nordmarken, he began to buy by degrees, pieces of land in other commun-
ities. One of the sections of land owned by him was located in North
Dakota, near Mooreton and Granville.
To Air. Nordmarken belongs the honor of having been a pioneer in the
truest sense of the word. The hardships encountered by him in the early
da\> of agricultural development can scarcely be comprehended by the mod-
ern generation of nun who arc living in an age of comfort. The remark-
able fact evident in the lives of these soldiers of the wilderness is that, not-
withstanding their humble beginnings in the field of labor which they chose,
they were able to reach a high place in the field of industry and were often
looked upon later in lite as nun of wealth and prosperity.
Probably no greater example of success through difficulties can he given
than that of the life of Gilbert Nordmarken. One of the first disappoint-
ments of his life occurred when the house he had labored to build was
totally destroyed by a storm. For three consecutive years his crops were
ruined by swarms of grasshoppers. Once during these years of hopeless
striving, he succeeded in saving pari of the crop, which he carried main
miles to a market. At the time of the sale it was discovered that the -rain
was so full of grasshopper wings as to render it of no value. In relating
the incident in later years, Mr. Nordmarken often referred to it as the
greatest disappointment of his life. But he was not a man to be conquered
h\ despair. lie looked about him at the resources of the community and
314 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
turned loss into gain. For the greater part of that winter he kept his family
by killing game. The following years of his life were filled with success
happiness. In [897 he retired to Fergus Falls, where he and his wife
nii! they passed away. He often returned for short visits to the farm
he had made and looked upon its prosperity with satisfaction.
Gilben Nordmarken was one of the first chairmen of the board of
supervisors and had a prominent part in the laying out of the roads in the
township where he lived. He and his wife were enthusiastic members of
the Lutheran church, where fur twenty years Mr. Xordmarken served as
minister. A strange coincidence brought the death of Air. and Airs. Gilhert
Xordmarken in the same year, she having passed away on the 4th of October.
IQ14, and he on the 13th of the following month. Of the children born to
this couple the following facts are given: Tena. who married A. J. Moen
at Battle Lake, died in 1912; Mollie died in infancy; Oscar is the subject
id this sketch: Oliver resides in Minot, North Dakota; Alfred, a twin
brother to Oliver, is living at Minneapolis; Minna, who married X. G.
Lelovold, is living in Granville, North Dakota; Mollie married A. S. Larry
and resides in Wolf Point. Montana.
Oscar Nordmarken received his early education in the schools of Trond-
hjem township and later at the high school in Fergus Falls. While he was
fully appreciative of the educational advantages received, he owed the greatest
influence on his character to the early discipline of the farm on which he
was reared. For some year-, after he finished the high school course. Mr.
Xordmarken rented the home place and farmed until 1902, when he went to
Xorth Dakota for the purpose of homesteading one hundred and sixtv acres
of land in Ward county. He remained on the claim for two years and at
the expiration of that time returned to the homestead of his father, which
he rented until 11)05. 'n that year his ventures in the field of agriculture
had proven so profitable that he was able to purchase the home place, which
covered two hundred and forty acres of land. He has improved the farm
since the time of the purchase and has turned hi" attention to general farm-
ing. Mr. Nordmarken is a man of broad mind and wide interests; his
chosen line oi work' has in no way made him narrow, for he has reached out
into other fields For -even years he acted as manager of the Rothsay Tele-
phone Company and was also director in the farmer-. Elevator Company,
at Rothsay, which he helped to organize. In 1893 he helped organize the
Trondhjem Co-operative Creamery Company, and after its organization
acted as director of the concern for a number of years.
In his political interest-. Mr. Nordmarken is an independent voter, lie
has served in a number of political offices, among which are justice of the
constable and road supervisor, and in these positions of trust he
'AIL COTXTY, MIXXKSOTA.
315
strengthened the faith of the public at large in his ability and competence.
On the nth of January, 1899, Oscar Nordmarken was united in mar-
riage to Annie Freng, a native of Pelican Rapids, and the daughter of
Christian and Helga Freng, natives of Norway, and numbered among the
oldest settlers in the Norwegian colony of Minnesota. Since the death of
his wife. Christian Freng has made his home with his four sons in Canada.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nordmarken are Gordon, Harry and
Alide, all of whom are living in Trondhjem township.
ALBERT C. CARPENTER.
Albert C. Carpenter, of Dead Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, is an agriculturist of ability and honesty, and is much respected in his
locality. He first saw the light of day on May 3, i860, in Freeborn county,
Minnesota, and is the son of Willard L. and Prudah M. (Bullock) Carpen-
ter, both natives of Jefferson county. New York, near Ellisburg.
The paternal grandparents of Albert C. Carpenter were George and
Kaziah (Macumber) Carpenter, who were natives of Vermont, but removed
in 1830 to Jefferson county, New York, where they settled on a farm in the
southern part of the county and remained there until 1844. At that time
they removed to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where they purchased land
and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1 8 5 5 , when they changed locations
to Freeborn county, Minnesota. George Carpenter purchased land and cul-
tivated the same until his death, in 1879. lie served his country in the War
of 1812. Kaziah (Macumber) Carpenter passed away in 1865. They were
the parents of five children and were both members of the Baptist church.
The names of the children follow: Rebecca. Phoebe. Willar.d L., Yzubah
and Washington G. Rebecca became the wife of Samuel Reynolds and
they lived in Wisconsin, where her death occurred: Phoebe married Stephen
Barber, and they also lived in Wisconsin, wliere she died: Azubah was
united in marriage to Lemuel E. Bullock, a native of Jefferson county, New
York, and her death occurred in Becker county, Minnesota: Washington G.
is a veteran of the ('nil War. having served in the Ninetieth Regiment,
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and a former resident of Otter Tail county,
.Minnesota, but now living in Eland, Wisconsin, where he is retired.
The maternal grandparents of Albert C. Carpenter were \sa and
Sarah (Blanchard) Bullock, both natives of Vermont and early settlers in
Jefferson count)-. New York, where they were neighbors of George and
Kaziah (Macumber) Carpenter. Asa Bullock had been a messmate of
George Carpenter during their service in the War of r8i2, both having been
members of Belknap's Company. Asa Bullock was a shoemaker by trade,
but after his removal west, he settled in Lake county, Illinois, and engaged
316 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
in saw-mill work. In 1855 he removed the family to Freeborn county,
Minnesota, where his death occurred soon after, in 1859. Sarah (Blanchard)
Bullock, his wife, passed away in Illinois, before their removal to Minne-
sota. They were the parents of ten children, Asa, Sarah, Nathan. Cyrus,
Joel, John, Maria, Lemuel E., Prudah M. and Harrison. Asa was a farmer
of Freeborn county, Minnesota, where his death occurred in 1864; Sarah
became the wife of Reuben Babcock, and died at her home in Freeborn
county, Minnesota; Nathan was a farmer, living in Freeborn county, and his
death occurred in 1878; Cyrus, a veteran of the Civil War, was a mem-
ber of the Tenth Regiment, Alinnesota Volunteer Infantry, and died in
Becker county, Minnesota; Joel was also a soldier, in the Fifth Minnesota,
and passed away in 1895, while a resident of Dead Lake township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota; John died in Illinois, just after having reached
his majority; Maria died at the age of sixteen years; Lemuel was also a
soldier in the Civil War, in the Tenth Minnesota, and his death occurred in
the state of Oregon; Prudah M., the mother of Albert C. Carpenter, passed
away on October 1, 1906, and Harrison, a soldier in the Civil War and
comrade of old Judge Baxter and Mr. Niebles, served in the Fourth Minne-
sota, and his death occurred in the state of Washington.
Willard L. Carpenter, father of Albert C. Carpenter, was born on
November 10, 1832, and removed to the west with his parents, who settled
in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he remained until his marriage to
Prudah M. Bullock, whose birth occurred on December 23, 1835, and who
also removed west with her parents. After their marriage, they resided in
Oakland township, Freeborn county, until 1871). at which time they settled
on seventy-four acres of homestead land in section jo, of Dead Lake town-
ship, Otter Tail county, .Minnesota. This land was entirely unimproved and
almost surrounded by the waters of Dead Lake and formed a peninsula
into the lake. A lug house was built and improvements were begun. The
original house of logs stood on the site of the present home. It was while
engaged in the cultivation of this farm that his death occurred, on October
19, 1912. lie was a stanch Republican and was elected to office while a
resident of Freeborn county. He. as well as his wife, was a member of the
Baptist church and was also a member of the Good Templars. They were
ilk- parents of only one child. Albert C.
Albert C. Carpenter received his education in the public schools of
Freeborn county, Minnesota, and in tin- graded schools of Austin, of the
same state. His early life wa-. spent on the home farm and he removed to
( >tter Tail county. Minnesota, with his parents, in 1879, and continued to
assist his father in the duties of the place until his father's death, at which
time he assumed the entire charge and is still cultivating and managing the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 317
homestead. He is a breeder of Shropshire sheep and keeps a herd of eighty-
six always on the place. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has
held the office of township clerk for the past ten years and has acted as
supervisor for the period of two terms.
In 1895 Albert C. Carpenter was united in marriage to Ellen Grover,
daughter of Thomas J. Grover, an old settler of Freeborn county, Minne-
sota, having settled there in 1856. He had formerly lived in the state of
Iowa, where he had moved from Wisconsin. After residing for a period
of twenty-five years in Freeborn county, the family removed to Dead Lake
township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and there he died. Ellen Grover
was a native of Freeborn county. Both Albert C. and Ellen (Grover) Car-
penter are members of the Baptist church and lend their active support to
that denomination. Albert C. Carpenter is highly respected by his fellow
citizens, and this respect is but just and fitting, for his life has been replete
with unselfish service to those around him.
ARXT MONSON.
Arnt Monson was born at Hedmarken, Norway, July 25, 1850. His
parents, Peter and Karen (Erickson) Monson, were hardworking, honest
people, who were born, grew up and married in Norway, where the former
was employed on the large farm of a neighbor. When the son, Arnt, was
seventeen years of age the family, who had friends near Christina lake,
bought their tickets from New York to this county, taking up a homestead
claim of one hundred and sixty acres on the line between Douglas and Otter
Tail counties. This was after a tempestuous and almost fatal voyage. The
little band of emigrants was shipwrecked in the sailing vessel named "Hone-
par." Three weeks after they set sail, a terrific storm came up and nearly
capsized the boat and for three weeks the frightened passengers drifted,
finally being picked up by steamers and landed at Limerick, Ireland. It
required four weeks to repair the vessel, and when it finally arrived in
Quebec nineteen weeks had elapsed since it had embarked from Christiania.
After the delay of another week, while their boat was quarantined, they
traveled by way of the lakes and overland to St. Paul, Minnesota, and thence
to this county. Here they began clearing the land and erecting the buildings
necessary for pioneer life.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Monson were devout members of the Lutheran
church of Ashby. They lived industrious lives in their new home until
they died, the father in 1897. ;U1(' t'le mother five years later. Their chil-
dren continued to live in this country. They are Ludvig, who died a young
man; Ann. the subject of this brief review; Edward, who lives east of
Thief River Falls: Hedvick, who married Nils Wbbdstrom and lives nine
3 18 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
miles from Crookston, Minnesota; Maria, who is Mrs. Arstlach Eanglee.
who lives near Thief River Falls, Minnesota] Hans died on his father's
farm near Ashby, Minnesota; the youngest child was a daughter, who died
in infancy.
Arnt Monson received such education as was afforded by the schools
■of his native land, this ending when he left Norway with his parents. Dur-
ing the first five years of his residence in this country, he worked on the
railroads in Minnesota. In 1872 he came home to Otter Tail county, where
he lived one year. In 1875, on January 1, he was married to Mary Thomas,
a native of St. Croix county, Wisconsin, having been born near Centerville.
She is the daughter of Christian and Elizaheth (Hanson) Thomas, who
came to America from Norway about 1853 and settled in Wisconsin. They
later took up a homestead in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, and
here they spent the remainder of their lives.
In 1876 Mr. and Mrs. Monson took up a homestead of eightv acres in
section 4, Folden township, and the following year, with their first born
child, moved to their new home. That this was in the early history of the
county, is indicated by the fact that they came in wagons drawn by oxen,
there being no railroads in the county. Their first home was a log cabin
whose roof was constructed of bark which the)' obtained in the woods. This
crude home stood next to where the more modern residence now stands.
Two years later Mr. Monson bought eighty additional acres. in section 3.
adjoining his farm, and these he cleared and improved until 1885. in which
year he built a modern home, and a barn in i8qo, these having been kept
m gi 11 m1 repair.
To Mr. and Mrs. Monson were born seven children, namely: Elise,
the deceased wife of Edward Olson, of Almora. who died at the age of
thirty-six: Emma, who died at the age of twenty-two; Eudvik, formerly a
teacher and lawyer, but now fanning in Alberta. Canada; Oscar, who
attended Northwestern College in Fergus Falls, now also lives in Alberta:
Erne, who stays at home: Hilda, who died at the age of nine, and Agnes,
who was educated in the Henning schools and also in the Dryton schools of
North Dakota.
Mr. Monson has had other interests besides farming. He is a share-
holder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company, at Yining, and also
in the Farmers Elevator Company, in Yining and Henning. He has been
township supervisor for the pasl twenty-five years and has served as school
treasurer since the organization of the district, in 1885. He also was cen-
sus enumerator for tin- years [890 and 1900. He generally votes the
Republican ticket.
\lr. Monson is a man upright and honorable in all the relations of life.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 319
That he is public spirited also is certain, because of the time and attention
he has given cheerfully to matters concerning the locality in which he and
his family have lived. He has been particularly interested in educational
work, and has contributed much to the local schools.
SIMON SIMONSON.
Born in Norway, Simon Simonson bad the spirit of the explorer, for in
his youth he came with his parents and their family to this country and
joined with them heartily in fashioning the new home environment which
was to them a strange and uncertain experience. With but little to start
upon, he has worked and saved and, like many other self-made men, can look
back upon his early struggles with pride. As an early settler here he has
by his toil and enterprise contributed to the material wealth of the county.
Mr. Simonson came from Gudbronsdalen, Norway, where he was born
on October 21, 1863, the sun of Eric and Annie (Carlson) Simonson, who
were pious, industrious people, ambitious for the welfare of their children.
Fie was born on May 7. 1829, and she on March 3, 1838. In Norway these
young people grew up and were married and while they lived in that coun-
try be was a laborer, but in order to better his economic condition, he and
his little family set sail for America in [866. They first settled in Menom-
inee, Wisconsin, and lived there for four years, in 187 1 coming to Otter
Tail county in a wagon drawn by an ox-team, in company with his half-
brother, a cousin and their families. They took up a homestead consisting
largely of prairie land dotted with groves, this being a tract of eightv acres
in section 32, township 132. range ,^j. They started their new life in a log
cabin situated a few rods west of their present home. He wa- soon able to
homestead eighty acres adjoining his home on the north, this giving him
possession of one hundred and sixty acres. Later he built a larger log house
than the one he formerly lived in and this has been remodeled and i> rtill in
use. Selling out to his son. Simon, in 1885, this successful farmer spent the
rest of his life in retirement and has now reached the ripe old age of eighty-
six, living at the home of his son. Simon. Both he and his wife were devoul
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. She died on April 23, [915.
They were the parents of four children, namely: Simon, Johanna, the
widow of Ole PL Ronning, who lives in North Dakota: Mary, the widow
of P. T. Olson, living in Elmo township, near Wind river and about four
and one-half miles northeast of her brother. Simon: Amund resides in
Plaza, North Dakota.
Owing to the limited educational resources of his boyhood, Simon
Simonson had not early advantages, llis boyhood was spent on the farm
and his schooling was such as was possible 011 the frontier in those earlv
320 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
days. Having helped to manage the farm for a number of years, in 1885
he purchased it from his father. Thirty years ago he bought forty acres
additional on the east of his land in section 33, and on the entire property
became a well-known general and dairy farmer and stock raiser. He has
erected modern barns and buildings and since 191 3 has put up a silo, all of
which are well painted and in good repair.
Mrs. Simonson is also a native of Norway and was the daughter of
Iver Lukken, her christian name being Mary. She and Mr. Simonson were
married in 1886. The brothers and sisters of the subject of this sketch are
Annie, who died in infancy; Emma, who was born in 1888 and died on
October 23, 18(53; Rosa, who married a neighbor named Ole Hanson;
Ellen, Edward, Arthur, Selmer, Mable, Marvin, Raymond and Palmer.
Aside from his farming interests, Mr. Simonson has been identified
with a number of business enterprises. He is secretary of the Farmers
Elevator Company at Henning, treasurer of the Almora Co-operative Farm-
ers Creamery Company, and has served as chairman of the board of super-
visors and was assessor for a term of six years. As a Republican he has
been a delegate to the county conventions a number of times. Both he and
his wife are members of the Elmo Lutheran church, of which he is the
secretary.
Mr. Simonson belongs to the thrift}', industrious, persevering type of
men for which his native country is noted. Such men have been the found-
ers of communities upon which civilization was later built up, leaving to the
generations that follow inheritances in strength of character as well as in
lands and other forms of material wealth.
A. G. AXDERSOX.
Among the prominent citizens of Fergus Falls, this county, is A. G.
Anderson, mayor of Fergus Falls in 1912 and, at present, president of the
Fergus Falls Board of Education. Mr. Anderson, who was also appointed by
Governor Eberhart as a member of the state efficiency board and who is
treasurer of the Otter Tail County Agricultural Society, is a man of strong
individuality, who is keenly interested in the public affairs of his home city.
He is known far and wide as one who never hesitates frankly to state what
he feels and believes to be right or wrong. Since March 26, 1902, he has
been cashier of tin- Scandia State Hank.
Born in Norway mi February 22, 1861, A. (i. Anderson is the son of
Andrus and Guri (Gronstad) Anderson, the former of whom died in Xor-
wav. After the father's death, the mother and son, in 1870. immigrated to
America and A. G. Anderson received his early education at Story City.
Iowa, and completed his schooling at the Red Wing Seminary.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 321
In 1884 Mr. Anderson located at Fergus Falls and, for about seven
years was employed as a deputy in the office of the treasurer of Otter Tail
county. In 1890 he was elected to the position of assistant cashier in the
First National Bank, of Fergus Falls, a position which he held for seven
years. In 1898 he returned to Story City, his boyhood home, where he was
engaged in the mercantile business for four years. In 1902, however, Mr.
Anderson returned to Fergus Falls as a cashier of the Scandia State Bank,
a position which he has filled with credit for nearly fourteen years. As one
of the executive officers of the bank, lie has had no small part in the growth
of the prestige of this popular financial institution. He is a man of cordial
frame of mind and is popular, not only with the other officers and directors
of the bank, but with the depositors and the public generally.
Mr. Anderson's wife, before her marriage, was Dora Olson, a native
of Iowa, and to them have been born two children, Merriam and Eleanor.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and family have a comfortable home in Fergus
Falls and enjoy the confidence and respect of a large circle of friends.
GEORGE TRAUTXER.
George Trautner is one of the progressive agriculturists and respected
citizens of Candor township. Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, and is a native
of Germany, having been born on May 3, 1859, in Byran, of that country.
His parents were Peter and Annie (Pitner) Trautner, who remained in
Germany until their deaths. Peter Trautner died in 1880. Both were
members of the Lutheran church and the parents of the following children:
John George, a farmer and saloon keeper in Germany : 1 'eter is a resident
of Otter Tail county and lives with George; John is a farmer in Germany:
John, deceased; George and Margaret, deceased.
George Trautner received his education in the public schools of Ger-
many, and upon the completion of same became a tailor, which trade he fol-
lowed until his emigration to America, in 1882. He located in Carver
county. Minnesota, for two months and then removed to Otter Tail county,
where he was employed as a farm hand until 1887, at which trine he pur-
chased one hundred and fifty-five acres of partly improved land, in section
34, in Candor township. After clearing this and partially improving it. he
sold it and in 1890 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on
which he now resides. This was one of the Klug homesteads and was
merely "proved up." George Trautner is engaged in general farming and
makes a Specialty of breeding and raising Red Poland cattle.
In 1890 George Trautner was united in marriage to Barbara Sigler,
also a native of Germany, and they are the parents of the following chil-
(21b)
322 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
dren: .Annie, wife of Joe Mistalsky, and living in Dent; Lizzie, who lives at
home, and George and another child who died in infancy. Barbara (Sigler)
Trautner emigrated to America in 1882, locating in Illinois for two years
and then removing to Otter Tail county.
George Trautner has served the community as a member of the town-
ship board of supervisors for nine years, and donated the land on which the
present school now stands. For the past two years he has served as the
chairman of the township board of supervisors and has been a member of
the school board for twenty years. Politically, he is an independent voter.
Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has
served as trustee for twenty-five Years.
THOMAS I. HILDEN.
Thomas J. Hilden, who has been prominent in the political life of
Otter Tail county for many years and who was formerly a well-known
teacher of the county, is a native of Hadeland, Norway, where he was born
on October 21), 1856.
Mr. Hilden is the son of Johannes and Kari Hilden, who never came
to America. Johannes Hilden was a fanner and merchant. Both he and
his wife died when their son, Thomas J., was an infant. They were the
parents of seven children: Peter, who came to America in i860, served in
the Civil War and died on December 25. 1913, at Montevideo, Minnesota;
Louis I.., who is a farmer in Wisconsin; Andrew J., who spent his early
life in Goodhue county, Minnesota, but now lives in Burdette, Minnesota,
where he is a merchant; Martha, who married Andrew Larson, and died in
Clitherall township; Anna, who is the widow of Ole O. Hoff, lives in
Tordenskjold township; Kari, who died in Norway when a child, and
Thomas J., the subject of this sketch.
Educated in the public schools of his native land, Thomas J. Hilden
had passed through the middle school at the age of fourteen, when he came
tn America. After arriving in this country, Mr. Hilden settled in Goodhue
county, Minnesota, where he worked on a farm in the summer, attending
-clu ml in the winter until 1877. when be moved to Red Wing and there
attended high school.
Subsequently, Mr. Hilden started nut alone for Otter Tail county to
visit his sister. En route to this county be met the county superintendent .if
schools, ( i. P. Cowing, with whom he rode to Fergus Falls. Mr. ('owing
asked him to teach school and. after having been appointed as a teacher at
Yining, he began teaching at that place and for the next ten years was
engaged in educational work. At the time Mr. Hilden began his educa-
tional career, he had been in America only six years. In 1882 Mr. Hilden
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. $21,
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township,
paying nine hundred dollars cash on a purchase of land which amounted to
thirteen hundred dollars. Of this farm only twenty-five acres were cleared
and the only other improvement was a small log house. Air. Hilden pur-
chased a yoke of oxen and began to clear the land, teaching school in the
winter and farming in the summer. Subsequently, he replaced the log build-
ings with frame ones and has lived on this farm ever since, engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock raising.
On September 16, 1883, Thomas J. Hilden was married to Maria C.
Hoff, a native of Norway and the daughter of Christian C. Hoff, deceased,
and Martha C. Hoff, who is still living. Mrs. Hilden came to America
with her parents when only three years old. To them have been born nine
children: Afton, who is a grain dealer and farmer at Starkweather, North
Dakota; Nellie, who married John O. Hesby, lives at Halstead, Minnesota;
Clifford, who is a farmer in North Dakota; Mabel, who married W. L.
Brown, and lives in North Dakota on a farm; Thomas, who is a graduate
of an agricultural college and lives at home with his parents; Marcus, who
is a clerk at Deep, North Dakota ; George, Laura and Alton, who live at
home with their parents.
Thomas J. Hilden is a prominent Republican of Otter Tail count}-.
He was defeated as the Republican candidate for the Legislature in 1892,
but has since served in more important local offices and has been very active
in politics all of his life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hilden are members of the
Lutheran Synod church. Mr. Hilden was prominent in raising the funds
for the erection of a new church. He is a successful farmer, a well-known
and highly-esteemed citizen and altogether an ideal man.
NILS H. NELSON.
As an extensive farmer and stock raiser and a man who has large
interests in business circles in Otter Tail county, as well as a citizen who
has served in various public offices and has taken an active part in the
affairs of the community, Xils 11. Nelson has a prominent place in the record
of valued citizens of this community.
Xils H. Nelson was born in Norway, at Gansdahts, Prestegjeld,
Gudbrandsdelm, near the town of Lillehammer, May 10. [853, the son of
Hans and Randi (Gunderson ) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Nor-
way, the father horn on April 17, 181 7. and the mother on December 8.
1810. Hans and Randi Nelson, following their marriage, bought a farm
in Norway, where they engaged as farmers until the year 1869, when they
came, with their children, to America, and settled in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where they bought the improvements of a land squatter, in
324 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
sections 17, 19 and 20, of Tordenskjold township, and lived there until the
opening of United States government land to homesteaders and then they
took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, a
place on which they built a log cabin for a home, together with other neces-
sary- improvements. On this farm Hans and Randi Nelson lived for the
remainder of their lives. Hans Nelson dying in the year 1902, at the age of
eighty-five years, and his wife, Randi, dying in the year 1880. Hans Nel-
son and his wife were among the most highly respected of the community
and they took an active part in the founding of the Free Lutheran church
of Minnesota. In politics, Hans Nelson was a Republican. To Hans and
Randi Nelson were born two children. Nils H., of this sketch, and Randine,
who died at the age of forty, unmarried.
Nils H. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Norway, where
he attended classes until, with his parents, he came to America and then for
a time studied in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. After his
schools davs. Nils H. Nelson helped his father on the farm for some years
and later became the owner of the home place, land to which he added sixty
acres adjoining, on the west and the north.
Nils H. Nelson has taken an important part in the public life of Tor-
denskjold township and Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for more than
thirty-two years he has held the office of township clerk. Air. Nelson has
served as treasurer of the school district in which he is located and for some
time he served his county as deputy county treasurer. In church circles.
Nils H. Nelson is affiliated with the Lutheran church, an organization for
which he served as treasurer. In business life, Air. Nelson is no less con-
spicuous, for he is a stockholder in the Otter Tail Co-operative Store, in the
Farmers Elevator Company, in the Creamery Company and in the Telephone
Company, of Otter Tail county.
On December 28, 1878, Nils H. Nelson and Maren Ilansina Rasmussen
were married; she being a native of Denmark, the daughter of Jorgen and
Christine Rasmussen, who came to America about the year 1866, and lived
for a time at Cleveland, Ohio, and then, in the year 1871, they moved to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and settled in section 20, of Tordenskjold
township, where they took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres
of land, and where Jorgen and Christine Rasmussen lived until May 23,
1914, when Jorgen Rasmussen died, at the age of ninety-two years, his wife,
Christine Rasmussen, having preceded him in death about four years, she
dying on August [3, [910, at the aye of eighty-two years.
To Nils II. and Maren Nelson were born the following children:
Ilarald, who for some time attended the state agricultural college at Min-
neapolis, and who now lives at home: Ragna, a dressmaker of Fargo, North
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 325
Dakota; Lucy Cecelia, who lives at home; Clara, who married Edwin Wag-
strom, and lives in Maplewood township, on a farm ; Agnes, who lives at
Fargo, North Dakota; Pauline, who is a teacher in the public schools of
Otter Tail county; and Helen, who lives at home.
In politics and in private life, Nils H. Nelson fills an important place
in the community and is among those men who have the respect of the
entire county and district Well and favorably known, he is one of those
citizens of whom the township and county may rightfully be proud.
HENDRICK ARNOLD HANSON.
Prominent in the political life of Tordenskjold township and a success-
ful farmer of Otter Tail county for many years, Hendrick Arnold Hanson
was born on his father's homestead farm in Tordenskjold township on
June 10, 1873.
Mr. Hanson is a son of Nils and Anne (Monsen) Loken, both of whom
were born in Norway, and who were married in that country. They came
to America in 1868, and for two years lived near Red Wing, Minnesota.
About 1870 they emigrated to Otter Tail county, being accompanied to this
county by Mr. Hanson's maternal grandmother, Ingebor Monsen. The
latter took up a homestead claim of forty acres in Clitherall township, and
on this tract the whole family lived for two years, after which Mr. Hanson's
father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold
township, which he gradually improved from time to time. Here the family
lived until 1908, when the farm was sold to E. J. Hanson, the youngest son.
At this time the father retired from active farm life and removed to a home
near that of his son, Hendrick Arnold. Both Mr. Hanson's father and
mother are living at this time, his father no*v being seventy-eight years,
and the mother is seventy-nine. At one time Mr. Hanson's father was
identified with the Populist party, but is now an independent voter. Both
he and his good wife are devout members of the Lutheran church, and he
was one of the founders of the Trefoldighed church in Clitherall township.
They were the parents of seven children, of whom Hendrick Arnold was
the fourth in order of birth. The others, in the order of their birth, are as
follow: Hans Jacob, a farmer living at Landa, North Dakota; Inga, the
wife of Hans Olsen, a farmer of Landa, North Dakota; Dena, the wife of
Herman Lillestrand, of Landa, North Dakota; Mollie, the wife of J. B.
Highdale, a farmer of Tordenskjold township; Edwin Julius, living on his
father's farm, and Sarah, the wife of Jule Morstad, lives at Wall Lake,
Minnesota, where her husband is a merchant.
Hendrick Arnold Hanson was educated in the public schools of Otter
Tail county, and reared on his father's farm. After reaching maturity he
326 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
engaged in farming for himself. In 1897 Air! Hanson purchased one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township from Jacob Fred-
erickson for the sum of one thousand six hundred dollars. Since that time
Mr. Hanson has erected a handsome new house and barn, and has cleared
forty acres of the land himself. He is a general farmer and stockman.
In 1895 Hendrick A. Hanson was married to Emma Nelson, who died
in 1904, leaving five children, Xora, Alfred, Herbert and Hilma and Xorris,
twins. After the death of his first wife, Air. Hanson was married, in 1907,
to Fina Haldorson, and to this union have been born seven children, Alida,
Emma, Niola, Francis, Eddie, Ruby and Marwin. .Mrs. Hanson was born
on July 2i, 1875. and is a daughter of Andreas and Agnetta Haldorson,
who are still living at Finmark, Norway. Mrs. Hanson's father is sixty-
seven, and her mother is sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Hanson came to
America in 1 901, and settled in Tordenskjold township.
Mr. Hanson is a Democrat in politics, and has served his fellow citizens
as township treasurer for the past fifteen years. He also served eleven
years as school treasurer, and has always taken an active interest in all
movements which have for their object the betterment and welfare of his
community. He and his wife and family are earnest and devout members
of the Lutheran church.
MARTIN S. MOKLEV
Martin S. Moklev, a prosperous farmer of Clitherall township, and a
well-known sportsman of Otter Tail county, is a United States citizen born
in Sulledal, Stavanger, Norway, on June 17, 1870.
Mr. Moklev is the son of Somjo Thorstenson Moklev and Kari Thor-
stensdatter Helgenes. Ili^- paternal grandparents were Thorsten Somjoson
Moklev and Mallena Levarsdatter Forland, who were born at Sulledal.
Stavanger, Norway, and, who, after their marriage, spent their entire lives
in their native land. They were farmers by occupation and had two chil-
dren. Somjo Thorsenson Moklev. the father of Martin S., and Anna, who
married Gabriel Falkelie, and died in Norway. She left one son, Olai G.
Twedt, who lives in Dunn county, North Dakota. Another son, Jacob, died
in Norway.
\lr Moklev's maternal grandparents were Thornsten kali and Mallena
Knutsdatter Halgenes, who came to America in 1867 and settled in Illinois,
where they lived onl) one year. With their sons, ["horsten and Knut, and
their daughters. Martha and Mallena. they moved to Otter Tail county in
[868 and -0011 afterward settled on what is now the Hans Olson place in
Tordenskjold township. After living on this farm for three years, they
teaded the farm now owned by Christian k. Moe. There they lived
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ^2/
for some years, or until 1881, when they moved to the place now occupied
by their son, Tosten, which was purchased. There Thorsten Lali died at
an advanced age, about 1886. He was the father of six children, Kari,
Brita, Martha, Maline, Thorsten and Knut.
.Martin S. Moklev's father was born on September 10, 1835, and ms
mother on August 4. 1843. They grew up in their native land and were
married in the spring of 1867. Mr. Moklev's mother remained in Norway
with her husband, while her parents and her brothers and sisters came to
America. Mr. Moklev's father was connected with the fishing industry for
twenty winters and, in the summertime, was employed in the woolen mill,
operated by his father, and in farming. In 1880 he and his wife and two
children came to America, joining his wife's relatives in Tordenskjold town-
ship. In June, 1880, he homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres of land
in Clitherall township and the family moved to this farm on July 2, 1880.
It was timber land principally, but some of it was ready for cultivation.
Here the family built a log cabin with bark and dirt for a roof. They
immediately began to clear the land, and, in a few years had a most pro-
ductive farm, which is now occupied by their son, Martin S. Mr. Moklev's
father died in July, 1910, at the age of seventy-five years. His mother,
who is seventy-two years old, resides with her son on the old home farm.
She is a member of the Free Lutheran church, as was also her husband.
They were the parents of three children, Thorsten S., a farmer of Clitherall
township; Martin, and Dena Karina. who married John Nelson and lives in
Tordenskjold township.
Martin S. Moklev was educated in the public schools of Norway and,
when old enough, engaged in farming. When he was nine years old, he
was brought to America by his parents and grew up in this country. When
he was eleven years old, he was employed in carrying water for a railroad
crew. When he was old enough, he took over the management of the home
farm and, in partnership with his brother, rented the farm for a number of
years. In 1896 he bought the old homestead farm of one hundred and
twenty acres and has been its sole owner ever since. Besides this farm, in
partnership with his brother, he bought one hundred and sixty acres south
of the homestead and now owns eighty acres of that farm. Altogether, lie
has two hundred acres. Mr. Moklev's parents lived with him all the time.
\\\> father dying several years ago. In 1902 Mr. Moklev built a house and
in [913 added a barn. He is extensively interested in the dairy business
and keeps fourteen or fifteen cows, and is interested also in poultry and fruit
growing. He is a stockholder in the farmers creamery, farmer-; elevator
and farmers telephone companies of this township.
In igio Mr. Moklev was married to Randi Halvorson, a native of
328 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Sulledal, Norway, who was born at Havreval, and who is the daughter of
Halvor Halvorson Tvedt and F.llerie Lifeson Aarhus. They still live in
Norway, where they are farmers and landowners. Mrs. Moklev came to
America in 1904 and lived in Fergus Falls until her marriage. She was
born on August 15, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Moklev have two children, Mallena
Karina Eldren, born on December 22, 1912, and Sigurd Henry, August 9,
1914.
Martin S. Moklev is a thorough-going sportsman, who is interested in
fishing and hunting and who spends a great deal of his time along the
streams of this state Mr. and Mrs. Moklev are members of the Free Luth-
eran church. Politically, Mr. Moklev is an independent voter.
OTTO T. OAK.
One of the well-known fanners of Folden township and of Otter Tail
county, a man who has lived a profitable and helpful life and one who. as a
citizen, has not been neglectful of his duty to the community, is Otto J.
Oak. A native of Norway, who, on reaching America, applied himself
industriously to an effort for success, he has proved of value to the com-
munity, and is one of those men who have a place in a record of successful
and appreciated citizen.
Otto J. Oak was born at Drammen, Norway, on March 7. 1867, the
son of John and Randi ( Nelson ) Oak, both of whom were born and mar-
ried in their native land, where John Oak was a farmer. In 1886 John Oak,
his wife having died, came with his children to America, and settled at St.
Croix county, Wisconsin. Though at that time an elderly man, he bought
a farm and established a home on which he lived, with his second wife,
Anetta (Nelson) Oak, until his death, about the year 1906. To the first
marriage of John Oak were born the following children : Christian, who
died at the age of twenty-one years, in Norway; Bertha, who married Hans
Nicolai Larson, and who died at Drammen. Norway, her three children
later coming to America; (aniline, who married Anders Larson, and live
in Norway; Olava, who lives at Christiana, Norway; George, who is a
farmer of Canada; Gina. who married Edward Richardson, and lives in
Canada, and Otto, the subject of this sketch. John Oak and his second
wife. Anetta ( Nelson) Oak, were the parents of one daughter, Annie, who
married William Albertson, and lives in the state of Wisconsin.
Otto J. Oak. following his education in the public schools of Norway,
at the aye of sixteen years," came to America with his brother. George,
about three years before the arrival of the elder Oak and his children, and
eaching Lake Park, Minnesota, he worked for about four months on
farms of the neighborhood, after which he look up employment in the pine
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
3^9
woods of the state of Wisconsin, during the winter months and in the sum-
mer worked on farms and on the railroad.
In 1893 Otto J- Oak t0°k UP a homestead in Wilkin county, Minne-
sota, a place on which he lived for six years, and then sold his land and
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 8, of Folden town-
ship, a farm which he cleared and improved until it is now highly cultivated
and well improved and where he is engaged in general farming.
In 1895 Otto J. Oak was married to Mary Lyngstad, who was born in
Norway, and came to this country at an early age. To this union were born
eleven children, Edward, Ragna Nathalie, Julia Petrine, Myrtle Olava, Edna
Ruth, Lillian Mabel, Cora Adela, Clifford Herman and Oscar Norman,
twins ; Laura Marie and Norah Pauline.
In public life, Mr. Oak has served his community as school director for
two terms and has, as a private citizen, in the ranks of the Republican
party, done many things which have aided the progress and advancement
of political and social conditions of the locality. Mr. Oak and his wife are
devout members of the Lutheran church at the town of Folden.
EDWTX C. MANEVAL.
Edwin C. Maneval is one of those men who take great pride in the
progress of the community in which they live, and who become active in all
questions pertaining to the welfare of their fellow citizens. He was born
on July 19, 1874, and is the son of John and Catherine (Bergner) Maneval.
John Maneval was born in Pennsylvania, but is of German descent and
when a young man came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he met
and married Catherine Bergner. She is a native of Switzerland and emi-
grated to America when a girl of ten or twelve years. Her parents were
among the early settlers of Minnesota, in which state she grew to maturity.
After the marriage of John Maneval and Catherine Bergner, they
located in Carver county, Minnesota, and purchased a farm and this place
became their home until 1877. The farm was then sold and the family
removed to Otter Tail county, where eighty acres of homestead land was
purchased, in section 10, Candor township, which place became their home
until the death of John Maneval, in [897. The first house was of logs and
was located on the banks of the creek and south of the road. Some years
later, forty-nine acres of adjoining land was purchased and. later still,
another piece of land, consisting of forty acres, was added. In [885 .1
more modern home was erected in place of the former one of logs. The
names of their children follow: Carrie is the widow of Peter Damschen,
who lived in North Dakota; Alice is the wife of Jacob Damschen, and
their home is in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota: Edwin C; Horace S.. who lives
330 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
in Candor township, and William, who lives in Detroit, Minnesota. The
mother of this family still lives and is residing in Pelican Rapids.
Edwin C. Maneval received his education in the schools of district 121,
and was reared on the old home place. As he reached maturity, he assisted
in the management of the farm and in 1900 he purchased forty acres of
land, which was operated independently. This farm was located just west
of his father's place and became his place of residence until 10.14, at which
time he rented the homestead and now operates both. In 1809 Edwin C
Maneval was united in marriage to Alice R. Blossom, and they are the par-
ents of three children, Gladys [da, Horace Fay and Fernando John. Alice
R. (Blossom) Maneval is the daughter of Fernando and Ida Blossom, who
are pioneers of Candor township.
Edwin C. Maneval was one of the organizers of the Farmers Co-opera-
tive Creamery, of Yergas, Minnesota, and has been a director since its
organization. He is also a stockholder of the Farmers Telephone Company
and is serving as vice-president of same. Politically, he votes the Socialist
ticket. He served as a member of the township board of supervisors from
1900 until 1915. He has also served on the school board about the same
length of time. Fraternally, he is a member of the Order of American
Yeomen.
C. E. OLSON.
C. E. Olson, a prosperous farmer and business man and a popular
citizen of Tordenskjold township, was born on the farm where he now lives
and which he now owns. August 27, 1874, and is the son of Esten Olson
Norgaard and Ingeborg (Olson) Olson, the oldest living settlers in Tor-
denskjold township.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Olson were Ole Narjord and Sigrid
1 Estensdatter) Narjord, the former of whom was a laborer and the latter
a daughter of a soldier in the War of 1814. The}- were the parents of six
children, all of whom remained in Norway except Mr. Olson's father and
his father's sister. Airs. Johanna Peterson, who now resides at Waterloo
Ridge, luw.'i. Mr. Olson's maternal grandparents. Ole Rosthakken and
Kirsti (Sandmor) Rostbakken, never came to America. They died in their
native land.
Mr. Olson's parents wire born at Roraas, Norway, the father on Jan-
nary J4, [827, and the mother on October 6, 183 1. They grew up near
Roraas and were married in their native land. In 1869, with three children.
the} came to America, settling at Waterloo Ridge. Winneshiek county, near
Spring Grove, Iowa, and, until 1870. worked on a farm. In 1870 the
familv emigrated to Minnesota and were able to travel by rail over to St.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 33 1
Cloud. From St. Cloud the trip was made to Otter Tail county with an ox
team. In the same year Esten Olson Norgaard homesteaded one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, which at that time was
not only a wilderness, but a very tangled wilderness. Shortly afterward he
built a dugout and there spent the first summer. Later, however, he built a
log house where the present modern buildings stand. The family has lived
on this farm ever since. The father has prospered and has added to his
land until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres. Both he and his
wife are still hale and hearty at very advanced ages. They are devout
members of the Lutheran church and were associated with other citizens of
the township in founding the church. Air. Olson's father is a devoted
Republican. Mr. Olson is the youngest of five children, the others being:
Oliver, who is a former probate judge and also probate clerk of Otter Tail
county, is engaged in the insurance business at Fergus Falls; Christine, who
married J. X. Langsjoen, lives at Norman, Washington; the third child died
in infancy, and O. F., who is a farmer at Berg, North Dakota.
C. E. Olson was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail county, in
the Fergus Falls high school and in the Park Region Lutheran College at
Fergus Falls. He graduated from the commercial department of the college
in 1894, and, during the next five or six years, taught school in Otter Tail
count}-. After his marriage, Mr. Olson returned to the old homestead,
where he has lived ever since. In 191 1 he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land, a part of the old homestead, and now operates not only his
own land, but the land owned by his father. He is engaged in diversified
farming.
Mr. Olson is president of the Underwood creamery and was one of the
organizers of this association. He is also secretary of the Park Region
Telephone Company and treasurer of the Underwood Grain Association,
which was organized several years ago, .but which has recently taken on
added importance owing to the erection of a new elevator in 1913 and 1914.
The elevator has a capacity of thirty thousand bushels of grain and is owned
by forty-four shareholders. It does an annual business of one hundred and
twenty thousand dollars.
On March 18, 1800, Mr. Olson was married to Hannah Holbeck, the
daughter of P. N. Holbeck. whose family history is contained elsewhere in
this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have two children, Alvin E., born on
May 5, 1000, and Herman P., born on March 23, 1902.
C. E. Olson is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally, he is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Wood-
men of America. Mr. and Mr-. Olson are members of the Lutheran church
and they not only attend services regularly, bul contribute liberally 10 the
support of the church in this township.
332 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
OLE H. NODSLE.
Recognized as an authority on affairs pertaining to general farming
and stock raising, Ole Nodsle occupies an enviable position in the industrial
life of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has been a resident for over
thirty years. He is a native of Hedemarken, Norway, having been born
there on April 13, 1859. His father, Hans Nodsle, was born in the same
country, on the 12th of September, 1826, and his mother, Bertha (Dyreson)
Nodsle, on the 29th of March, 1827. His parents were married in their
native land and in 1880 came to America, where Ole Nodsle had already
established his residence. Upon arriving in this country Hans Nodsle took
a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Maplewood township,
located in section 24, where he and his son, Ole, worked at the occupation
of clearing the land and building cabins of logs. In 1889 Hans Nodsle sold
his farm to the son- who had assisted him, but continued to occupy the resi-
dence until his death, on September 2, 1914. His wife, who passed away on
August 30. 1910, was survived by the following children: Dena, the wife
of Andrew Elton, who is a resident of Kidder county, North Dakota; Ole,
who is the subject of this sketch; Julia, Mrs. Thomas Nelson, a resident of
Kidder county, North Dakota; Annie, Mrs. Alfred Olson, who resides in
Clay county, Minnesota, and John, who is a farmer and a resident of Clay
county.
Ole Nodsle received his education in the public schools of Norway, and
at the age of twenty sailed for America. He was unaccompanied by friends
or relatives, and after his arrival in this country went directly to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he was employed on the farms near Rothsay for
over three years. He assisted his father during the first few years of the
latter's stay in this country. Since purchasing the old home place, in 1889,
Ole Nodsle has continued to add to his possessions until now he has a farm
of two hundred and forty acres, forty acres of which are in an excellent
state of cultivation. In 1900 he erected a modern dwelling on the farm,
which he uses as his present residence. He has also made a number of
valuable improvements on the stock buildings of the farm.
On June 11, 1886, the marriage of Ole Nodsle to Lena Vasaason, the
daughter of Christian and Dorothy Vasaason, natives of Norway, took
place. Mrs. Nodsle is also a native of Hedemarken. Norway. She and her
husband have reared an interesting family, in which the following children
are numbered: Harry, who is employed in North Dakota, but who owns a
homestead in Beltrami county; Christian, who resides on a homestead in
Beltrami county; Betsey, the wife of Hjalmar Stenseth. who lives in North
Dakota; David, John, Oscar, Clara, Lewis, Martin, Alfred and Bennie, who
reside on the home place.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. $7,3
Mr. Nodsle is a man who has always entered heartily into the affairs
of the community in which he lives. He was instrumental in organizing the
Erbard Farmers Creamery, and for some years acted as director of the
same concern. He helped to organize the Maplewood Telephone Company,
of which he is now president. In politics, Mr. Nodsle is an independent
voter and has served as road supervisor for the last twenty years. For
twelve years he has been director of the school district. His church mem-
bership is given to the Lutheran church.
CHARLES M. DOLSEN.
Born in Schuyler county. Illinois, January 21, 1850, Charles M. Dolsen.
a well-to-do farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a
son of Charles M., Sr., and Mary E. Dolsen, who were early settlers of the
state of Illinois. Mr. Dolsen's father was a merchant, who died in 1852,
while his mother died in 1862. Charles M. Dolsen, Sr., and wife were the
parents of seven children, Albert, John, Mary, Catharine, Margaret, Celia
and Charles M., Jr.
Charles M. Dolsen was ten years of age when he went to Minneapolis,
Minnesota, to make his home with Mr. and Mrs. William Moffet, the former
of whom was his brother-in-law, having married Mr. Dolsen's sister. Alary.
Charles M. Dolsen received his education in the public schools of Minnea-
polis, and when old enough learned the cooper's trade in that city. He lived
in Minneapolis until 1880, when he removed to Otter Tail county and pur-
chased eighty acres of land in Elmo township. He sold this farm and in
1893 moved to Inman township, where he purchased one hundred and twenty
acres, in section 22. A little later he sold this second farm and purchased
eighty acres of land in the same section and township, and here he is living
today. He ha.s built a new and modern residence on this farm, and has
otherwise improved it in many ways.
In 1879 Mr. Dolsen was married in Minneapolis to .Mary E. McLeod,
who was born in Clearwater, Minnesota, but who lived in Minneapolis. .Mr-.
Dolsen's parents were John and Mary I Perkins) McLeod. the former of
whom was born in Xew Brunswick. Maine, in 1814, and the latter of whom
was born at Topsham, Maine, about [824. They emigrated to Minneapolis
in the fifties, and from that city removed to Clearwater, Minnesota, where
they conducted a hotel. Later they returned to Minneapolis, and were the
proprietors of the Tremont house. From the latter city they returned again
to Clearwater, where they were engaged in the hotel business for a short
time until 1868. when they removed to Alexandria, Minnesota. After living
in Alexandria for three years they moved to Garden City, and here kept a
hotel for one vear, after which they lived on a farm. The family later
334 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
returned to Alexandria, where they conducted a boarding house. After
living in Alexandria for about a year, they went to Melrose, and kept a
hotel there for a year, when the returned to Minneapolis and kept a board-
ing house. In 1879 the family emigrated to Helena. Montana, and here
Mrs. Dolsen's father died in 1884, while her mother died in California in
1910. John and Mary McLeod were the parents of ten children, four of
whom are now living, as follow: Mrs. Celeste Heaton. of Rice, Minne-
sota; Mrs. Charles M. Dolsen, wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Lucy
Bucke, of Pasadena, California, and Mrs. Jessie Thompson, of San Jose,
California.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Dolsen are the parents of five children, as
follow ; Charles Edwin, James Mortimer, deceased ; Mary Ethel, William
Oscar and Ray Addis. Mary Ethel is the widow of Lewis Wait, who died
in 1912, leaving four children, Amherst Douglas, Asenath Coral, Lloyd
Leroy and Louis Agnes Alma.
Mr. and Mrs. Dolsen and family are prominent in the life of the com-
munity where they live, and they have a host of friends in Inman township,
where thev have made their home for so manv vears.
CHARLES PAULSON.
Charles Paulson, who has succeeded in a large measure as a farmer of
Nidaros township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who is a native of
Norway, was born there on February 4, 1858. Mr. Paulson is a son of
Frederick and Mina Paulson, both of whom were born in Norway, and
spent their entire lives in that country. They were the parents of seven
children, two of whom died earlv in life, while two others. Bertha and Fred-
erick, are deceased. The living children are Charles, Anna and Clara.
The eldest child of his parents' family. Charles Paulson was educated
in the public schools of Norway. When Mr. Paulson was twenty-three
year^ old, in r88i, be came to America, and for some time worked at vari-
ous occupations in Otter Tail county. He worked one summer in Canada.
In 1804 Mr. Paulson purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in
section 29, of Nidaros township, and shortly thereafter erected buildings on
the farm. He is a general farmer and stockman, and has been very suc-
cessful in all the aspects of farming in this county.
In 1888, seven years after coming to America. Mr. Paulson was mar-
ried to Anges Olson, who was born in Norway, December 12, 1807. and
who is a daughter of Svend and Matilda Olson, the former of whom died in
Norway, and the latter came after her husband's death in 1873, to Goodhue
county, Minnesota. Mrs. Paulson's mother died in Minneapolis. Minnesota,
in 1889. Mrs. Paulson was the only child born to her mother's first mar-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 335
riage. After the death of her father, her mother was married to Christ
Hanson, and to this union one child was born, Nettie.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Paulson are the parents of seven children, all of
whom are living, as follow: Anna, Minnie, Frederick, Clara, Mabel, Myrtle
and Thorfin. The Paulson family is highly respected and esteemed in Nida-
ros township, where all the members of the family are well known.
Mr. Paulson is known not only as a successful farmer, but he has been
more or less prominent in politics, having served as treasurer of the school
board for more than ten years.
COLBEN M. SORKNESS.
Born in Norway on January 6, 1864, Colben M. Sorkness, a well-to-do
farmer of Pfenning township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of
Martin Christiansen and Oleana (Halversen) Christiansen, who were natives
of Norway and who were married in that country prior to the time they
emigrated to America. They came to this country in 1871 and settled in
Otter Tail count)', taking up a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Eagle Lake township. The father of Mr. Sorkness died in Eagle
Lake township in 1S96 and his wife nine years later, in January, 1905. Of
their ten children, two, Gunda and Martha, are deceased. The living chil-
dren are : Flalver M., Knut, Colben M., Peter, Mary, Otto, George and
Minnie.
Colben M. Sorkness was reared on the old homestead farm in Eagle
Lake township and educated in the public schools of the township. When
he was old enough he took up farming on the old home farm, but, subse-
quently, purchased eighty acres in section 33, of Pfenning township, in
1822. Mr. Sorkness has added to this farm until he now owns three hun-
dred and twenty acres situated in sections 28, 29, 32 and 33. Mr. Sorkness
has a natural grove on his home farm and has cleared practically all of the
land, one hundred and sixty acres. He built a magnificent barn, thirty-four
by seventy-two feet, in [914, and also has a good house. He has a silo
twelve by twenty-six feet, which is extensively used in his cattle business.
Mr. Sorkness has made a specialty of breeding and raising Holstein cattle.
He is a stockholder in the creamery at llenning and the farmers elevator,
also at Henning.
In 1900 Colben M. Sorkness was married to Lena Olson, and to them
was born one son, Otto, now deceased. Mrs. Lena Sorkness died on March
1, 1903, and on August 27, 1Q04. Mr. Sorkness was married to Hannah
Trangsrud. who was born in Norway on May 7. 1877. but. who at the time
of her marriage was Mrs. E. P.. Anderson, of North Dakota. By tbis
second marriage there have been born five children, of whom one. Harris, is
336 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
deceased. The living children are: Hilda, Chester, Lilian and Agnes. By
her first marriage, Mrs. Sorkness was the mother of two children, Selmer
B. and Beatrice.
Mrs. Sorkness is the daughter of Arne H. and Bolette Trangsrud,
both of whom were natives of Norway. Mrs. Sorkness's father was born
in 1849 and her mother in 1852. They were married in Norway and, upon
their arrival in America, settled in Cass county, North Dakota, in 1882.
After living in that count}- for one year, they moved to Sargent county,
North Dakota, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mrs.
Sorkness's father now owns six hundred and forty acres of land.
To Mr. and Mrs. Arne H. Trangsrud were born ten children, five of
whom, Hannah, Bernhard, Agnes, Emelia and Amelia, twins, were born in
Norway, and five in North Dakota, Bernhard, Agnes, Alfred, Henry and
John. Of these children, Bernhard, Agnes, Emelia. Amelia and Henry are
deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Colben M. Sorkness are members of the Free Lutheran
church. Mr. Sorkness is a very successful farmer and, having begun to buy
land when he was eighteen years old, has made a most praiseworthy success.
He is not only one of the leading farmers of Henning township, but one of
the leading citizens of Otter Tail county.
HOX. ALVINZA BAXTER COLE. M. D.
Anion- those who stand as distinguished types of the world's workers
is Dr. Alvinza Baxter Cole, a well-known physician and surgeon of Fergus
Falls, who is now serving his fourth term as the mayor of the city. He is
the Nestor of the Otter Tail county Medical profession, a man of fine intel-
lectual and professional attainments ami of most gracious personality and
is clearly entitled to rank, not only as the best-known physician of Otter
Tail county, but as one of its most enterprising citizens.
Doctor Cole is a native of Canton, St. Lawrence county. New York.
where be was born on December 30, 1848, -on of ( >ltas C. and Alvira (John-
son) Cole, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation.
It was upon the farm that Doctor Cole was born and reared. He
received bis education at the Canton Academy and. soon after completing
the course in that institution, entered the office of Dr. Sanford Hoag. In
[879 be was graduated from the New York Homeopathic College and in
the same year purchased Dr. Hoag's entire practice and continued on bis
own account in the practice of medicine there until l88l, when he came to
Minnesota and settled at Fergus Falls, where for nearly thirty-live years he
has been engaged in the active practice of medicine. Doctor Cole is deeply
interested in all phases of public questions and has taken a most prominent
HON. AI.\ IN/.A BAXTER COLE, M. I>
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
part in the political life of Otter Tail county. From 1894 to 1898 he served
as a member of the Minnesota Senate and four years later was re-elected
to a second term of four years. During the Spanish-American War, Doc-
tor Cole was surgeon of the Fourteenth Minnesota Regiment, with the rank
of major. Doctor Cole is a member of the Park Region Medical Society
and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He joined the Masonic lodge at
Ftermon, New York, and upon locating at Fergus Falls demitted to Corner
Stone Lodge No. 99. Doctor Cole also is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks.
Many years ago Doctor Cole was married to Effie E. Westcott, who
was born at Hermon, New York, daughter of John and Frances (Hemen-
way) Westcott. Doctor and Mrs. Cole have adopted three sons and one
daughter. Of these children, Carl V. Cole is now a physician in Lake City,
Minnesota, lie married Ann Seeley and they have two children. Claud
L. Cole is a practicing dentist at Alexandria, Minnesota. He married Tena
Raiter, and they have one daughter. Herbert E. Cole is a physician and
surgeon of Mobile, Alabama. He married Jesse Wells, of Canton, New
York. They have no children. Ester Monson married Dr. Theodore N.
Kittelson, of Fergus Falls. She died in 1913.
In the history of Otter Tail county Dr. A. B. Cole is entitled to a high
rank. He has won distinction in the medical profession and in political
life because he has devoted himself unselfishly to the best interests of his
fellow men.
ZEBA WRIGHT.
Zeba Wright, for the past twenty-five or thirty years township clerk,
is the type of man who reminds us that agriculture, no less than other
industries, is demanding better farmers today, in order to keep step with the
onward march of civilization. Mr. Wright has always kept abreast with
the times and is in the vanguard of the farming industry as pursued in this
county. Mr. Wright, a native of Rock county, Wisconsin, was born in the
township of Johnstown on September 23, 1840, and is the son of Wesley
and Thankful (Campbell) Wright.
The Wright family was an old and honored one and it was for them
that the village of Wrightstown was named. Many of its early settlers
were connected with it and several uncles of Zeba Wright built their homes
on what was then wild land, near enough together to form a settlement
later. Wesley Wright was born in Greene county. New York state, and his
wife was born near Niagara Falls. Both were single when they went to
Wisconsin and met and were married in 1848, settling in the township of
(22b)
338 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
[ohnstown, where he began to cultivate the small farm which he owned.
In 1S76 he and his wife and their only child traveled to Wadena, Minne-
sota, where they packed their household goods in wagons and started for
this township, where they took up a soldier's homestead of one hundred and
sixty acres in section 12. This was possible because of his services in Com-
pany F, Thirteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. He was in active service
for a while, but illness kept him much of the time in the hospital. On their
frontier wilderness, these stout-hearted people established their new home
in a log cabin, which Mr. Wright built on the east side of his quarter sec-
tion. The land was heavily covered with timber, but a stout heart and a
resolute will accomplished what seemed at first almost impossible. This was
the family home for many years, and by good methods became a valuable
source of livelihood for Mr. and Mrs. Wright and their family. The former
lived to the ripe old age of eighty-one, dying on the farm on section 12, and
his good wife died in North Dakota in 1910. Mr. Wright was an active
politician, allying himself with the Democratic party. He and his wife
belonged to the Free-Will Baptist church. Their children were Zeba and
Miranda; the latter married Jefferson Wheeler and died while still a young
woman, living in Wisconsin.
Zeba Wright was a youth when the war broke out, and too young to
enlist. Having gone to the nearest country school, he varied his schooling
with farm work and at the age of twenty-six moved to Minnesota with his
young wife, to whom he was married on April 16, 1876. Mrs. Wright was.
before her marriage. Annette Ely, a native of New York state, but at that
time a resident of Wisconsin. After living with his father for four years.
Mr. Wright bought eighty acres of the homestead of the southern section
and converted a wild frontier into productive fields. He later built a mod-
ern frame house, whose attractiveness is enhanced by an avenue of spruce
and balsams leading to it from the road. Mr. Wright soon was recognized
as a successful general farmer and stock raiser. Years of toil and frugality
have enabled him to live in comparative ease and retirement for more than
three years past, during which time he has rented his farm to tenants.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wright were born three children, Charles, who i>
now engaged in small fruit raising, was formerly a jeweler. He now lives
in Deer Wood. Minnesota, and is the father of two daughters. Archie the
second son, was killed in an accident when a young man: Ray passed away
about 1912, leaving two daughters.
Mr. Wright, who is a Prohibitionist in his political tendencies, has been
for nearly thirty years township clerk and has also served many terms as
school director and also as town treasurer. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the United Brethren church, in which Mrs. Wright takes an active
OTTER TATI. COUNTY. MINNESOTA. T,y)
part. The long tenure of office with which Mr. Wright has been honored,
speaks volumes regarding his trustworthiness as a public official. Public
duty is to him a sacred obligation, and in repayment for the confidence of
his fellowmen, Air. Wright has rendered efficient and honorable service.
TACOB ERKKTLA.
Jacob Erkkila. well-known and prominent farmer of Otto township,
< )trer Tail county. Minnesota, was horn in Finland, in the year 1847, tnt'
son of Michael and Elsie Erkkila, both of whom were natives of Finland.
Michael Erkkila was a farmer of his native country, where he died in 1893.
at the age of seventy-one years. His widow, Elsie, after the death of her
husband, came to America and located in Otto township, where she lived
until her death in 1908, aged eighty years. Michael and Elsie Erkkila were
the parents of four children, Jacob, Matthew, Kate and Erica.
Jacob Erkkila received his education in the schools of Finland, after
which he came to America, in the year 1871, and following a short resi-
dence in the state of Michigan, he came, in 1881, to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in
section 22, Otto township, where he now lives engaged in general agricul-
tural pursuits.
Tn 1881, Jacob Erkkila was married, while a resident of Michigan, to
Lizzie Rusanen, who was born in Finland in 1857. To this marriage have
been born the following children: Emanuel, Jacob (deceased), Ulivia, Leo
( deceased), Matthew (deceased), Annie, John, Albert. William (deceased).
X'atha, Joseph, Minnie. Martha (deceased) and Peter.
NELS EDHOLM.
Born in Sweden on August 10, 1850, Nels Edholm, a prosperous
farmer of Inman township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Erick
Erickson and Martha Edholm, both of whom were born in Sweden, where
Mr. Edholm's father died in 1881. His mother had died previously in 1880
They had a family of nine children, of whom Anna, the second born, and
Engle, the seventh, are deceased. The living children are, Nathaniel.
Bertha, Nels,. Peter, Martha, Erick and Ingrid.
Nels Edholm was educated in the public schools of his native land and
came to America, settling in Otter Tail county, in 1893. Shortly after
coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Edholm purchased eighty acres of land in
section 11. of Inman township. Mr. Edholm's two sons, Erick and John,
have added one hundred and twenty acres to the original farm so that it
now consists of two hundred acres, all situated in section II. Mr. Edholm
has cleared his farm and erected good buildings u]>on the land.
34-0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Many years ago, Xels Edholm was married in Sweden to Sophia Ander-
son, who was born in 1861 and who is the daughter of Thomas and Margaret
Anderson, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Edholm's father died in 1894
and her mother in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Nels Edholm have been the parents
of fourteen children, of whom three are deceased. Ingrid, the eldest, died
many years ago. Othiala died on April 3, 1912, and Lillian died on April
4, 1912. The living children are Erick, John, Otto. Ingrid. Alma, Hilma,
Clara, Evelyn, Elna, Arthur and Elvin.
Mr. and Mrs. Nels Edholm are members of the Swedish Lutheran
church of Compton township. They have always taken a very active interest
in religious affairs and are among the prominent farmers and citizens of
Inman township.
FREDRICK DUNKER.
Fredrick Dunker, successful farmer and well-known citizen of Otter
Tail township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Hanover, Ger-
many, on February 0, 1876, the son of Henry and Dorothy (Blume) Dunker,
natives of Hanover. Germany. Henry Dunker was a brick-layer in his
native country, an occupation which, together with farming, he followed for
some years and then came to America, where he lived with his son for some
time. Henry and Dorothy (Blume) Dunker were the parents of one child,
Fredrick, the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage, Henry Dunker
was the father of three children, Dick, Mary and Dorothy. The elder
Dunker died on December 24. 1903.
Frederick Dunker was educated in the public schools of his native
country, after which he came to America in 1890, and worked as a farm
helper for ten years and then, in tooo, he secured two hundred and twenty
acres of land in sections 33 and ;,4. of Otter Tail township, a place which
Mr. I Junker has greatly improved and a farm, one hundred acres of which
he has cleared of timber and has prepared for cultivation. Mr. Dunker
now engages in general agricultural pursuits on his land in Otter Tail town-
ship.
On November co, [906, Fredrick Dunker was married to Catherine
Luhning, the d^jghter of Henry Luhning and wife, well-known people of
the community. 10 the marriage of Fredrick and Catherine Dunker have
been born four children. Henry, Wilma, Olga and Arthur. Fredrick Dunker
and his family are active and appreciated members of the German Lutheran
church, of Otter Tail township.
Mr. Dunker is a man well known in the public life of Otter Tail town-
ship, he for many years having been actively engaged in the support of the
progressist- measures and movements of the community. At the present
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 34I
time .Mr. Dunker is serving his township as assessor, an office which he has
occupied for seven years, and he is also acting as the chairman of the town-
ship board.
GILBERT G. MOEN.
Gilbert G. Moen, a well-to-do farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Norway on June 23, 1855. Mr. Moen is a
son of Gulbrand G. Moen and Rangdi Erickson (Skatebo) Moen, both of
whom were born in Norway, and both of whom died in that country.
In 1883 Gilbert G. Moen came to America, and settled in Sverdrup
township, Otter Tail county, where he subsequently purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land, and it is upon this farm that Mr. Moen now lives.
He has erected all of the buildings which now stand on the farm, and which
are now used, including the house in which the Moen family now live. Mr.
Moen has also cleared the land of trees and stumps, and has put it under
cultivation. Jt is a very fertile farm, and Mr. Moen raises crops equal to
any raised in this part of the county.
In 1876, before coming to America, Mr. Moen was married to Berit
Haldorson, who was born in Norway, June 10, 1854. Mrs. Moen's parents
died in their native land. Gilbert G. Moen and wife are the parents of eight
children, as follow : Gilbert, Haldor, Edwin, Martin. Olaf, Carl, May and
Ida, all of whom are living. Gilbert and Haldor live in Underwood; Edwin,
in Duluth; Martin lives on a farm in Sverdrup; the others live at home.
The Moen family are all members of the Unitarian church at Under-
wood, Minnesota. Mr. Moen is a stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery
Company, and in the co-operative store at Underwood. He is one of the
well-to-do farmers of Sverdrup township, and one of its most highly respected
and substantial citizens.
PETER UNDER.
Peter Under, a prosperous fanner of Nidaros township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden, July 7, 1846, and is a son of Erick
and Betsey Olson, both of whom were also natives of Sweden, where they
spent their entire lives.
Peter Linder received his educational training in the public schools of
his native country, and in 1867 emigrated to America, working first in
Anoka county. Minnesota. Later he spent sixteen months in Rice county.
Minnesota, working on a farm, after which he lived in Minneapolis for :i
time. In 1 871 Mr. Linder came to Xidaros township. Otter Tail county.
and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 34, and here
342 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
he has since lived. In 1893 he erected a magnificent barn, fifty by twenty-
four feet in dimensions. Seven years later he built a substantial and com-
fortable residence, and in many other ways has improved his farm, always
keeping his buildings and fences in good repair and well painted. Mr.
Linder is an up-to-date and progressive farmer, and has been successful
since coming to this county.
On October 4, 1872, about five years after coming to the United States,
Peter Linder was married to Sarah Johnson, a native of Sweden, born in
that country in 1844. Mrs. Linder came to Otter Tail county, in 1867, and
five years later was married to Mr. Linder. To this union have been born
eight children, of whom six are deceased, Alexander, Emma, Bessie, \da.
Josephine and Bettsy. The living children are Charles and Oscar, both of
whom arc farmers in North Dakota. The mother of these children died on
May 17, 1902, and two years later, on June 21, 1904, Mr. Linder was mar-
ried to Matilda Johnson, wdio had two children, a daughter and a son. The
daughter, Mrs. Brunsell, is now living at Ashland. Wisconsin : the son. John.
is staying at home.
Mr. Linder and family are members of the Eagle Lake Swedish Luth-
eran church, in which the}' take an active and interested part.
JOHN HAGLUXD.
Among the well-known farmers and stock raisers of Scambler town-
ship. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John Haglund, who was born in
Sweden, on September 16, 1864, the son of Erick and Anna Haglund, natives
of Sweden. Erick Haglund died in the year 1868. after which his widow.
Anna, was married, secondly, to Hans Berglund. John and Anna Hag-
lund were the parents of the following children, Nels, John, and August,
twins; Abraham and Anna.
John Haglund was educated in the public schools of Sweden, after
which he came to America, in the year 1893, and settled in Otter Tail county.
where he bought sixty acres of land in Pelican township, on which he lived
for a short time and then disposing of his land, Mr. Haglund purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Mahnomen county. He disposed of his
land in Mahnomen and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in sec-
tions 13 and 1 j. Scambler township, a place which he improved with new
buildings and equipment and a farm on which he now lives as a general
farmer and stock raiser.
I11 1897, John Haglund was married in Frances Davis, who was horn
in Rock Elm, Pierce county, Minnesota, in iSjc;. She i*- the daughter of
Robert and Adella Davis, natives of Ohio and Wisconsin, respectively. To
the marriage of John and Frances Haglund have been born the following
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 343
children, Annetta, Robert I deceased ) . Albertina, Hazel, Harold, Melvin,
Mary and Earl.
John Haglund has taken a prominent place in the business life of
Scambler township and the vicinity; he is a stockholder in the Farmers'
Elevator Company, of Pelican Rapids, as well as being a stockholder in the
Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.
ALVA L. SHAW.
Alva L. Shaw, fanner and prominent citizen of Otter Tail township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Mower county, Minnesota, on
August 11. 1865. the son of Darious N. and Sylvia (Wood) Shaw, natives
of New York state.
Darious X. Shaw came to the state of Minnesota, from his native state
of Xew York, in 1852, and settled in Mower county, where he secured one
hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he made his home for two years
and then disposing- of his land, the elder Shaw moved to Otter Tail county,
and purchased one hundred and two acres of land in section 24, Otter Tail
township, a farm which he cultivated for some time and then traded his
land for "Sandy Beach," making his home there for a time, after which he
moved to the town of Otter Tail, where he now lives.
Alva L. Shaw received his education in the public schools of Otter Tail
township, after which he became a farmer. He rented a farm for some
time and then in 1900 purchased eighty acres of land, a place which Mr.
Shaw has greatly improved and on which he now makes his home, as a gen-
eral farmer.
On May 2.2, [895, Alva L. Shaw was married to May Taylor, and to
this marriage were born four children, Marvin, Ruth, Eleanor and Flora.
By a former marriage to Bessie Hemstreet, on July 11, 1891, Mr. Shaw is
the father of one daughter, Bessie. Mr. Shaw's first wife died on Februar)
-Vv 1804.
As a public man, Mr. Shaw has served his township as clerk for four-
teen years and for ten years has been chairman of the township hoard.
EMANUEL M. JOHNSON,
Emanuel M. Johnson, a native of Sweden, was born on February 21,
[844, and was the son of John and Christena Johnson, both of whom lived
and died in their native country.
John Johnson was a day laborer and for twenty-five years served as a
soldier in the arm) of InS country. Me was an active member of the Swedish
Lutheran church and took much interest in all church work. Mrs. Tohnson
344 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
previous to her marriage to Mr. Johnson was the wife of Solomon Larson
and to this union four children were horn; Solomon. N. N., Miestine and
Sarah.
Emanuel M. Johnson, the only child of John and Christena Johnson,
received his education in Sweden, having come to. .America at the age of
twenty-five, in 1870. After landing in Xew York City he came direct to
Chicago where he remained for three years working on the street cars, heing
one of the first men to engage in that occupation in that city. Later he was
employed by a railroad company where he remained for some time.
In tNt.i Mr. Johnson homesteaded eight} acres of land in Otter Tail
county and worked for others for a time. Later he bought more land and
now owns two hundred and eighty acres which he has improved and developed,
all the buildings having been built by him. The house was built in 1895
and the present barn was erected to replace one that burned some time ago.
Mr. Johnson practices genera! farming and stock raising, having some of
the finest Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs in the county.
In 1878 Emanuel M. Johnson was married to Mary Anderson, a native
■ if Sweden and the daughter of Mr. and Airs. P. A. Anderson, who had
located in Minnesota. They are the parents of the following children:
Theodore, Gottfred, Oscar, Olga and Lilly. Mrs. Johnson died on July 9.
1914. Olga is the wife of John Pearson and they have two children. Theo-
dore, the eldest of the family, a young man of much force and ability, is still
at home. Gottfred and Oscar are operating the home farm. Gottfred
Johnson was married on September 14. 1015. to Marie E. Johnson, a daugh-
ter of John Johns! m. and a native of Sweden. Marie E. Johnson came to
America in 101 i ami located in Fergus Falls.
JOHN LIEN.
In the financial history of (titer fail county. Minnesota, particular
mention is but the just right of the gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch. Mr. Lien is one of the self-made men of this county, having won
his way to achievements to which many aspire, but few reach, lie has set
an example of industry and thrift that could well be followed to advantage
by the rising generation.
John Lien, farmer. Battle Lake. Amor township, < (tter fail county, was
burn 011 July 28, [864, in Faribault count}', Minnesota, and is a son of J. J.
and Sigri (Nordskog) Lien. Ilis education was obtained at the public
schools of the district, after which he took a normal course at Maukato.
Minnesota, graduating it the end of three and one-half years. After com-
pleting his education. Mr. Lieu taught school lor five years in (liter fail
county, and one year at Battle Fake, where he occupied the position of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 345
principal, and had entire charge of all the classes. After he took charge of
the work, the school was rebuilt, and three teachers added to the educational
staff. After his marriage, he located on a farm of eighty acres, which he
had bought in the fall of [889, where he has since resided, and to which he
has continued to add, -until he now owns a fine tract of five hundred and
twenty-four acres of good agricultural land, all situated in Amor township.
He has put extensive and valuable improvements on his place, including a
substantial modern house and a new barn, erected in 1915.
The land at the time of purchase was mostly covered with timber, which
Mr. Lien has cleared, and nut in good agricultural condition. Politically,
he has long been a loyal Republican, and has been active in local politics for
many years, having held the office of town clerk for twenty-six years, and
a member of the school board for twenty-one years. Religiously, he belongs
to the Swedish Lutheran church of Amor township, while his fraternal
alliance is with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. He is a director in the Sverdrup Insurance Com-
pany, with which he has been associated for the past nineteen years, and has
held the office of president in the Otter Tail Co-operative Company for six
years. He is president of the Telephone Compan) of Amor township. His
particular interest on the farm is confined to the breeding and raising of
Shorthorn cattle, of which he sells a great many each year.
J. J. Lien was born in Norway, and was united in marriage with Sigri
Nordskog. He was educated in the old country, and came to America
when about twenty-one years of age. landing at New York City, and moving
direct to Iowa, where he was engaged as a day laborer at Spirit Lake, after
which he squatted some land and did trapping and hunting until driven away
by the Indians, after which he took up a homestead of one hundred and
forty-three acres on the border of Lake Lura, near Delavan, Minnesota,
where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in June, 1889.
Mis wife still lives on the home place, which is under the management of
her sou, Thomas J. Lien. The children born to J. J. and Sigri ( Nords-
kog) Lien are as follow: John, Ole, Thomas J., Elias, Elizabeth (who
died at the age of twenty-seven years), Peter, Alfred, Halvor. Eva, Caro-
line and Arnold. Of these children, \lfred and Halvor are in Canada:
\rnold is teaching at Boulder, Colorado, in the State University. J. I Lien
was a member of the Lutheran church, in which he was a leader, always
taking an active part in church work.
Joseph Lien, the paternal grandfather, was a farmer in Norway, where
In- lived and died.
lohn Lien was united in marriage, March _>_'. [890, with Hannah John-
son, daughter of [bhn Johnson. She was born on August 2, 1867, in
346 OTTER TAN. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Sweden, and came with her parents to America, locating in Amor township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Eleven children have been born to this
union: Clarence T., Sarah, Mabel, Bert, Anton, Arne, Halvor, Marvin.
Rhoda, Kenneth and Forest. Of this family of children, those married are:
Sarah, who became the wife of Andrew Larson, and Mabel, who was mar-
ried to Gilbert Murk and lives in Amor township.
Mr Lien occupies a position of prominence in Amor township, where
he has trained his children to become honored and useful citizens and where
he has many warm and admiring friends.
JOHN HANECAM.
A drive through the outskirts of Elizabeth, Minnesota, will take one
past the prosperous and attractive looking farm of Mr. Hanecam, the gentle-
man whose name introduces this sketch, and whose name is well and prom-
inently known in the agricultural district in which he resides. Nothing is
more convincing of the prosperity of a farmer than the condition in which
be keeps bis building and fences, and in this direction .Mr. Hanecam takes
particular pride.
John Hanecam, fanner. Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, was
horn on January 15. 1864, in Wisconsin, and is a son of Peter and Alice
( Moe) Hanecam. He received his education at the public schools and has
always followed farming, being the present manager of his father's farm,
consisting of one hundred and sixtv acres. Mr. Hanecam belongs to the
Lutheran church.
Peter Hanecam. lather of the subject of this sketch, was born on
November 26, iNjj. in Norway. His wife was Alice Moe. daughter of
bars Moe. She was born in Norway, and came with her parents to America,
settling on a farm in Minnesota. Mr. Hanecam has followed farming nearly
all his life. On his arrival in Minnesota, Mr. Hanecam selected Rochester
for bis home, in 1864, where be followed his trade of stone-mason until
iNji. Both Mr. Hanecam and his wife are still living, and he is doubtless
the oldest man in Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county. Their children
were as follow: John. Hannah, Bertha, Louis (deceased), and Lena
(deceased!.- Mr. Hanecam's farm is located in Elizabeth and Oscar town-
ships, ainl consists of two hundred and forty acres. Politically, he has
always given bis support to the Democratic party, while his religious mem-
bership is with the Lutheran church. During his active agricultural pur-
suits, Mr. Hanecam gave considerable "I his time and attention to stock
raising, in which direction he was also very successful.
[ohn Hanecam was united in marriage on June 1. [888, with Christie
Biornud, who was ;, native of the old countrv. The children born to this
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 347
marriage are Louise and Theoline. Louise became the wife of Marvin
Roghelt and is now living on the old homestead, and Theoline is a school
teacher.
Air. Hanecam is une of the substantial agriculturists of Otter Tail
county, where he has built up a comfortable fortune for his declining years.
Both he and his wife have won and retain the friendship of many warm
friends in the community in which they reside.
EDWARD A. PECK, JR.
Edward A. Peck, Jr., is among those citizens who are entitled to a
place of respect in the esteem of their fellowmen and whose efforts for the
betterment of the community in which they live commend them. Mis birth
occurred on May iy, 1880, on his father's homestead, located in section 24,
Scambler township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He is the son of Edward
A. and Sarah (Sischo) Peck.
Edward A. Peck, Sr.. was born in Jefferson county. New York, and
at the age of eight years, owing to the death of his mother, was placed in the
care of A. P. Clark, with whom he made his home until the age of twenty-
one years. At that time he was given one dollar and his freedom and, thus
equipped, he became the arbiter of his own destiny. He soon married and
immediately after became an employee of a cheese factory, in which service
he remained for a period of two years, removing to Iowa in 1876. During
their three years' sojourn in that state the great plague of grasshoppers so
destroyed their crops that they were forced to seek habitation elsewhere, and
in a covered wagon, drawn by oxen, the)- started northward, stopping for
one month in Alexandria and then on to Becker county, Minnesota. Edward
\. Peck; Sr., became interested in the draying business and remained in that
line for a period of two years, also engaging in the teaming business, which
was a flourishing trade in those days. He finally removed to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
land, under the homestead law, which was located in section 24, Scambler
township, and which was partly cleared. The house was of logs but was
soon remodeled into a very comfortable residence and the family remained
in this home for two years. 01' until the place was entirely cleared prepara-
Peck accepted a position in
who owned large farming inter
for sixteen o msecutn e years.
\fter the death of Mr. (anlield, Edward A. Peck, Sr.. became an employee
of the younger Mr. Canfield and remained in his service for one year. At
tory to cultivation.
Shortly after this work
was C(
.mpleted M
Lake Park, as foreman for ;i
. Mr. 1
anlield. wli
ests, and he remained in Mr.
( 'anfi<
'Id's service
348 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the beginning of this seventeen years service Sarah (Sischo) Peck remained
on the homestead with the children, of whom there were six, but her death
occurred and the problem of caring for the family was solved by two of the
daughters removing to Lake Park, where they were under the direct super-
vision of the father.
The Otter Tail county property was left in charge of the sons, whose
efforts were so productive of results that the farm was gradually increased
until it now contains six hundred and forty acres. The buildings are mod-
ern and .among the best in the county. A specialty is made of breeding and
raising pure strain Durham cattle, of which a herd of twenty head arc-
kept. An herd of thirty head of the same stock is kept, which are not as
perfect in strain as are the others.
In 1898 Edward A. Peck, Sr„ became interested in the livery business,
which he continued for three years, in Lake Park. He was also engaged
in the hardware business for two years. A residence was built in Lake Lark
and both Edward A. Peck, Sr., and his second wife. Hattie (Randolph)
Peck, made their home in this place. Hattie ( Randolph) Peck is a native of
Kingston, Canada.
Both Edward A. Peck, Sr.. and his first wife were members of the
Presbyterian church but he now- attends the Methodist Episcopal church,
lie is a member of the Republican party. The names of the children born
to his first union follow : Lilly, who became the wife of Stewart McCoy,
and died while a resident of Larimore, North Dakota; Nellie, who became
the wife of Jay Rider, and now lives at Portland, Oregon; Harry J.,
deceased, and who formerly had charge of the home place in Scambler town-
ship, where his death occurred; Mattie married George Tucker, and they
make their home in Watson, Canada; Florence married Adolph Norby, and
they live in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Edward A., Jr.
Edward A. Peck, Jr., received his education in the schools of Lake
Park, graduating from the high school in that town. However, he was
reared until the age of fifteen \ ears on the place in Otter Tail county. Min-
nesota, at which lime he assumed full charge of the home farm because of
his brother. Harry I., wishing to begin independent operations for himself.
Edward V Peck, Jr., operated the farm for three summers, attending school
in Pake Park in the winter. At the age of eighteen years he assumed charm'
of his father's hardware interests, which he continued for two years, renting
the farm in the meantime. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory and
the store was sold, lie then became an employee on a farm in Becker
county, Minnesota, on which he worked for one year, returning to the home
place in [Q03, which he has continued to cultivate ever since. In addition
1" the breeding and raising of high grade stock, a large amount of grain is
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 349
also grown. In [915 the production of grain, raised on two hundred and
thirty acres of this place, was three thousand six hundred bushels of oats,
two thousand six hundred bushels of wheat, seven hundred bushels of rye
and two thousand bushels of barley.
On January II, 1905, Edward A. Peck, Jr., was united in marriage to
Anna Lillie Schannach, and to their union liave been burn three children,
whose names follow: William Donald. Edward Aaron and Wilfrid Ira.
Lillian Schannach is the daughter of Ira Schannach. an harness-maker, who
has resided in Becker county, Minnesota, for forty years. She is a native
of that county. Politically, Edward A. Peck, Jr., is a Republican. Anna
Lillie (Schannach) Peck is a member of the Catholic church and is an active
worker in that denomination.
HAAGEN HAAGENSON.
Haagen Haagenson is a native of Norway and was born in that coun-
try on September 8. 1850. He is the son of Haagen and Kari (Anderson)
Haagenson, also natives of Norway. The father was a blacksmith and fol-
lowed that vocation until his death, after which his wife emigrated to
America and marrried Magna Samson. Haagen Haagenson received his
education in the schools of his native land and emigrated to America in
1877, following which he located in Dakota county, Minnesota, remaining
there for three years. In 1880 he removed to Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, and purchased forty acres of land, to which he has since added until
he now owns five hundred acres. This farm is devoted to general agricul-
ture and stock raising and is well improved. In 1015 a new barn was erected,
which adds much to the beauty of the place. Haagen Haagenson was united
in marriage to Matilda Anderson, and they are the parents of eight chil-
dren, whose names follow: Henry, Ufred, Melvin, Alma. Mabel, Loyd,
Minnie and Helmer. Haagen Haagenson and his wife are members of the
\'< irwegian Lutheran church.
Magna Samson, stepfather of Haagen Haagenson, was born on Novem-
ber 3, 1838, in Bergen, Norway, and is the son of Peter and Betsey 1 Sater)
Samson, both natives of Norwaj'. Peter Samson was a fanner of Norway-
voss, and emigrated to America in [841, locating in LaSalle county. Illinois.
He remained in that place for five years and then removed to Dane county,
Wisconsin, near the town of Madison (now the stale capital), where he
lived until 1854. He then removed to Dakota county, Minnesota, where
he remained for ten year-, and was one of the pioneers of thai section, fie
was the father of two sons, Samuel, who died at sea. and Magna.
Magna Samson received his education in the common schools of Dane
county, Wisconsin, and Dakota county. Minnesota \- a roung man he
350 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
enlisted in Company B, of the Fourteenth Missouri Sharpshooters, and
served in the battles of Mt. Zion Church, Missouri; the taking of Ft. Henry,
Tennessee; Ft. Donelson, and was at the famous battle of Shiloh, April 6
and 7. [862; at Corinth, Mississippi, in the spring of and again in the fall
iif [862, and at the battles of Buzzard Roost, Resaca and Kenesaw Moun-
tain, lie was honorably discharged in [863, but re-enlisted and served until
the end of the war. taking part in the Atlanta campaign and was witli
Sherman on the march to the sea. Mr. Samson accompanied his regiment
through Xorth and South Carolina and Virginia in 1865, and was present
at the Grand Review, at Washington, ] ). C. He was wounded four times,
on two occasions being sent to a hospital in Georgia. For his faithful
service and gallant conduct he receives a pension from the United States
government of thirty dollars a month. After the war Mr. Samson continued
to lead a strenuous life — exploring, hunting, trapping, fishing, locating sel
tiers and surveying — from the effects of which he is somewhat crippled.
Magna Samson became surveyor of Dakota county. Minnesota, serving
two term- of two years each. In 1880 he removed to Leaf Mountain town-
ship. Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres
of land on which he now lives. His second wife was Mrs. Kari (Anderson)
Haagenson, and to them have been born these children: Betsey, wife of
\xel Fieldset; Carrie, wife of Iven Tacobson, and Anna, wife of Morton
facobson. Mr. Samson i- a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and
is a Republican. He has served as township clerk, chairman of the town-
ship board and postmaster. He was appointed justice of the peace and
served in that capacity for many years. He is a loyal member of the Grand
Army of the Republic and one of the pioneers of Otter Tail county.
OLE JOHN S()\
Having been born and educated in Skane, Sweden. Mr. Johnson, like
many others of his native country, has combined the thrifty habits of his
ancestors with the modern progressiveness of America, making a combina-
tion difficult to beat, viewing it from a standpoint of financial success.
Ole Johnson, farmer. Eagle Bend, Eastern township, Otter Tail county,
was born October jo. t86o, in Skane. Sweden, and is a son of Johan and
Mattha (Nelson) Person. Ills education was obtained in the public schools
of Sweden, from which country he came to America in 1887, locating at
once in Eastern township. Otter Tail county, where he bought his present
farm in [8qi, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in section 25, all of
which was in timber and had to In- grubbed. He has put all the improve-
ments on his place, and now has some good buildings. Mr. Johnson divides
his time and attention between general farming and stock raising, and keeps
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 35]
a large number of dairy cows. Religiously, he is a member of the Swedish
Lutheran church, of which he has served as deacon and officiated as secre-
tary for the past three or four years.
Johan Person, father of Ole Johnson, was born in Sweden, where he
was a laborer and where lie spent his entire life. His wife was Mattha
Xelson. This marriage was blest with three children, Ole, Andrew and Nels.
Ole Johnson was united in marriage in 1885 with Ingar Nelson, burn
in Skane, Sweden, and by whom he has had nine children, two being dead.
The living children are John. Martha. Anna, Esther, Ernest, Arvid and Oliva.
John Johnson was united in marriage. December 31, [912, with Christiana
Skyburg. by whom he has had one child, Leona V. Johnson. John Johnson
received his early education al the public schools of Eastern township, and
later attended the Northeastern College at Eergus Falls, Minnesota. In
1907 he established the Round House at Duluth, and in 1900, he engaged
as a fireman at Two Harbors, where he remained until the fall of IQ12.
He now owns bis own farm of eighty acres in Eastern township, in section
_'4. near his father's place, where he follows general farming and stock rais-
ing.
Ole Johnson has reared his children along the lines of usefulness, and
lias always impressed upon them the importance of leading lives that would
result in holding positions of the highest respect in their community. Both
he and his wife enjoy the friendship of a large number of warm friends.
CARL BERG.
Born in Norway, February 10, 18^0. Carl Berg, who, with his brother.
Martin, owns two hundred and forty acres of land in Everts township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and who with his mother, owns eighty acres of land
in Everts township, is a well-known farmer and stockman.
Mr. Berg is a son of Anton ( '. and Anne ( Glende) Berg, both of whom
were natives of Norway, the former of whom was born in [839, and the
latter in 1845. They were married in Norway, and in the spring of 1880
settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, purchasing one hundred and sixty
acres of land, also homesteading seventy-three acres. Mr. Berg's father died
on the old homestead farm in 181)7. His mother, who is a devout member
of the Lutheran church, is still living. Carl Berg is the second child in a
family of ten children. The others, in the order of their birth, are as fol-
low: Annete, Martin. Ole W., Anna. Inga, Emma, Sophia. Alfred and
Karen, all of whom are living with the exception of the eldest born.
Educated in the public schools of Norway, which he attended until he
was ten years of age, Mr. Berg came to Everts township, Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, with his parents, and after coming t<. this countn was a student
352 OTTER TATT. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
in the public schools of his home township for a time. He is a well-known
fanner and stockman of this community, and with his brother, Martin, has
an interest in two hundred and forty acres of land, and with his mother an
interest in eighty acres mure in Everts township.
In 1008 Carl Berg was married to Lina Larson, who was born in Xor-
man county, Minnesota, in [884, and who is a daughter of Lars Larson, a
successful fanner of Everts township. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have no chil-
dren. The} arr earnest and devout members of the Lutheran church, and
take an active and interested part in the work of the church, and are prom-
inent in social and civic affairs in the community where they live.
LEONARD ERIKSSON.
Among the most successful lawyers of Fergus Falls, and especially
among the younger lawyers who have attained a large measure of success,
is Leonard Eriksson, a native of Yesterao, Sweden. He was born on
November 11. 1870 son of August Herman and Anna Matilda (Person)
Eriksson. Having attended school regularly in his native land, Leonard
Eriksson was well advanced in his studies at the age of fourteen years when
he came to America. After landing at Quebec, he came to the state of
Minnesota and settled in Warren, Marshall count}', where he arrived in
1891. After having been employed for some time on a farm in Vega town-
ship. .Marshall county. Mr. Eriksson began clerking in a hardware store and
in the meantime attended school. Subsequently he was graduated from the
normal school at Moorhead and then obtained a government position as
clerk in the census bureau at Washington. 1). C, being detailed to take
statistics df factories, a position that lasted four and one-half years. Dur-
ing a pari of that period, while a resident of Washington, Mr. Eriksson
was a student in Georgetown University, and was graduated from the law
department of that- university with the class of 1964, most of his legal
studies having been pursued at night. On August 22, 1005. Mr. Eriksson
took up the practice of law in Fergus balls, this count}-, in partnership with
two other lawyers, the firm name being Eriksson, Rice & Schweitzer, which
arrangement continued until 11)07. ul which year Leonard Eriksson pur-
chased the interests of his partners, lie lias since continued in business
alone and has built up a large and lucrative practice in Fergus Falls and
( (tter Tail county, lie is a good lawyer and enjoys today not only a large
practice, but one that i- rapidb growing, bis clientele comprising all clas-t-s
of ] iei iple.
By In- marriage to Kate Shonts, daughter of James < i. and Emma C.
(Clement) Shouts. Mr. Eriksson has two children, Sidney M. and James S.
Mr. Eriksson is a member id' the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 353
and is secretary of the local lodge and past grand master of the lodge in this
district. He is also foreman of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and
a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, as well as a
member of the influential Chippewa Club. In politics he has been active
in municipal affairs and is now a member of the Fergus Falls city council.
In 1912 he was a delegate to the national convention of the Brotherhood of
American Yeomen. Mr. Eriksson is a member of the Swedish Evangelical
Lutheran church of Fergus Falls and Mrs. Eriksson is a member of the
federated church of Fergus Falls. They are regular attendants at church
services and liberally support all of the church enterprises.
JOHN OLSON.
Since the subject of this brief biographical record has become a repre-
sentative among the fanners in this community, it may be assumed that he
early made a plan for his life, and with undeviating determination carried
out this plan from day to day, until the present time. He spent a long and
arduous apprenticeship under the guidance and example of his father, who
was also a farmer. Coming from Sweden, where he was born on May 23,
[864, John Olson has become a full-fledged American citizen.
Mr. Olson's parents. Ole Anderson and Margaret Nelson, were born in
Sweden, where the latter died, but the former came to America the year fol-
lowing his son's arrival here. He lived with his son, Bengt Olson, until his
death at Minneapolis. In the old country he was a farmer. The children
born to him and his wife were Margaret, Elna, Andrew, Bengt and John.
John, who is the subject of this sketch, arrived in America from Sweden
in [887 and located in Minneapolis, where he worked in a flour-mill for
seventeen years, being conversant with this trade from his experience as a
miller in Sweden from the time he was fifteen years old. Leaving his mill
work in Minneapolis, in 1903, he purchased a farm of one hundred and
twenty acres in Eastern township, this land consisting of uncultivated fields,
barren <>f any profitable vegetation, and without buildings of any kind. He
immediately set to work to clear this land and to erect necessary buildings,
and since that time has become well known as a general fanner.
Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Matilda Nelson in Februarv,
1894. Mrs. Olson, who was born in Sweden in 1872. is a daughter of
Christian and Elna Nelson, the latter being a daughter of Nels Pehrson.
Both of Mrs. Olson's parents were horn in Sweden, where the father died.
The mother of Mrs. Ols, >n came to America in 1888 and made their first
home at Litchfield, Minnesota, later living in Minneapolis. Mrs. Olson's
father was a miller by trade.
(2&)
354 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
An interesting family of six children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Olson,
these being Oscar A., Mabel Elizabeth, Ethel G, Florence Hilda. Mildred
Joseph and George William. All of them have been brought up in the faith
of the Swedish Lutheran church, of which the parents are members.
Because of his success in the material world and his worthy character
as a man, the record of John Olson has a place among those of the prom-
inent men of this locality. He is noted for his unflinching loyalty to duty,
his rugged honesty and his steadfastness of purpose.
DWITE ROYAL GREEN1.
Born in Erie county, New York, March 6, 1857, Dwite R. Green, a
prosperous farmer of Girard township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the
son of Rev. Eli W. and Caroline (Colby) Green.
Mr. Green's father was born in Broome county, New York, April 7.
1835, and his mother in Sardinia, Erie county, New York, January 14.
1838. In 1863 they emigrated to Wisconsin, and, after a number of years,
returned to Evans, Xew York, where Mr. Green's father died in 1900. His
mother is now living at St. Paul. They were the parents of six children, of
whom Cora, ( arrie and Clyde are deceased. The living children are Dwite
R., Ralph H. and Itie.
Dwite R. Green was educated in the public schools of Wisconsin. When
he was eighteen years old he moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and,
three years later, was married in Limesprings, Howard county, Iowa, to
Frances E. Conklin, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota. August
3-1, i860, and who is the daughter of Lewis and Lena (Haves) Conklin.
Mrs. Green's father was born in Broome county. Xew York, about 1820.
and her mother in Binghamton, Xew York, in 1823. They emigrated to
Wisconsin in pioneer times and later to Fillmore county, in 1857. Mrs.
Green's mother died about 1878 on the old homestead in Fillmore county,
and in 1000 her father died in Iowa. They were the parents of nine chil-
dren, Elizabeth, George, Kate, Emily, Robert, Thomas, Frances. Charles
and Minerva.
Dwite R. Green engaged in farming in Fillmore county, Minnesota, but
in 1880 moved to Compton township. Otter Tail county, and soon thereafter
to Oak Valley township, where he took a claim. After two and one-half
years he moved to the village of Deer ('reck and. two and one-half years
later, in 1885. moved to Girard township and rented a farm. lie also
bought one hundred and fifty-five acres, which lie sold and later purchased
eighty acres in section 23, where be lives. Before he purchased the last
eighty acres he bad purchased another forty acres Mr. Green has cleared
and cultivated his land and erected all of the buildings which stand upon it.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 355
Mr. and Mrs. Dwite R. Green are the parents of twelve children, all of
whom are living, Mary, Ella, Merle, Cora, Beryl, Frank, Jesse, Muriel, Allie,
Thelma, Fay and Dwite, Jr.
Mr. Green is a member of the Farmers Shipping Association of Hen-
ning, Minnesota. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America. He is now clerk of the school board and has been a member of
the board for sixteen years. He has also served as supervisor of the town-
ship. He is now a justice of the peace. Mr. Green's father was a well-
known pioneer Baptist minister.
JULIUS JENSEN.
A review of the life of the subject of this sketch must of necessity be
curtailed, as specific mention is made within the pages of this volume of a
number of the worthy residents of Otter Tail county, among whom Mr.
Jensen has figured in the growth and development of Pelican township, aid-
ing with his industry, wealth and public interest.
Julius Jensen, farmer, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born on
August 26, 1865, in Norway, and is a son of Jens and Beata Nelson. When
about two years of age he came to America with his parents, who settled in
Fillmore county, Minnesota. His education was obtained at the public
schools of Pelican township, and as a young man he began farming for him-
self on the place which he now owns, and which he bought in 1895, consist-
ing of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Jensen divides his time and atten-
tion belween general farming and stock raising. He is a member of the
Norwegian Lutheran church, in which he has held the office of trustee for
many years.
Jens and Beata Nelson were both born in Norway, where Mr. Nelson
learned and followed the carpenter's trade, coming to America about 1867,
and settling, first, for about two and one-half years, in Fillmore county,
Minnesota. In 1870 he came to Pelican township, Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and
where he spent the remainder of His life, his death occurring in 1878. To
Jens and Beata Nelson were born nine children: Nels, Agnette, Bernt
(deceased), Dedrich, Julius, Ludwig, Anton, Julia (deceased in infancy),
and Gina. Mr. Nelson was an earnest member of the Norwegian Lutheran
church, of which he was one of the founders.
Dedrich Jensen, brother of the subject of this sketch, was born in
[862, and received his education in the public schools of Pelican township
\s a young man he clerked in a store at Pelican Rapids. Aboul [895 he
opened a hardware store at Pelican Rapids, in partnership with J. E. John-
son, which business he discontinued at the end of five years and became a
35^ OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
salesman until about 1915, when he took charge of the Farmers Co-operative
Store at Norwegian Grove, which he managed for two years. He then went
to North Dakota for four years, and is now living at Pelican Rapids. He
was united in marriage with Mathia Afseth, by whom he has had seven
children: Julia. Arthur, Nora, Betsey, Oliver, Morris and Grace. Mr. Jen-
sen is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he has been
trustee for three terms. He has also served as a member of the town coun-
cil for a number of years.
Julius Jensen was united in marriage in 1898 with Nicoline Bentrud. by
whom he has had six children: Nora, Borghild, who died in 1915; Bennie,
Alida, Arnold and Elma.
Mr. Jensen is genial and unassuming in manner, and has made many
warm friends throughout Pelican township, where he is well known and
highly esteemed l>v all who know him.
EDWARD KLIMP.
Born in Sweden, May 17, 1876, Edward Klimp, a prosperous farmer of
Henning township, is the son of Aaron and Matilda Klimp. Mr. Klimp's
parents were both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1857 and the latter
in 1849. They were the parents of six children, as follow: Anna, who
died at the age of six; Edward. John, Ogvald. Hulda and Daniel, the last
named being deceased. In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Klimp came to America
and settled in Leaf Mountain township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where
they purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land. John Klimp added
to this farm until they had one hundred and forty acres. They are now
living retired on the old home farm, but the farm is owned by their son,
John, who also owns one hundred and twenty acres adjoining the old farm.
Mr. Klimp's parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Edward Klimp attended the state school in Sweden and the public
schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He has always been engaged in
farming. In 1X07 Mr. Klimp went to North Dakota and homesteaded a
tract of land in < avalier county. After living in North Dakota for six and
one-half years, he sold out and came back to Henning township, purchasing
one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 33, of Henning township.
\lnsi qf the improvements to he found upon this farm have been placed
here by Mr. Klimp. He is a general farmer, but makes a specialty of rais-
ing stock.
In November, 10m. Edward Klimp was married to Anna Tellofson. a
native of Pope county, Minnesota. Mrs. Klimp's parents were early settlers
in ;Pope county. The mother is now deceased, but the father is living in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ^57
Yining, Minnesota. He owns a farm in Folden township. Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Klimp have six children. Tillie, Arthur, Amy, Edna, Roy and
Edwin.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Klimp and all of the members of their family
belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church at Vining. While a resident of
North Dakota, Mr. Klimp served as a member of the school board. He is a
prosperous farmer and a well-known citizen, and is highly popular in the
community where he lives.
JOHN ESSER, M. D.
One of the active physicians who has lent honor to the medical pro-
fession in Minnesota is Dr. John Esser, whose technical knowledge and skill
are such as to give him a place of confidence in the community where his
greatest practice is carried on. He who is the subject of this sketch was
born on the ioth of June, 1883, in St. Cloud, Wisconsin. His father,
Theodore Esser, who was a native of Madison, Wisconsin, came to Minne-
sota in 1872, and located at Austin, where he was employed as an engineer
on the railroad. The wife of Theodore Esser, who was Mary Stephany, of
St. Cloud, Wisconsin, became the mother of the following children : John,
who is the subject of this sketch; Benjamin: Margaret, who is deceased;
Joseph and Malinda.
The early educational discipline of John Esser was secured in the public
schools of Austin, and after completing a high school course he availed him-
self of the opportunities offered in the State University of Minnesota, where
two years were spent in the course of liberal arts and four years in the
medical school. Doctor Esser began his service as interne in the Bethesda
Hospital, of St. Paul, where he remained on duty for a year. In 1900 he
moved to Perham. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has built up an
extensive practice in his chosen field of endeavor. Aside from the insistent
demands of his profession, Doctor Esser has found time to mingle among
those citizens who have the welfare of the community development at heart
and has taken an active interest in political and educational affairs.
On the 4th of October, 1909, occurred the marriage of John Esser to
Lucy Wallace, a native of New Richmond, Wisconsin.
Doctor Esser votes an independent ticket. He holds membership in the
American Medical Association, the Minnesota Medical Society and the Otter
Tail County Medical Society, and in these organizations receives distinctive
attention. He is also prominently affiliated with local fraternities, being a
Knights of Columbus, a member of the Workmen's lodge and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles.
358 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ANDREW JOHNSEN.
As a result of domestic circumstances to be compelled, with little educa-
tion or training, to seek employment as a means of support and to aid in the
betterment of home conditions, and from this humble position to rise to a
place of recognized success in the agricultural and business world, as well
as to attain a place of prominence and influence in the public and official
life of the township and community, is the record of Andrew Johnsen, well
known and honored citizen of Eastern township, Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota. From days of hardship to those of comfort as a farmer and land-
owner, with limited schooling to become a man of knowledge and judgment
in the conduct of public affairs, and as a result of his own efforts and
resourceful ways to reach a place in the life of the community which has
given him a place of honor and esteem, he is worthy of a notable position
among the men of achievement and accomplishment in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota.
Andrew Johnsen was torn in Smaland, Sweden, on March i, 1859, the
son of Peter and Sarah (Person) Johnsen, both of whom were born in
Smaland, Sweden, during the year 1836. Peter Johnsen was a fanner in
his native land, where he lived until the year 1868, at that time coming,
with his family, to America and stopping at the city of Chicago, Illinois,
where, as a result of insufficient means, the elder Johnsen found it necessary
to leave his family while he journeyed to Washington county, Minnesota,
a) which place he secured funds with which to bring his wife and children
to Washington county. Minnesota, a place where this hardy pioneer lived
until the year 1871, when he moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, living
for the first summer 111 a granary, after which Peter Johnsen homesteaded
a farm which he improved from time to time, at the same time engaging in
general agricultural pursuits, a line of endeavor in which he has prospered
to the point of comfort and independence. Peter and Sarah Johnsen are the
parents of the following children: Andrew, the subject of this sketch:
( msl : Swan J.; Ida ("., who is deceased; Emma F... who is deceased; Sophia,
who lives at Webster, South Dakota; William A., who lives at Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and Frank E., who lives at Fargo, North Dakota. Peter John-
sen and his family are well known and prominent members of the Swedish
Lutheran church, the elder Johnsen being known especially for his great
interest and efforts in the church of his choice.
Andrew Johnsen was able to secure hut little education, at the age of
twelve years leaving his classes and working in a pinery until he was about
sixteen years of age, after which he became a helper with a party of sur-
evors who were planning the state road between the towns of Wadena and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 359
Long Prairie, Minnesota. Air. Johnsen relates that while with this party
at one time the food supply became exhausted and it was necessary to make
a journey of thirty-six miles on foot before more food could be obtained.
The early days of Andrew Johnsen from the days when he with his brothers
were trappers seeking to aid in the support of the family, until at the time
when he became twenty-one years of age and homesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Eastern township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where
he has since become an extensive and well-to-do farmer, are full of interest
and are illustrative of the spirit and manner of this estimable citizen. Since
acquiring the land of his homestead, Andrew Johnsen has added twenty
adjoining acres to his farm, has cleared many acres of uncleared land and
has improved and equipped his farm until it is among the most desirable of
the county for the general agricultural life which Mr. Johnsen follows.
During the year 1885 Andrew Johnsen was married to Jennie Nuttson,
who, in the year 1890, died, being the mother of three children: Rudolph,
Amelia and Elsie. Mr. Johnsen married, secondly, Anna Sjodin, to whom
were born the following children: Merton and Myrtle, twins; Anna and
Vivian. Andrew Johnsen is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, a
congregation which he has served as trustee. In politics, Mr. Johnsen is a
Democrat. Andrew Johnsen has been county commissioner since 1910 and
at one time served a term of five years as township assessor; he also served
on the township board from 1890 to 1910, and as treasurer of the school
board for six years.
For nearly thirty years Mr. Johnsen has been the agent for die Farmers
Mutual Insurance Company and he is now president of the Parkers Prairie
Co-operative Creamery Company.
TAMES H. SHEA.
To attain a position of trust in the financial world requires mental
faculties of a superior order and great strength of character. These ele-
ments of high citizenship have been combined in such a way in the character
of James H. Shea as to make him a constant recipient of public confidence.
He whose name initiate- ibis sketch was horn in Otter Tail county, in Rush
Lake township, on the 21st of May, 1876. He is the son of Martin Shea,
whose life history is presented elsewhere in this volume.
James H. Shea began his educational training- in the common schools
of Perham and completed his education in St. John's Univershy at College-
ville, Minnesota. Upon leaving school he became assistant postmaster at
Perham from [893 until [897. The following year he became interested in
the hardware business and was employed by \. Marckel. for whose hard-
ware firm he worked until 1Q02. He gained a wide experience in this line
360 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of work from January, 1902, until February. 1904, when he traveled for
the Marshall-Wells Hardware Company, through North Dakota. In 1904
Air. Shea entered in the employment of the bank at Perham and is now
acting as cashier of the State Bank of Perham, where his ability has received
marked recognition.
On the 12th of April, iqio, the marriage of James H. Shea and Anna
L. Flynn was solemnized. Anna (Flynn) Shea is the daughter of Daniel
and Mary ( Marmara) Flynn, who are well known in Meeker county. Mr.
and Mrs. Shea are members of the St. Henry's Catholic church, where they
attend regularly.
Mr. Shea is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, and lives up to the
highest ideals of the organization. In the social and business life of the
community in which he lives, Mr. Shea is looked upon as a man of engaging
personality, and he has a spirit of good fellowship which has won for him
many friends. Mr. Shea is a member of the Democratic party, and is treas-
urer of the citv of Perham.
HANS N. ARVIDSON.
Hans N. Arvidson, a prominent farmer of Parkers Prairie, should be
included among the men who represent that industry in this part of the
county. Born in Sweden on May 22, 1872, he is the son of Nels Olsen and
Margaret Jenson. both of whom were born in Sweden and came to America
in 1892, bringing with them all of their children excepting Christe, who is
deceased. Nels Olsen, who was a forester in Sweden, settled with his fam-
ily in Eastern township, near the present home of the subject of this sketch.
He and his wife, both of whom are dead, were the parents of thirteen chil-
dren, namely: Bengta, lng-ar, Ole, James (deceased), Botilda, Nils, Ellen,
Andrew, Hans. Charles, Mary, Christe (deceased) and another child, who
died in infancy. < If the living children only three are residents of localities
other than Eastern township.
Hans Arvidson was a school boy in Sweden up to his fifteenth year,
when he came with one brother and three sisters to live in this township.
Accustomed to hard work, he soon found employment as a farm laborer,
and in 1898 purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on which he
now lives. ( >n tlii- he has placed modern improvements and has become
successful as a raiser of Shorthorn cattle. In 1002 he added to his property
by the purchase of eighty acres in section 2< ). also in Eastern township.
After his arrival in this country he lived continuously in Otter Tail county
with the exception of two seasons in North Dakota, during his nineteenth
and twentieth years.
The ceremony which made Hans N. Arvidson and Sophia Anderson
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 361
man and wife took place on September 18, 1898. Airs. Arvidson, who is a
native of Sweden, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tuve Anderson, who
lived thirty years in America and from whom Mr. Arvidson purchased the
land which he added to his farm. Mr. Anderson later returned to Sweden,
where he now lives.
A large and interesting family grew up about Mr. and Mrs. Arvidson.
and the mother took pains to instruct them in the tenets of the Swedish
Lutheran denomination, to which she and her husband belong. The children
horn in this home are Clifford, Ruben, Gertrude, Henry, Rhinhart, Signa.
Alvin and Edna.
.Mr. Arvidson is at present chairman of the supervisors of this township
and has held this office for ten years. He is also a stockholder in the Joy
Creamery Company. A man who can hold a public office acceptably to him-
self and to the community for ten years is a man worthy of respect and
commendation. No public duty has ever been neglected by Mr. Arvidson,
who has also led an exemplary life, as is attested by the respect in which he
is held.
WILLIAM F. SMITH
One of the largest landowners of Inman township, Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, is William F. Smith, who owns five hundred and twenty acres in
Inman township, besides one hundred and twenty acres in Oak Valley town-
ship. Mr. Smith has been a resident of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, since
[Q02, a period of fourteen years, and bis present large holdings of farm real
estate are a splendid testimony, not only of his industry, but of bis knowl-
edge of farming and his careful business management.
William F. Smith was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, July 22, 1862.
His parents were William and Laura C. (Eulles) Smith, the former of
whom was born in 1S1S, and the latter in 1S22, in Massachusetts. They
came to Wisconsin about [845, and in 1873 moved to Buchanan, Iowa,
where Mr. Smith's father engaged in farming and where he died in rqoi.
(lis wife had died seven years prior to her husband's death, in 1894.
William F. Smith was reared in the village of Avon, Rock county.
Wisconsin, until be was eleven years old, when the family moved to Iowa,
where be lived on a farm until he was twenty-eight years old. At this time
the family moved to Hazelton, Iowa, and Mr. Smith was engaged in the
well business until 1902, when be moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
Here he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in sections 10
and 3. of Inman township. He has since added three hundred and twenty
acres, and now owns altogether six hundred and forty acres, all of which,
except one hundred and twenty acres, is situated in Inman township. The
362 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
other is situated in Oak Valley township. Air. Smith is a general farmer
and stockman and one of the most extensive farmers of this township.
In 1903 William F. Smith was married to Vmnie E. Tuffs, who was
born near Mason City, Iowa, and to them have been born six children, Vera,
William Glenn, Vernon Clifford, Lester Lowell, Inez and Theodore Mars-
don.
It can hardly be expected that a man who has been so busily engaged as
William F. Smith in farming, has had very much time for other things.
Nevertheless, he has taken an interest in educational affairs and is at present
a member of the local school board. His prominence in this community rests
more on his success as a farmer than on anything else. He has a host of
friends in lnman and Oak Valley townships, where he has come to be well
known.
GOTTLIEB MENGE.
Gottlieb Menge, prominent farmer and stock raiser of Oak Valley town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Winona county, Minnesota,
on April 3, 1877, tne son °* Fred and Fredericka (Lentzj Menge, natives
of Germany. Fred Menge came to America when eighteen years of age and
following his marriage in the state of Wisconsin, where he first located, he
settled in Winona county, Minnesota, on eighty acres of land which he pur-
chased in that county. In the year 1902, the elder Menge moved to Otter
Tail county, where he bought two hundred and forty acres of land in section
<S, Oak Valley township, and lived there until his death, in 1906. Fred and
Fredericka Menge were the parents of the following children: Herman,
John, Gottlieb. Amelia, Gusta, Minnie and Louise.
Gottlieb Menge was educated in the schools of his native county, after
which he went to the state of North Dakota and homesteaded a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he lived for three years and then
returned to Oak Valley township. In 11)03 Gottlieb Menge bought one
hundred ami sixty acres of land in lnman and Oak Valley townships, where
he lived for some time and then sold his land and bought the one-hundred-
and-sixty-acre farm of his father, a place which he greatly improved and to
which he added eighty acres of land, making the farm, where he now
engages in farming and stock raising, one of the best farms of the com-
munity.
In business and political circles Gottlieb Menge has taken an important
part. Mr. Menge is a stockholder of the Oak Valley Co-operative Creamery
Company, and in official life ha- served his community as treasurer of Oak
Valley township and for six years served a- clerk of the school board. He
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. }6 }
has also served as secretary of the Oak Valley Creamery Association since
the same started.
On November 24, 1904, Gottlieb Menge was married to Anna W'acholz,
who was born in Germany, the daughter of John and Caroline (Wahrmas-
ter) W'acholz. To the marriage of Gottlieb and Anna Menge have been born
four children, Florence, Elsie (deceased), Arnold and Erwin.
John W'acholz was born in Germany, November S, 1846, and his wife,
Caroline, was born in Germany, December 11, 1846. Following their mar-
riage, in 1872, John and Caroline came to America and settled in Winona
county, where they lived until 1905 and then moved to Otter Tail county.
On coming to Oak Valley township, where Mr. Wacholz had secured a
farm of eighty acres, at an earlier date, the family established a home on
their farm and after many improvements had one of the best farms of the
locality, where John Wacholz has since lived, his wife, Caroline, dying on
July 7, 1915. John and Caroline Wacholz are the parents of six children.
ALBERT R. KNUTSON.
Among the well-known fanners and prominent stock raisers of Erhards
Grove township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Albert R. Knutson, who
was born on the old Knutson homestead in Erhards Grove township, on
June 25, 1884, the son of August and Amanda (Anderson) Knutson,
natives of Sweden, the former born on September 28, 1854, and the latter
born on July 2, 1861.
August Knutson was the son of Knut and Botilda Nelson, who were
born in Sweden, where they lived until coming to America and settling, as
pioneers, in Erhards Grove township, where Knut Nelson homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cultivated for some time, selling
the land later to his son-in-law, P>. A. Bengtson, but continued living on the
farm until his death, on October 6. 1895. Botilda, the widow of Knut
Nelson, died on October 5, 1900. Amanda Knutson was the daughter of
Samuel and Lizzie (Swanson) \nderson, the former of whom lived and
died in Sweden. His wife, Lizzie, after Mr. Anderson's death, emigrated,
with the rest of her family, to the United States in the spring of 1876,
coming to Otter Tail. She married Carl Fogelberg there and died in the
year 1870. August Knutson came to ( »tter Tail county from Sweden in the
fall of 1875 and homesteaded eighty acres of land in section 14. Erhards
Grove township, where he lived as a farmer, adding- to his land until he
was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land at the time of his
death, in 1SS7. August and Amanda Knutson were the parents of three
children, Jennie, Alma and \lbert, all of whom are living. Amanda Knut-
364 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
son, after the death of her husband, August Knutson, was married to Noah
[ohnson, a native of Sweden, who came to America and now cultivates
eighty acres of land in sections to and 15, of Erhards Grove township.
Albert R. Knutson received his education in the common schools and
in the high school of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, after which he became a
student at the University of Minnesota, graduating from the school of agri-
culture in 10 u. Air. Knutson was then appointed assistant agricultural
agenl for the Great Northern agricultural extension division, an office which
he occupied for .me year. Later, Mr. Knutson went to Polk county, Minne-
sota, where lie served as county agricultural agent for six months, after
which he returned to the home farm, and. in partnership with his step-
father, he established a firm known as Johnson & Knutson. stock breeders
and dealers. As a stock dealer and raiser Mr. Knutson has been thoroughly
successful, the linn of which he is a member being the owners of some of
the finest cattle to lie found in the state, the herd consisting of purebred
Holsteins. as well as many high-grade animals of the same breed. Johnson
& Knutson are also breeders of Duroc-Jersey hogs, they making a specialty
of this stock, together with Holstein cattle.
ANDREW T. VIGEN.
Andrew T. Vigen, farmer, prominent citizen, man of affairs and legis-
lator, of Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Norway
on March 2, 1854, the son of Thrond E. and Lizzie A. (Stadum). natives
of Norway. Thrond E. Vigen came to America in 1S70. and located in
Eillmore count}', where he lived for two years and then moved to Otter
Tail county, where he homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres of land in
section 18, Erhards Grove township, a place which he cultivated until his
death, on June 7. 181 ,j. Lizzie A., the widow of Thrond E. Vigen, now
lives' with Mrs. Strinden, in Pelican Rapids, at the age of ninety years.
Thrond E. and Lizzie A. Vigen were the parents of the following children:
Mareii. who married Isaac Strinden, of Pelican Rapids; Andrew T., the
subject of this sketch, and Ingebret T.. a hardware and machinery dealer.
Lake Park.
Andrew T. Vigen was educated in the public schools of his native coun-
try and in the common schools of Fillmore county, Minnesota, after which
lie came to ( )tter Tail count) with bis parents and homesteaded eighty acres
in section 18, Erhards Grove township, a place to which he later added one
hundred and sixty acres, m Trondhjem township, and then bought forty
acres in Erhards Grove township and ten acres of timber land in the same
region. ( hi this land Andrew T. Vigen placed extensive improvements and
has since- engaged in general fanning and stock raising.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 365
On October 20, 1877, Andrew T. Vigen was married to Jorgina P.
Mitbo, who was born in Norway, November 29, 1857, the daughter of Peter
and Christina Mitbo, natives of Norway, who came to America and located
in Fayette county, Iowa, where they lived for four years and then, in 1870,
came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Peter Mitbo homesteaded a
farm of two hundred acres, on which he lived until his death, in 1904. To
the marriage of Andrew T. and Jorgina P. Vigen have been born the fol-
lowing children : Theodore, Anton, Lizzie Christena, Hilda, Edward, Anna,
Syvirin, Ottelia, Severine, James. Elmer and Wilhelm George. Mr. Vigen
and his family are active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Andrew T. Vigen is one of the best-known and honored citizens of
Otter Tail count}', he having taken a conspicuous part in the public life and
official circles (if township, county and state. Mr. Vigen has served his
township as supervisor, as clerk of the township, as clerk of the school board
and for many years as a member of the school board. In 1S88 Andrew T.
Vigen was appointed to fill a vacancy as county commissioner, he later, in
IQ07. being elected to the office, which he occupied for eight years. In 1894
Andrew T. Vigen was elected to a seat in the state Legislature, taking office
in [895 and serving two terms, being re-elected to that office in 1807. Mr.
Vigen is a stanch Progressive.
As a business man, Andrew T. Vigen is prominently affiliated, he being
a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company, a company which he was
instrumental in organizing.
OLAF ISAKSON.
Born in Sweden, March 8, 1876, Olaf Isakson, a successful farmer of
Inman township. Otter Tail county. .Minnesota, is a son of Isaac and Betsey
(Johnson) Isakson.
Mr. Isakson's parents were both natives of Sweden, who emigrated to
America, settling at Henning, Otter Tail county, in 1802. Mr. Isakson's
father died at Henning, in 1896, at the age of fifty-six years, and his mother
died in kmi. at the age of seventy-eight. They were the parents of six
children, as follow: John. Christine, who lives in Sweden; Ber^. Xels
( deceased I, Andrew and Olaf.
Olaf Isakson received his education in the public schools of his native
land, and in [893 came to America, settling at Henning, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota. Five years later he purchased eighty acres of land in section 12.
of Inman township, and since that time has cleared the farm, drained the
land and erected substantial and comfortable buildings on the place, all of
which arc kept in a very fine state of repair. Mr. Isakson is a general
366 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
fanner and stockman, and has met with a very commendable degree of
-access in his chosen calling.
In 1 90 1 Olaf Isakson was married to Anna Silverberg, who was born
on November 11, 1880, in Sweden, and who is a daughter of Nels and Anne
Silverberg. Airs. Isakson' s father died in 1885, at the age of forty-three,
and his widow is now living in Sweden, at the age of seventy-three years.
Olaf Isakson and wife are the parents of four children: Lillie. aged twelve;
Ned, deceased ; Lloyd, six years old, and Irwin, aged four.
Mr. Isakson is a member of the Deer Creek Shipping Association. He
has served as overseer of the roads of Inman township for several years,
and still holds this position. He and his wife are members of the Swedish
Lutheran church, in which they are deeply interested, and to the support of
which they are liberal contributors. In the community where he lives Mr.
Isakson is rated as one of the substantial and successful farmers of the
township, and is a most desirable and popular citizen.
HANS CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSEN.
Otter 1 ail county has been favored with many desirable men from
Scandinavian countries, men who, in the land of their adoption have taken
an important part in its public life and who in private lines of endeavor
have demonstrated their efficiency and their value as citizens of this countryr.
( )f this class and of this people is Hans Christian Christensen, who as a
good man and as a true citizen has won a place of prominence among the
masses of this county.
Hans Christian Christensen was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October
27-, 1871, the son of Lars and Karen (Hansen) Christiansen, both of whom
were natives of Denmark. Lars Christensen was born on Long Island, of
the province of Fyn, an island only four miles in circumference, which was
used as a game preserve for the royal family of Denmark and on which
island Lars Christensen was employed as a fisherman for the Danish royalty,
together with the privilege of farming on a few acres (Conder) of the place,
as compensation for his services, a position which was held by his father.
Christian Christensen, during his entire life, and who received his position
from an aunt, who had preceded him in the work. After some years living
on I ong Island. Lars Christensen, with two brothers, said good-by to seven
married sisters who remained in Denmark, and came to America with the
intention of joining a cousin at Cleveland, Ohio, an expectation which was
not realized, as on reaching the cit) of Cleveland they found that the cousin
had died. The three brothers then went to lrt. Wayne, Indiana, where one
In-other followed his trade as a mason and where the other brother engaged
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 367
in the trade of a cigar-maker, while Lars (Jhristensen learned the trade of a
carpenter, after which they returned to Cleveland, Ohio, and lived for a
time, when Jergen, the younger brother, went to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Tordensk-
jold township, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Thos, the other
brother, lived at the city of Cleveland until his death.
Lars Christensen, at this time, was married to Karen Hansen, who was
born at Moen, Denmark, and while a young woman came to America on a
sailboat, which as a result of cholera discovered on board, was held at quar-
antine in the port of New York for seven weeks (after several weeks in
crossing the ocean), during which time the passengers were not permitted
to land. On her release Karen Hansen went to Cleveland, Ohio, where,
after three years, she was married and then three years later Lars and Karen
Christensen went to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land in sections 17 and 20, of Tordenskjold township,
land which was unimproved, and as a carpenter Lars Christensen built a
small house and a log barn, structures which, greatly enlarged and improved,
are standing today. On October 27, 1881, Lars Christensen died, a victim
of tuberculosis, and later his widow married Jergen Christensen, the younger
brother of her deceased husband. Karen Christensen lived on the Christen-
sen farm until May 14, rcjli, when she died, she having survived her hus-
band, who was killed in a runaway, for twenty-one years. Lars Christen-
sen was the father of seven children : Johanna, who married Jens Nelson,
and who lives in Tordenskjold township; Hans Christian, the subject of this
sketch: Jens Peter, who died when sixteen years of age; Carl E., who is a
real-estate dealer of Underwood, Minnesota, and three children who died in
infancy.
Hans Christian Christensen received his education in the public schools
of his boyhood home, but as a result of the poor health of his father he
had to stay at home most of the time to assist his father, as a result of
which Hans C. Christensen is largely a self-educated man. As a young man
Hans Christian Christensen learned the carpenter's trade but later engaged
as a farmer and now cultivates about one-half of the original homestead in
Tordenskjold township.
During the year [903 Hans Christian Christensen was married to
Christina Robertson, who was born in Denmark, the daughter of DidlofT and
Margaret (Larsen) Robertson, who were natives of Denmark, and many
years ago came to America and settled in Clitherall township. Otter Tail
county. .Minnesota. To Hans Christian and Christina Christensen were born
the following children : Corn's, who died at the age of three months: Delora,
368 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
I [uldah, Lawrence, Marvin, who died when seventeen days old; Margaret
and Joyce.
For the past twenty years Mr. Christensen, in addition to his farming
pursuits has been engaged in the business of conducting a threshing machine
and in more recent years has been running a portable saw-mill, which he has
operated in many localities, until Hans C. Christensen is one of the best-
known men of agricultural activities in the county.
Hans Christian Christensen has not only been a busy and a successful
farmer but he has found time t>> serve bis township in the office of town
clerk for seven years, and in the office of clerk of the school district for
fourteen years. Mr. Christensen in politics is a Socialist. In church affilia-
tion. Hans Christian Christensen is active in the work of the Lutheran
church.
WILLIAM J. LEACH.
William J. Leach, the well-known superintendent of the Fergus Falls
waterworks, is a native of Westport, province of < hitario. Canada, where
he was born in 1856.
Mr. Leach is the son of Isaac J. and Minerva ( Robertson) Leach, the
former of whom was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was a
painter by trade. He emigrated to Canada when he was about twenty-one
year- old and there opened a shop where his business developed amazingly.
He did contract work for a number of years, or until 1861. when the family
moved to Rockford, Illinois, where they lived for some years. Afterward
they moved to Excelsior, Hennepin county, this state, where the father still
continued to work at his trade and where he spent the remainder of his life.
William J. Leach obtained his early education at Rockford, Illinois.
He left home when he was twenty years old and moved to Minneapolis,
where he worked at the Minneapolis reaper works for a time and was later
employed at the Lillybridge cracker shops. On Easter Sunday, 1882. Mr.
I. each arrived at Fergus Falls, this county, and his wife followed him two
weeks later. For a few months, Mr. Leach turned his hand to anything
that he could find to do. In 1883 he was employed with the pipe crew.
laying waterpipes for the city, and since that time has been continuously
employed in the city waterworks department, with the exception of five years
which were spent at Wahpeton, North Dakota, where lie was employed in
the construction of a waterworks plain. In [889 he returned to Fergus
Falls and was employed by C. D. Wright, who had charge of the water-
works at that time. When the waterworks were turned over to the city,
Mr. Leach continued in the employ of the corporation and is now the efficient
superintendent of the plant.
WILLIAM J I.L'ACI
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 369
Before going to Fergus Falls, Mr. Leach was married to Ida Raymond,
who was born in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas and Hannah
(Longdon) Raymond. The former was born in Rindge, New Hampshire,
and is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Leach, being in his eighty-sixth year.
His wife died in November, 1912. .Mr. and Mrs. Leach have two children,
Irene, who married Arthur L. Brown, and Florence, who is the wife of
Edwin Schow and has two children, Florence R. and Donald R.
In 1893 ^ir- Leach became a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He joined the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows in 1887 and is likewise a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
WTLLTA H. HARRIS.
Born in Stephenson county, Illinois, February 8, 1861, Willia H. Harris,
a successful farmer of Oak Valley township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
is the son of Christopher and Cyntha ( Hodgson) Harris. His father was
horn in Pennsylvania on January 20, 1818, and his mother in Ohio, Febru-
ary 14. 1822. Christopher Harris emigrated from Luzern county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he was born, to Ohio, when he was a young man. He settled
in Delaware county in 1838 and, after his marriage in that county,* moved
to Franklin county. Illinois, in 185 1. and then to St. Paul. Minnesota, in
1855. where he pre-empted a claim where the city of Rosemount is now
located. Later he returned to Illinois, but came back to Minnesota and
settled at Rosemount. where he lived for seven years. He then moved to
Oak Valley township. Otter Tail county, in 1878, and took a homestead of
eighty acres in section 24, of this township, which his son now owns. He
improved this farm and lived upon it until his death, on August 11. 1802.
His widow died on the old homestead farm on September 27. 1893. They
had a family of eight children, as follow: Jane, born on November 26,
[841; Harriet. February 14, 1844; Monroe, November 15. 1845: Marcella,
(•ctclier [3, [849; Caroline, October 10, 1851; Martha, October io, [854;
Willia H. the subject of this sketch, and Josephine, June 13, 1862.
Willia H. Harris was reared on his father's farm and educated in the
schools of Rosentont, Minnesota, and the public schools of Stephenson
county. Illinois. lie was seventeen years old when the family moved to
(liter Tail county, Minnesota, lie agisted his father on the old home farm
and later purchased eighty acres in Todd county, Minnesota, In 1911 Mr.
Harris purchased eighty acres adjoining his original farm, and in 1913
built a good barn and a splendid residence. In 1914 he built a large granary.
(24b)
2,jn OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and in mi 5 he built another large barn, thirty- four by seventy feet. The
buildings are all painted and his farm is kept in a good state of repair.
On October 26, 1884, Willia H. Harris was married to Lillie Flora
Marshall, who was bom in Wright county, Iowa. January 21, [868, and
who is the daughter of Rasmus and Elizabeth (Caldwell) Marshall. Mrs.
Harris' father was born in Denmark on September 26, 1833. and her mother
mi June 22, [845. They were married in Iowa. Her mother died in Iowa,
September 10, 1N71. There were two children horn to this marriage, Lillie
Flora and Lydia Ann, born on February 4, [870. Mrs. Harris's father
moved to Todd county, Minnesota, in 1875 and took a homestead of one
hundred and sixty acres. He has served three years in the Civil War and
owned property in Wadena, where he lived for three years. He died, how-
ever, on the old homestead on September 11, ton. By his second marriage,
to Laura Nelson, there were horn four children, Anna, Minnie. William and
Frank.
Mr. and Mrs. Willia H. Harris have been the parents of nine children:
Frank Monroe, born on October 12, 1885; Charles Eugene, July 29, 1S87;
Crace Luella, July 25, [889; Roy Wilbur, March [2, 1892; Earl Clifford,
November 25, [894; Hazel Blanche, July 26, [897, died in infancy: Harold
William, October 5. [899; Floyd Ralph, September 4. 1902; and Miriam
Lee, April 24, [906.
Mr. Harris has never aspired to office and has never been especially
active in politics. He has devoted his life and his energy to farming and
his ability to apply himself to his chosen vocation, no doubt, is responsible
for a large measure of his success. Mr. and Mrs. Harris and family attend
the Cnited Brethren church.
ADOLPH SCHMTTZ.
Proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Bluffton town-
ship, Otter Tad county, and a man prominent in the political circles of
Bluffton township, having served three terms as supervisor, two years as
clerk and at the present time as justice of the peace of that township — por-
trays in a very brief maner the life accomplishments of the person whose
name forms the caption of this biographical sketch, as well as being an index
of the esteem and respect which be has commanded for himself in his com-
munity.
\dolpli Schmitz was born mi September 27. 1856, in Dane county,
Wisconsin, the sun of Joseph and Annie (Buyschal) Schmitz, both natives
of the province of Prussia. Germany, the former born on December 24.
1808. and the latter on \pril 28, iS_-N. Each came to \111erica unmarried
I'orXTY. MIX XKSOT \.
and settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where it chanced they became
acquainted and, the acquaintanceship developing in love, were married. Soon
thereafter they removed to Dane county, Wisconsin, where, after purchas-
ing one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land, they set about to clear
and improve the land and to engage in husbandry. For the remainder of
their lives, Joseph and Annie (Bnyschal) Schmitz lived lived on this farm
and reared their children. He passed away in 1888, at a mature age, and
she. surviving her husband many years, passed away on February 14. 1914.
at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. To this devoted couple there were
born twelve children, namely: Celia, the widow of Henry Ganser, who lives
at Sauk City, Wisconsin; Nicholas, a laborer, who died in Wisconsin at the
age of thirty-five years; Margaret, the wife of Anton Kirschner, who died
on the home farm; Joseph, a farmer of Sparta, Wisconsin; Adolph, the
subject of this sketch; Alary, the wife of a Mr. Foose, who lives in Madison,
Wisconsin; Annie, the wife of Hubert Lombardy, who lives at Lodi, Wis-
consin; Theresa, the wife of Charles Strangt, who lives at Charles City,
Iowa; Barbara, who married a Mr. Kelly, and also lives at Charles City,
Iowa; John, who lives on the homestead farm in Dane county; Mat, a car-
penter, of Waunakee, Wisconsin, and Frank, a carpenter of Sauk City,
Wisconsin. Both Joseph and Annie ( Buyschal) Schmitz were devoted mem-
bers of the Catholic church.
Reared on his father's farm and receiving a good education in German
and English public schools, Adolph Schmitz, upon attaining his majority,
learned the mason's trade, which trade he has followed intermittently up to
the present time. In 1879 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved and heavily tim-
bered land. After erecting a log house upon the same site where the present
farm dwellings are situated, he began to clear his land and to break the soil.
Continuing the process of clearing, Mr. Schmitz now possesses seventv acres
of cleared land besides the remainder of the one hundred and sixty acre
tract which is in meadow and timber land. In 1909 the present farm home
was erected. Being interested in live stock, Mr. Schmitz has made a
Specialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle and keeps from fifteen to twenty head
of cattle on his farm.
On April 20, r88o, Adolph Schmitz was united in marriage to Mary
Welsch, a native of Dane county, Wisconsin, and the daughter of John
and Flizabeth ( Mertans ) Welsch, the former of whom died in 1890,
as a result of severe injuries received from a bull, and the latter of whom
is still living in Sauk county. Wisconsin, at the age of eighty-nine years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz have been born twelve children, as follow:
Annie, the wife of Bert Lamb, who lives in the state of Washington; Mary,
37J OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the wife of Christ Thompson, who lives in Staples, Minnesota; Theresa,
the wife of Kinif James, who resides in Bluffton township; Mat, who lives
at home with his parents; Lena, the wife of John Hanson, who resides at
Nashwauk, Minnesota; Julia, the wife of Joseph Ertz, who resides in Bluff-
ton township; Joe, a carpenter, living at home with his parents; Susanna,
the wife of Watson Overstreet, who lives at Nashwauk, Minnesota; Lizzie,
John, Katie and Henry, who live at home with their parents.
A successful farmer, devoted husband and parent who has reared his
large family of children to lives of usefulness. Adolph Schmitz has done
more than attend to his agricultural and family interests, having ever been
solicitous of the social conditions of his community. As a Republican he
has served Bluffton township creditably and well as supervisor for three
terms, township clerk for two years and now is justice of the peace. He
and his beloved wife have also been influential in religious affairs and have
been devoted members of the Catholic church.
GEORGE W. STOKES.
Born in England, February 21, 1862, George W. Stokes, a successful
farmer of Oak Valley township, is the son of George and Anna H. (Mudg)
Stokes. Mr. Stokes's parents were both natives of England. His father
was born in 1830 and his mother in 1828. They were married in England
and in 1864 the father came to New York. He was followed by the family
in 1867, and in 1880 the)' emigrated to Minnesota and. on February 21. 1880,
settled at Wadena. Later on in the year they came to Oak Valley township,
Otter Tail county, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, one hun-
dred and twenty acres of which was in section 6, of Woodside township
and forty acres in section 32, of Oak Valley township. Here the father
lived until his death. The mother died on May 31, [9x2. They had a
family of six children: Grace, who married Benjamin Costen, of Hewitt,
Minnesota; Elizabeth, who married John Biggs, of Wadena; George \\'..
who is the subject of this sketch; Jane, who is the wife of Barney Sanders.
of Park Rapids, Minnesota: Katie, who was the wife of Mike Snodgrass,
both now deceased, and Edward, who lives in Canada.
George W. Stokes was reared on a farm until he was nine years old
and was educated in the public schools of New York state. He accompanied
his parent^ to Wadena county and a little later to Oak Willey township.
Otter Tail county. Mr. Stoke- purchased forty acres of land where he now
lives and which is situated in section 32. He later added eighty acres to his
original farm and has erected substantial buildings on the farm. In 1915
he built a Hue barn, thirty-two bv fifty feet. Mr. Stokes is a general fanner
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 373
and stockman, and has been prominent in the agricultural life of Oak Valley
township for many years. He is a stockholder in the Oak Valley Creamery
Company and in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company of Hewitt.
In 1 886 George W. Stokes was married to Eliza Irons, who was born
in 1869, in England, and who was the daughter of William and Anna Irons.
Mrs. Stokes's parents came from England to America in 1886 and located
eventually in Oak Valley township, in section 32. They purchased forty
acres of land and here they lived for a number of years. Mrs. Stokes's
father is deceased, but her mother is still living. At the time of her death,
in 1902, Mrs. Stokes left six children, Albert, Ernest, Joseph, Roy, Rose and
Ralph. One child. Leo, had previously died. In 1903 Mr. Stokes was
married, secondly, to May Hubbard, who was born in Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, and who was the daughter of Frank and Anna Hubbard, now of
Oak Valley township. By this second marriage there was born one son,
Fred, who died in infancy, September 27, 1004. Mrs. May Stokes died in
September, tqo6.
George W. Stokes has served as a member of the school board, but is
not now a member. He has never aspired to office. Nevertheless, Mr. Stokes
enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and the respect and
admiration of those who know him for his worth as a man and citizen.
JOHN C. JOHNSON.
A prosperous and well-known farmer of Bluffton township, the pro-
prietor of a farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres of contiguous
land equipped with a beautiful house and barn, director of both the tele-
phone company and creamery at Wadena, chairman of the board of super-
visors of Bluffton township for the last fifteen years and a man who has
served as school director — stand as evidence of the energy and thrift, of the
eminent success and of the high regard and esteem with which the people
of Bluffton township and Otter Tail county regard the man whose name
heads this biographical review.
John C. Johnson was born in Skane, Sweden, on January 28, 1859.
the son of John and Annie (Nelson) Johnson, both of whom were bom
and reared in Skane, the former both on June 21, 1821. and the latter on
October 12, 1824. The parents were married, lived and reared their chil-
dren to manhood and womanhood in their native village, the father being a
laborer by occupation. In 1883. however, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson left their
native land and emigrated' to the United States to the United States in order
t<i spend their declining; years with their son, John O, who two years pre-
viously left the parental roof and came to America. Annie 1 Nelson) John-
son died two years after her arrival in the United States, in 1885. at Rock-
^74 UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ford, Illinois, where her remains were buried. John Nelson survived his
wife many years, passing away in 191 2, in Bluft'tun township, his remains
being buried at Wadena, Minnesota. To Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson were
horn four children, as follow: Emma, who married Andrew Hanson, lives
in Bluffton township; Betsey, the wife of Nils Nelson, lives in Sweden;
John C. is the subject of this sketch, and Andrew died cpiite young in
Sweden.
John C. Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native land
and at an early age learned farming. In 1881 he emigrated to America and
settled near Rockford, Illinois, where he at first worked on neighboring
farms but later became a renter. He remained in Illinois during the next
fourteen years, or until 1895, when he came to Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, and bought one hundred and twenty acres of wild, unbroken land in
section 21, of Bluffton township. Like many another farmer now living
in this section of Minnesota, he began to clear his land of brush and timber.
to break the soil, and to build a log cabin and barn to serve as the pioneer
home. Later he added two hundred acres until he now owns a farm of
three hundred and twenty acres, all lying in a contiguous body and highly
improved. Mr. Johnson continued the process of improvement and in 1915
erected a magnificent barn and other buildings, the barn being one hundred
and twenty feet long and thirty feet wide and equipped with every modern
convenience, hay sling and fork and large enough to shelter sixty head of
cattle, sixteen head of horses and one hundred and twenty tons of hay.
Both the house and barn are equipped with electric lights generated by an
electric light plant located on the farm. He also has a waterworks which
makes possible the furnishing of the house with modern plumbing fixtures.
The water is compressed in a tank located in the cellar. Mr. Johnson also
owns an automobile which insures rapid transit and conserves a great deal
of time. All in all. Mr. Johnson enjoys all the conveniences of modern
life and is reaping the fruits of his labor. Mr. Johnson is deeply inter-
ested in high grade stock and, though formerly a breeder of Durham cattle,
now keeps a fine herd of Holstein cattle as well as Duroc-Jersey hogs.
In 1882 John C. Johnson was married to Christena Tornstrand. a
native of Sweden. To this happy union there have been bom nine children,
as follow: Oscar is at home with his parents; Edna married Allen Keller-
man and lives in Bluffton township; Edwin died at the age of fourteen:
Ella married Victor Marine and lives in Minneapolis: Emma married Albert
Schwartz and lives at Wadena; Julius. Ester, John and Edith live at home
w itb their parents.
lohn C. Johnson has always taken an active part in the civic and social
lifi of lii- community. More or less independent in politics, he has served
OTTER TAIL COUNTY., MINNESOTA. T,J$
as school director and as chairman of the board of supervisors of Bluft'ton
township, serving both positions to the utmost satisfaction of his constitu-
ency. He plays no small part in the commercial circles of Bluff ton town-
ship, being both director of the telephone company and of the creamery of
Wadena. Raised as a supporter of the Lutheran faith, he still supports this
denomination and takes an active part in church affairs.
AIMS. MARTHA (HILDEN) LARSON.
The life of Airs. .Martha Larson has exerted an influence which has
been uplifting as well as sympathetic upon those with whom she came in
contact. As a valuable companion of her husband, during the days of his
early struggles in the uncultivated sections of Minnesota, she proved to he
a woman of rare wisdom, firm convictions and true sympathy. The suc-
cess attained by her husband was attributed by him to the efforts of his wife,
whose presence and advice lent inspiration to his business endeavors. Those
who had the good fortune to know Airs. Larson, speak of her as a woman
whose life was full to the brim. Her usefulness has extended along various
lines until she can truthfully be classed with those women whose descend-
ants "rise up and call them blessed."
The birthplace of Martha Hilden was at Holland, Norway, where she
was born on the Qth of February, 1X47. She was the daughter of Johannes
Hilden, a resident of Norway, who spent the greater part of his life as a
farmer in that country, where he is now buried. The aim Martha Hilden
had in coming to this country was to join her brother. Peter, who was
located in Goodhue county, .Minnesota She arrived in that section of the
country on the 4th of July. 1868, where she lived with her brother until the
7th of November, 1N70, when her marriage to Ole Swensen, also a native
of Norway, took place.
Shortlv after their marriage. Mr, and Mrs. Swenson came to Otter
Tail count)', Minnesota, where they homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Clitherall township, located in section 18. The land was
a wilderness covered with timber and underbrush and the task of removing
the growth of vegetation was both difficult and dangerous. The toilers
were left upon their own resources, and as the community was only scantily
inhabited, assistance could be obtained only after delayed communication.
It was in the capacity as a farmer's wife that Mrs. Swensen proved her
greatest worth. She and her husband were obliged to live in a dugout for
two years, until they were able to erect a log house, which, in part, is still
standing on the farm, a landmark of the early privations endured by the
pioneers. After their struggles had terminated in enjoyment and pros-
perity, Airs. Swenson losl her husband on the jrd of .May. [886, His
3/6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
death occurred shortly after he had reached his thirty-eighth year. He and
his wife were devout members of the Norwegian Synod church, and among
its first members.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Swenson, the following children were
born: Mary, who died at the age of eleven years; John, who passed away
at the age of twenty-five years; Helma, who married Harold Halvorson.
and who resides at Henning, Minnesota; Alfred, who died in infancy;
Mary i Airs. Carl Gilbertson), who resides near Battle Lake; Jtdia, who
makes her home with her mother, and Lottie, who is also at home.
On the 17th of November, [889, Mrs. Swenson became the wife of
Andrew Larson, a native of Eidswold, Norway, who came to America about
1868, where he lived for a time in Goodhue county. Minnesota. Upon his
arrival in Otter Tail county he took a homestead claim on one hundred and
sixty acres in sections 21 and 28. in Qitherall township. At the time of
his meeting with A.Irs. Swenson, Mr. Larson had five children, who were
born to his marriage to Mrs. Martha Paulson, a widow, who passed away
in 1888. The children who survived Mrs. Martha Larson are: Mary
(Mrs. Albert Beardslev). a resident of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Clara,
the wife of Francis Vennerstrom, who lives in White Fish, Montana;
Alfred, of New Eflington, South Dakota; Amanda, who married Clarence
Rolandson, of Fergus Falls, and Martha who makes her home with an aunt
in Dakota. One child Louis, died in infancy.
After his marriage to Mrs. Swenson, Mr. Larson took full charge of
the homestead at Battle Lake, where he proved his ability to meet the prob-
lems of agricultural life with courage and strength of will. He worked
unceasingly upon improvements on the land. He built a large barn, cleared
large tracts of land surrounding the place and before his death bought one
hundred and thirty-three acres joining the original farm, located in section
7. Mr. Larson was a man of progressive spirit, high ideals and force of
character. At the time of his death he was interested in many lines of
farm work and enjoyed a wide and popular acquaintance among the citizens
of the community in which he lived. In his political interests he was a
Republican. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in
whose welfare he took a keen interest. Mr. Larson passed away on the
3rd of January, 1907, and after that his wife continued to live a retired
life on the farm, to the excellent state of cultivation of which she so gener-
ously contributed in former years. Her life was, on account of its useful-
ness, singularly happy and beautiful and the memory of her good works will
be cherished by those children for whom she sacrificed many pleasures.
By her union with Mr. Larson, the subject of this sketch became the
mother of tin- two children. Louis, who lives on the home place, which be
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ?>77
manages most successfully, is interested in the breeding of Holstein cattle
and Poland China hogs. His brother, Clarence, assists him in the farm
work.
Mrs. Martha (Hilden) Larson passed away on the iSth of August,.
1913, and is buried in the Norwegian Lutheran cemetery.
JENS NELSON.
One of the venerable citizens and successful farmers of Clitherall town-
ship. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is Jens Nelson, who was born at Skane,
Sweden July 21, 1831. He is the son of Nels and Elsie Okeson. who
spent their entire lives in Sweden. The father was a farmer and land-
owner, and was born in 1804. his death occurring in 1851. His wife was
born in 1808 and died in 1869. They were earnest and devoted members
of the Lutheran church and were the parents of a family of eight children.
Of the children born to Xels and Elsie Okeson. Oke was born in 1826 r
Nels in 1827; John, who was born in 1830. is a farmer of Clitherall town-
ship; Peter born in 1833, was also a farmer in Clitherall township until his
death in 10,13; Burnet was born in 1830; Anna, who was born in [839,
married Nels Matheson, and died in Denmark: Louis, horn in 1842, died
at the age of seventeen years; Frank, the youngest, was born in 1845.
Jens Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native country,
and after his marriage and the birth of four children, and the death of one,
emigrated to America in 1870, making the voyage on a steamship. Upon
the arrival of the Nelson family in the United States, they settled at Litch-
field, Minnesota, where they lived for one year, when they moved to Otter-
Tail county, where they homesteaded one hundred and siNty acres of land in
Clitherall township The land was largely covered with timber. Mr. Nel-
son started life in the new country by constructing a dugout, but in 1878'
built a log house, which- is still standing, and which is still used as a
residence.
Jens Nelson was married in his native land to Elna Anderson and to
this union have been born, ten children: Nels, who died at the age of three
in Sweden; Andrew, who died at Moorhead, Minnesota, at the age of six-
teen; Johanna, the wife of Charles Larson, lives at Liberty, Canada; Emma,
the wife of William Curinger, lives at Cass Lake. Minnesota; John, who
died at the age of eleven ; Frank \.. who is referred to later on in this sketch,
lives at home and operates the home farm; Ella, who died at the age of
nineteen; August, a resident of Lunds Valley, is a wheat buyer; Ida, the
wife of William McCormick, lives at Minot, North Dakota; \manda. the
wife of \11toi1 Morrau. lives at Delaware, North Dakota.
( )f these children. Frank V, who was born on the farm where he now
378 OTTER TAIL riU'VTY MINNESOTA;
lives, and which he now operates, was educated in the public schools of his
home township, and reared to the life of a fanner. Since he was old
enough he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and during the past
eight or ten years, has rented the farm of his father. He is a Democrat in
polities, and is a constable in Clitherall township.
Jens Nelson was i nc of the founders of the Swedish Lutheran church
111 Clitherall township, of which his family are devoted and earnest members.
FRITZ LUEDERS.
It means much for the young man to sever the ties of home, to leave
his native land for the uncertainties of a new world, here to establish a
new home and meet the requirements of a new condition. To make a, suc-
cess of his work, means much hard work and good judgment. Many of
the Old World boys and young men have succeeded in America, but only
by strict application and hard work. The German coming to this country,
comes with the desire and determination to meet with success and make a
home worthy of his efforts.
Fritz Lueders, sun of John and Margretta (Thalman) Lueders, was
horn in Germany on June 24, 1N50. John and Margretta Lueders were
life-long residents of Hanover. Germany. The family were members of
the German Lutheran church. John and Margretta Lueders were the par-
ents of the following children: Herman. Mary. Dora and Fritz. Herman.
Mary and Fritz came to this country, while Dora remained in the home-
land.
Fritz Lueders was educated in the schools of Germany. As a young
man he came to America <>n March _>_>. 1881. and landed in Xew York, but
M« in resumed his journey to Brown county. Minnesota. Here he worked
for others fur a year and. later, he worked in Sibley county, Minnesota,
for seven months. After this, he visited the home in his native land, bir
two months. On returning to America he located in Otter Tail county,
purchasing three hundred and eighty acres of land one-half mile northwest
of Otter Tail.
Fritz Lueders was muted in marriage to Dura Hunkers, the daughter
•of Henry Hunkers, and to this union has been born the following children.
Henry. Fred, Ella, Herman, George, Olga and Martha. Henry, Fred and
Ella are married and have homes of their own.
Mr. Lueders lias reclaimed his farm from a wild state to a beautiful
country home. He has a large and modern house, two large barns, silo, and
other buildings and sheds necessan to a well-kept farm estate. Mr. Lueders
has held the important office of school treasurer L>r twentj years, and treas
urer <ii tin- township for ten years. He and his family arc active members
oi the 1 lerman Lutheran church ai < Itter Tail.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 379
OLE O. HOVLAND.
For over a half century, Minnesota and her agricultural opportunities
have been extolled in other lands, and to her farms have come people of
every country. The industrious, thrifty Norwegian has been among the
settlers, and in almost every instance he has come fully prepared for self-
support and for assuming the responsibilities of citizenship. One who
represents most broadly this strong element in American citizenship, is Ole
O. Hovland, who after many years of a busy life is able to look back upon
his accomplishments with satisfaction. He was born in Hadeland, Nor-
way, on December 17. 1837. and is the son of Ole Hanson and Joran Oles-
datter.
The parents of Ole Hovland were born in Norway and spent most of
their married life in the country of their nativity. Their last days, how-
ever, were spent in America, on the farm owned by their son, Nels Hov-
land. in Trondhjem township, where the father died in 1888, and the mother
passed away in 1893. They reared a large family, of whom the following
information is given: Gilbert, a farmer, is now residing in Wert county.
Iowa; Hans, who died in Iowa, was also a' farmer; Ole is the subject of
tlii- sketch; Syver lives in Trondhjem township, where he has a farm;
Nels lives near Lawndale, in Wilkin county, and Otto is a farmer in Trondh-
jem township.
The educational advantages received by Ole Hovland were, according
to the customs of that locality and period, extremely meager. The prin-
cipal lessons of his life were gained in the early years during his boyhood
on the farm in Norway. The remarkable fact of his career is that with so
small a fund of educational resources, he was able to cope with the problems
of an independent life in this country and win success. In 1867 he came
to America, a journey that covered a period of over seven weeks. He set-
tled in Winisheik county. Iowa, where he lived for four years, working as
a farmer. In 1871 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in a covered
wagon drawn by a team of oxen. In this county, he began the task of
homesteading one hundred and twenty acres of land located in section 26
of Trondhjem township. The land was wild prairie and the task of break-
ing ii] j the soil and cutting the timber was the first to he considered. A
log house was built by Mr. Hovland during his first months of residence on
the place and there he lived until [883, when he purchased two hundred acre-
in section 25 of the same township. lie moved upon this land where he
now resides. The farm represents a large investment of modern improve-
ments and is devoted exclusively to general farming. Mr. Hovland sold
the homestead a few years ago to his son Olans, and after his retirement
in 1007. rented pari of the land to his son, Lewis.
380 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Hovland has not been content to work in just one field of enter-
prise, but has reached out into broader interests where his influence has been
lasting for the welfare of the community. For a number of years he acted
as school treasurer and was active as road supervisor for some time. He
has always been an ardent member of the Synod Lutheran church, in which
congregation his wife is also a valuable assistant.
On November 14. 1863, the marriage of Ole Hovland to Anna Teslo,
a native of Norway, took place. She is a daughter of Arne and Annie
(Wika) Teslo. Norwegians by birth, who died in their native land. Mrs.
Hovland was born on September 14, 1840, in the same community where
her husband spent his childhood. In 1913, fifty years after their marriage,
Mr. and Mrs. Holland celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, amid
much rejoicing and among a group of old and intimate acquaintances.
The celebration was a fitting climax to fifty years of patient toil, devotion
to duty and true home building. The following children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Hovland: Julia married O. J. Aamodt and later died in Barnes-
ville. Minnesota; Mary, who lives near Barnesville, became the wife of A.
P. Stadum. and after his death married Ole Stone; Olans lives on his
father's homestead: Anton, a farmer, resides in North Dakota: Thea, the
wife of O. S. Osten, lives in Norwegian Grove township; Lewis manages
part of his father's estate and has never married: Sophia, the widow of A.
11. Kittelson, lives in Norwegian Grove township: John, who follows fann-
ing resides near Stampede, North Dakota; Minnie, the wife of O. B. Ulsrud,
lives in Columbus, North Dakota; C. Edwin, a banker, lives in Cotone.
North Dakota; Ida I Mrs. A. O. Sommerness), is residing in Columbus.
North Dakota; tda Caroline died at the age of four years, and Oliver died
at the age of seven.
HANS LARSON.
Hans Larson, well-known farmer and highly-respected citizen of Amor
township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was bom in Sweden, on August
10. 1X64. the son of bar-, and Hannah (Olson) Hanson, both of whom
were born in Sweden. Lars Hanson came to America in 1889, and located
in Otter Tail county, where he joined his son, Hans, who had preceded him
a short time. Lars Hanson now lives at Battle Lake, having retired from
more active life, bars and Hannah Hanson were the parents of four chil-
dren, Lewis, Xels. Olef and Hans. Hannah, the wife of Lars Hanson died
on September 7. 1014. Hans Hanson is one of the well and favorably
known citizens of his community, taking an active interest in all useful
matters for the promotion of the life and interests of his locality. The
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 381
elder Hanson is especially interested in the Swedish Lutheran church, of
Amor, of which he is a leading member.
Hans Larson was educated in the common schools of Sweden, after
which he came to America, in 1888. and located in Otter Tail county, fol-
lowing a short time in St. Paul. Minnesota. In the year 1891, Mr. Larson
bought a farm in Amor township, a place to which he later added forty
acres of land, and a farm on which he now lives as a general farmer.
On July 12, 1893, Hans Larson was married to Emily Lundstrom,
who was born in Otter Tail county, on August 8, 1874, the daughter of
A. O. Lundstrom and wife, natives of Sweden, who came to America and
homesteaded a farm in Clitherall township, Otter Tail county, where they
now live. To the marriage of Hans and Emily Larson have been born
three children, Amy, Lawrence and Edith, the former of whom is married
to Rex H. Sanders, of Bismarck, North Dakota. Hans Larson and his
family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in which he is a
prominent member, he for many years having been teacher of the Sunday
school of this church.
TOHN T. TOMHAVE.
John J. Tomhave is one of the representative agriculturists of Carlisle
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his life is typical of the pro-
gressive spirit of the community. He is a native of Germany, where his
birth occurred on July 27, 1858. He is the son of John Tomhave and a
brother of George E. Tomhave. of Fergus Ealls township, Otter Tail county.
John J. Tomhave received his education in the schools of Germanv, Fonte-
nac. Wisconsin and in Fergus Falls. As a young man his time was devoted
to the vocation of masonry, which trade was also followed by his father.
In 1884 Mr. Tomhave became interested in agriculture and purchased
a farm in Carlisle township on which he has since remained. With the
exception of one winter, he has lived his entire life in this locality since his
arrival in America. I lis first farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres.
located in section 27, ( Carlisle township, hut he has increased his holdings
until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, all in this township.
IK also owns eighty acres in section 30, Fergus Falls township, about
twenty-one acres in the city of Fergus halls, locate. I in the third ward and
twelve and one-half acres of timber land in section 28, Elizabeth township.
Otter Tail county, llis agricultural operations consists in general farming
and the place is well improved.
John J. Tomhave was united in marriage to Carlena Schmidt, daughter
of Ludwig Schmidt, and they are the parents of seven children whose names
follow: Louis A.. Mary, Emelia, Clara, lohn, Bertha and Albert, fohn
382 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
I. Tomhave and his wife are members of the German Evangelical church,
of which denomination lie is the treasurer. Politically, he is affiliated with
the Republican party and has served as clerk of the school board. He is
also a member of the Sons of Herman and is at present supervisor of
Carlisle township, Otter Tail county.
NELS M. NELSON.
To record the personal career of men who have raised themselves from
humble circumstances to positions of responsibility and trust in a community,
is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success
by reason of their personal qualities and who have impressed their indi-
viduality upon the business development and agricultural life of their com-
munity, have an important influence upon such institutions as have come
within the sphere of their usefulness. Of such, we have the unquestionable
right to say is Xels M. Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township
Mr. Nelson was hum mi April 4, 1885, in Aurdal township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, on his father's old homestead farm. He is the son of
Xels E. and Methe (1 lallan i Nelson, who came to America from Norway.
Mr. Nelson's father was horn in Norway on December \~. 1844, and his
mother in the same country on January 6, 1850. Nels E. Nelson, who
passed away in this township and count), in [909, was the son of Ingebret
and \aste Nelson, both of whom were natives of Norway, who settled in
Aurdal township, Otter Tail county, in 1868. They took a homestead farm
of one hundred and sixty acres in this township and here spent the balance
of their lives. Before coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Nelson's father
had lived for a time in Goodhue county. He was a typical pioneer of this
section, who took a great interest in public improvements. He had one
of the best farms in this part of Otter Tail county. Manx years before his
death, he erected a magnificent brick house, made of bricks burned on the
farm. His wife, now a widow, is still living on the old farm. Mr. and
Mrs. Nels E. Nelson were the parents of three children. \nna, Nels and
Henry 1'. Hie Nelsons have always been identified with the Lutheran
church and have always keen prominent in religious affairs.
Nels M. Nelson, who was reared on his father's old home farm, was
educated in the public schools of his home community and. during his boy-
hood and youth, performed the tasks which generally fall to the lot of the
average country boy. In 1 < > 1 j . Mr. Nelson bought the Martin Halverson
farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of splendid land. He is a
general farmer and stock man and has been very successful, although he is
a young man and has many years before him in which to work out his life's
success.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 383
On October 25, [909, Nels M. Nelson was married to Anna Golberg,
who was born in Olmstead county, Minnesota, in 1889, and who is the
daughter of Endrew O. and Mary Golberg. \fter living for many years
in Olmstead county, Minnesota, they came to Otter Tail county, about 1900
and are now residents of Sverdrup township. Mr and Mrs. Xels M. Nel-
son have two children. Norris and, Kenneth.
Mr. Nelson has always been independent in politics. He cares more
for measures and men than he does for parties and party emblems. Be-
llas served in many positions of trust and responsibility, especially positions
of local trust. For a number of year-, he was a supervisor of Aurdal town-
ship and, for three years, was chairman of the hoard. He has also served
as a memher of the school hoard and as clerk of the hoard. Mr. and Mr-.
Nels M Nelson are members of the Lutheran church.
GF.ORGK R. KAPLER
George R. Kapler is one of the well-known and representative citizens
of Perham. Otter Tail cottnty, Minnesota, ami his influence has heen a
dominant factor in the development of the locality.' He is one of ten chil-
dren horn to the union of 0. and Barbara (Bachel) Kapler, natives of
Wittenburg, Germany, and Iowa, respectively.
< ). Kapler was horn in 1 84 1 and immigrated to America 111 1S52. He
immediately located on a farm in Winneshiek county. Iowa, and at the age
of twenty years enlisted in Company C, Twenty-first Iowa Regular Infantry,
and served throughout the Civil War. lie became commissary sergeant
and was in the battle of Vicksburg and Gettysburg, as well as in many other-.
receiving many wounds, one of which caused his death in after years. At
the close of the war he returned to Iowa and shortly afterward married
Barbara Bachel, who is still living. To them were bom the following chil-
dren. George, Caroline, Rose. Anna. Louise, Regena, Frank. Gertrude, and
two other- who died in infancy. From the time of his marriage, 0. Kapler
resided in Snillville, Winneshiek county, Iowa, until his death on September
1, 1912. Most of the lime he practiced law. hut operated a hotel a- well.
Religiously, he was a memher of the Catholic church.
George R. Kapler was horn on November 7. [866, in Spillville, Winne-
shiek county. Iowa, and received hi- education in the schools of that town.
In the fall of 1SS5 he removed to North Dakota, where he was engaged in
the capacity of dry-goods clerk until [896, at which time he transferred his
services to the firm of Wyman Partridge & Co., whole-ale dry-goods mer-
chants, as their traveling representative and ha- -nice remained in their
employ. In April. [896, he removed to Wadena, Minnesota, hut in [903
his location was changed to Perham, Minnesota, where he remained for
3&j OTTER TAIL I'OUXTV, MINNESOTA.
two years, removing to Big Pine Lake, Minnesota, in 1905, and establishing
a summer resort known as Grand View Heights. This resort is one of the
finest in the state. In June, 1915, this place was sold and he has since
devoted his time to the management of the Perham Land and Investment
Company, which he organized in 1912. He is the president of this com-
pany. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Free and Accepted Masons and Zuhrah Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Minneapolis. On October 29,
1890. Mr. Kapler was united in marriage to Frances E. Bell, who was born
on Angus! 20, [866, and reared in Mansfield, Ohio.
EDWARD I. RUDH.
Edward J. Rudh, a former teacher, merchant and salesman, who has
been assistant cashier of the First National Hank of Battle Lake, this county,
Minnesota, since its organization, is a native of Norway, born at Smaalene,
near Christiana, April 6, 1869, the son of Jens A. and Maria (Kasa) Rudh,
farmers and landowners in their native land, who. in the latter part of that
same month, sailed for America with their baby, spending six weeks on the
voyage. Upon tbeir arrival in America, they settled in Rice county. Minne-
sota, where, for two years, Mr. Rudh worked on neighboring farms.
In 1 87 1 the family moved to Otter Tail county and purchased three
hundred and twenty acre- of wild prairie land in Dane 1'rairie township.
There Mr. Rudh built a small log cabin, which has long since disappeared,
and there be lived, improving his farm and adding to his possessions until
his death, March 28, 1900. His widow afterward moved to Battle Lake
and died at the home of her sun, John, December 1 1, 1014. >be then being
eighty-six years old. Both were members of the Hauge Lutheran church.
To Jens A. and Maria 1 Kasa ) Rudh were born eight children, namely:
Ole, wliM 1- a veterinary surgeon of Portal, North Dakota; John, win. is
die tanners elevator at Battle Lake: Andrew, who is a farmer
11: Dane Prairie township; Christine, who married Palmer Awenby and lives
in Fergus Falls: Edward J., the subject of ibis sketch: Thea, who married
Charles Lacer and lives in Crookstown, Minnesota; Sophia, who married
August Matson and lives at Rose Glen, North Dakota, and Helmer, who
died at the age Hi' thirteen years,
Edward J. Rudh received a liberal education in the common schools of
Dane Prairie township, the seminary at \\l'<\ Wing and in the high school at
Fergus Falls, later becoming a studenl in the business college at Moorhead,
Minnesota, now known as Concordia College.
\fter completing his schooling, Mr. Rudh taughl school for three years
in Norman county, Minnesota, and served four years as deputy county
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 385
treasurer of Otter Tail county. In 1895, ne located at Battle Lake where
he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1906. During 1906 and
1907, he was a traveling salesman. Upon the organization of the First
National Bank, he was made assistant cashier, a position which he still holds.
In 1898 Edward J. Rudh was married to Dinah Peterson, who was
burn at Underwood, Minnesota, daughter of Knut Peterson, a biographical
sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Rudh died
on April 5, 1905. and the next year, Mr. Rudh married, secondly, Eliza
Mickelson, who was born in Otter Tail county, the daughter of Ole M.
Mickelson, an old settler of Everts township, who is also mentioned else-
where in this volume. By the first marriage. Mr. Rudh had three children,
Evelyn, Maurine and Byron. There are no children by the second marriage.
Edward J. Rudh is well known in Otter Tail county for his cordial dis-
position and for his friendly relations with the public. He is a Republican
and gives a good citizen's attention to the county's political affairs, having
served as village recorder for twelve years. He and his wife are members
of the United church. Fraternally. Mr. Rudh is a member of the Bene-
volent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Modern Woodmen of
America.
OLE W. BERG.
( )le \Y. Berg, who is the owner of a fertile farm of eighty acres in
Everts township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and an interest in the old
homestead farm of his parents, is a native of Norway, where his birth
occurred on April 30, 1874.
Mr. Berg is a son of Anton C. and Anne (Glende) Berg, both of whom
were natives of Norway. Mr. Berg's father was born in 1839 and his
mother in 1845. They were married in Norway, and in the spring of 1880,
came with their family to America, settling in Otter Tail county, where
they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and also homesteaded
seventy-three acres. From the time of his coming to Otter Tail county,
until his death in 1807, Anton C. Berg made many and substantial improve-
ments upon the homestead farm, and his widow is now living on this farm.
She is an earnest and faithful member of the Lutheran church, as were all
the family. Anton Berg and wife were the parents of ten children, all of
whom are living' with the exception of Annette, the eldest. The living
children are as follow: Carl, Martin, Ole W., Anna, Inga, Emma, Sophia,
Alfred and Karen.
Of these children. Ole \Y., the fourth in order of birth, was reared on
the farm in Everts township, receiving his education in the public schools
(25b)
386 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of the township. Mr. Berg has always been engaged in farming. He is a
general farmer and stockman and has been very successful in his chosen
calling. Like the other members of the family, he is a member of the
Lutheran church. He has been a member of the township school board for
the past three years, and has always been more or less prominent in local
politics.
ROBSON C. ATKINSON.
Robson C. Atkinson, a well-to-do farmer of Newton township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born in the state of Illinois, August 2, 1852.
Mr. Atkinson's boyhood home was near Joliet, Illinois. He is the son of
John and Sarah ( Robson) Atkinson, both of whom were natives of England
and who were married in their native land.
After coming to this country from England, Mr. and Mrs. John Atkin-
son settled in the state of Illinois, where they rented laud for some year--.
Subsequently, they moved to Minnesota, and there homesteaded one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. Upon selling their farm, the family moved
to Wabasha county, Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land. Mr. Atkinson's father died in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1Q13. and
his mother in Wabasha county, Minnesota, in 1X77. They were the parents
of eleven children. Alary Ann, Robson C, Sarah, Oliver, Fannie, Charlotte,
Grace, Frank, Daisy. Hattie and Dorcas.
Robson (.'. Atkinson was reared on a farm and educated in the public
schools. He accompanied his parents to Minnesota, and, when a young
man, moved to Yellow Medicine county, Minnesota, and took a "tree claim"
of one hundred and sixty acres, which he kept for about two years. After-
ward Mr. Atkinson purchased sixty acres of land, which he owned for four
years. \iter selling out, in 1877, he came to Otter Tail county and took a
homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section jo, of Denning town-
ship. Later he added eighty acres and had, at the time he sold the farm,
two hundred and forty acres. Subsequently, he purchased two hundred and
fort) acre- in section 5, and also forty acres in section 2, all of which was
situated in Henning township. \fter selling this farm in October, 1903,
\h Atkinson came to Newton township and purchased five hundred and
fift) two acre- besides two hundred acres in Inman township, lie has sold
his land until he now owns ninety-two acres in section 20, where he lives,
and one hundred and twent) acres in section 22. Air, Atkinson is a general
farmer and stockman and has been very successful, not only in farming, but
hi buying and selling land.
Man) years ago Robson C. Atkinson was married at bake Pappin, Wis-
consin, to Minnie Oliver, who was horn in Wabasha county, Minnesota, in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 387
1859, and whose father, Orris Oliver, was a pioneer of Wabasha county.
Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have been the parents of seven children, all of whom
are living-, Willie, George Harley, Fred, Ida, Hattie, Ray and Delia.
Mr. Atkinson served as supervisor of Henning township for a number
of years and was also clerk of the school board for some time. In Newton
township, where he now lives, he is rated as one of the most successful
farmers and business men. He is a popular citizen and has a host of friends
in the community where he resides.
CHARLES S. JOSLIN.
Born in a log cabin in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 9, 1853,
Charles S. Joslin, a well-known farmer of Oak Valley township, Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, is a son of Artemus and Charlotte (Grandy) Joslin.
Mr. Joslin's father was a native of Pennsylvania, born on June 12, 1812.
His mother, who was a native of Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York,
was born in 18 17.
The Joslin family settled in Cattaraugus county, New York, in an early
day, and lived there for some years, and in 1869 came to Rice county,
Minnesota, and after living at Fairbau for one year, moved to LeSueur
county, Minnesota, where they purchased a farm, and here Mr. Joslin's
father died on August 7, 1881, at the age of sixty-nine years. His mother
died in 1892, aged seventy-five years. They were the parents of eight chil-
dren, of whom one, Adaline, is deceased. The living children are Sarah,
Oscar, Edgar, Evaline, Charles S., Emma and Adelbert.
Reared on a farm in Cattaraugus county, New York, Charles S. Joslin
received his education in the public schools of that county, and when seven-
teen years of age accompanied his parents to Rice county, Minnesota, and
then to LeSueur county, and in 1882 emigrated to Otter Tail county, and
took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 20, Oak Valley
township. There he lived until 1896, when he sold out and purchased eighty
acres in section 17, Oak Valley township, where he now resides. Mr. Jos-
lin has erected good buildings on his farm, and has constructed a large silo
for the storing of feed for his live stock, and has made many substantial
improvements on the place. His farm is one of the most productive and
fertile in the township, and here he carries on a general system of farming
and stock raising, and for tin- past fourteen years has also been engaged in
threshing; and in the operation of a saw-mill in connection with farming.
IK- Was one of the organizer-- of the creamery at Lyman, and is its largest
stockholder.
In [876 Mr. Joslin was married to Elizabeth Chantler, a native of
England, and the daughter of William Chantler, who came to America in
388 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
[852, and located in LeSueur county, Minnesota. Mrs. Joslin's father died
in the latter county. His wife, before her marriage, was Harriet Bartho-
amne, who died in LeSueur county, Minnesota, June 7, 1886.
Charles S. Joslin and 'wife are the parents of three children, Clarence,
whose wife was Grace Burnet before her marriage, has two children, Leo
and Ralph; Georgia, the wife of Mont McKellep, has four children, Ken-
neth, Dorothy, Lola and Beulah ; Chlours, the wife of Henry Wallingford,
of Hubbard county, Minnesota.
Mr. Joslin has been prominent in the political and civic life of his town-
ship for many years. He served a number of years on the township board
as supervisor, and for some years was clerk of the school board. He is a
highly-respected farmer and citizen of this part of the county, where he has
made his home for so many years.
OLE M. SOMMERNESS.
Many of the men most influential in promoting the industrial affairs of
< >tter Tail county, Minnesota, trace their success to the inheritance of the
Norwegian traits of character. The attributes of thrift, integrity and perse-
verance which are inherent in the natures of the highest types of the citizens
of Norway have found expression in the works of those men who came to
the agricultural sections of Minnesota, when that state was in the earliest
stage of her development. In the colony which settled in the county referred
to above, probably no member has attained greater distinction than Ole M.
Sommerness, whose business ability and firm convictions have won for him
the respect of those with whom he has come in contact.
Ole M. Sommerness was born at Graso, Nordland, seventy-two miles
north of Trondhjem, Norway, on the 9th of June, 1842, and is the son of
Marcus Olson and Karen Jacobson. His father was a native of Denmark-
arid his mother of Norway. Marcus Olson moved to Norway at the age of
twelve years, and after reaching manhood followed the fisherman's occupa-
tion which was not an uncommon form of employment in that locality
where he lived. He married in his native land and for a number of years
made part of his living from a small piece of land which he had purchased
and on which he kept a few cattle. After his death, which occurred when
he was just forty-two years old, his wife married Carl Olson, and lived to
the age of sixt) years. By her first marriage she became the mother of the
following children: Marelius, who died in Norway; Gitlov. who became
the wife of Syver Hammer, and who died in Otter Tail county; Ovidia, the
wife of Lodvik Kran, who lives in Norway: Jacob, a resident of Norway,
and Ole, who is referred to in this sketch. By her marriage to Mr. Olson.
Mrs Olson became the mother of Martha, a daughter who died in Norway;
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 389
\ idia and Annie, who are still living in Norway, and Marelius, who died
when he was young.
Ole Sommerness was educated in the public schools of his native land.
As a young man he became interested in the fishing industry, one of the
must important industries of the country in which he was reared and as a
result he followed the fisherman's trade until 1869, when he left Norway
for this country. He settled, after arriving in America, in Goodhue county,
Minnesota, where he worked for two years on the farms in that locality.
I lis initial entrance into Otter Tail county was made in 1871, when he came
to this section and bought a farm of eighty acres located in section 16, in
Trondhjem township. The land was devoid of improvements of any kind.
The nature of the land was rolling prairie. One of the first difficult pieces
of labor with which the subject of this sketch was obliged to deal was the
building of a log cabin. The house is still standing, north of the present
residence and is a landmark of the simple achievement of a pioneer. After
he had broken up a large part of the wild land, Mr. Sommerness began to
add to his farm possessions until now he owns a place of over four hundred
and forty acres, most of which is located in sections 15 and 16. To the
original farm he has added a number of valuable improvements. The man-
agement of the farm is devoted almost exclusively to general farming and
stock raising. In 1905, Mr. Sommerness retired from active work on the
farm and turned over its management to his son, Carl, who has rented the
land for over ten years. Carl Sommerness has given evidence of his posses-
sion of the same sterling attributes of character which were so characteristic
of the business life of his father. He has discharged the duties assumed
by him on the farm in a manner deserving of the highest commendation
and trust.
In his political interests, Ole Sommerness has always been an independ-
ent voter. He has taken an active part in those affairs for the welfare of
the community and for a time served on the township school board. He
attends the Lutheran church of which his wife is also a member.
The marriage of Ole Sommerness and Julia Anderstatter, a native of
Tysmark. Sweden, was solemnized on December 18, 1873. She is tfie
daughter of Andrew and Margaret Brynglson. and was married in this
country, to which she came alone, in 1871. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Sommerness the following children have, been born: Martin, a resident of
Columbus, North Dakota; Caroline, the wife of Ole Rvkkin, of Woburn.
North Dakota; Antone, who is in business with his brother Martin, a dealer
in hardware, furniture and farm implements; Mattie, who resides at home;
Carl, who is manager of the home farm, and Albert, who lives in Glendive,
Montana, where he is a druggist and a landowner. Mr. and Mrs. Sommer-
39°
AIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
ness have extended their filial devotion to two adopted children, Swen
Hendrickson, a druggist of Annasa, North Dakota, whom they reared from
the age of thirteen years and Clara Wick, who has made her home with
them since childhood.
JOHN C. HAUCK.
John C. Hauck, widely known and highly respected farmer of Otto
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Medina county, Ohio,
on July 5, 1877, the son of Simon and Katherine (Schneider) Hauck, the
former born at Toledo, Ohio, in the year 1844. ^n^ the latter bom in Ger-
many, in 1850. Simon Hauck was the son of Alios and Arelia Hauck, both
natives of Germany, who came to America and settled in Medina county,
Ohio, where they lived for a time and then moved to Toledo, Ohio, after
which they came, in the year 1880, to Otter Tail county, where Alios Hauck
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pine Lake township, a place
to which he later added eighty acres and where he lived until his death in
1891. His widow died in 1899. Alios and Arelia Hauck were the parents
of two children, Susie and Simon.
Simon Hauck was educated in the public schools of Toledo, Ohio, after
which he moved to Pine Lake township, with his parents, where he engaged
in general farming until the death of his father, when he acquired the home
farm, a place to which he added until he was the owner of two hundred and
eighty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. Simon Hauck
tlied on June 2. 10)14; his widow, Katherine is now living in Otter Tail
county. Simon and Katherine Hauck were the parents of the following
children: Mary (deceased), Lillie, Minnie, Alice (deceased), John, Julia,
h, George, Simon (deceased), Annie, Ida and Michael.
John C. Hauck, tin- subject of this sketch, received his education in the
Is ol Pine Lake township, Otter Tail county, and then became a farmer
at twenty year- of age, buying forty acres of land in section 33, Pine Lake
township, to which lie later added eighty acres in section 4, Otto township.
forty acre- in section 33, Tine Lake township, and ten acres in section 6,
I [omestead township, and eighty acres in the towm of Otto. On his splendid
farmof two hundred and ninet; 1 l!-cared-for land, John C. Hauck
tock raising.
On \p fohn C. Hauck was married to Maggie Brown, who
I ake township, tin daughter of John and Mary (Keidel)
Brown, pionei ke township, where John Brown lived
until his death in rq02. and where his widow. Mary, is now living. To
iiarriage of John C. and Maggie Hauck have been bom six children,
xl trcella, 1 I llarence and Marcus.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 39I
GUSTAF S. INGWALD.
Gustaf S. Ingwald, who was horn on November 6, 1863, in Sweden,
owns ninety-four acres of land in Compton township, and in the community
where he lives, is rated as a successful farmer.
Mr. Ingwald is a son of Swan Ingwald and Christine Anderson, both
of whom were natives of Sweden, and who, after their marriage in their
native land, came to America in r88i. Upon landing at New York city,
the parents proceeded direct to Compton township, Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, where they shortly obtained eighty acres of land in section 19. They
lived on this farm the remainder of their lives, but the farm had in the
meantime, been increased to one hundred and twenty' acres. They were the
parents of two children. Gustaf and Julian. The family were all faithful
and devout members of the Lutheran church, and the father had received
military training in his native country, and had served in the Swedish army.
Gustaf S. Ingwald received a part of his educational training in the
schools of his native land, and upon coming to America, was a student for
some time in the public schools of Compton township. Mr. Ingwald is
now the owner of ninety-four acres of land, on which he built a nice home.
On May 7, 1892, Mr. Ingwald was married to Hulda Loine, a native
of Sweden, and to this union have been born two children, Arvid and Bern-
hard, both of whom are living at home with their parents.
Mr. Ingwald, who is an active member of the Lutheran church, has
been a justice of the peace in Compton township for a number of years.
He also served twelve years on the township board, but is not now a mem-
ber of the board. Fraternally, Mr. Ingwald is a member of the Equitable
Fraternal Union, in which he takes an active interest.
ANDREW A. PETTERSON.
\ successful merchant of Battle Lake, Minnesota, is Andrew A. Petter-
son, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, July 17, 1863, and who
is a son of Peter Anderson and wife, both natives of Norway, who came to
the United States from their native land about 1862, settling in Fillmore
county, Minnesota, where the former died in 1864. while his widow passed
away in Otter Tail county, about 1880. Peter Anderson and wife were the
parents of five children, of whom Andrew A. was the youngest born. The
other children were Herman, Christian, Gusta and Dorothy.
Andrew A. Petterson received his education in the public schools of
Otter Tail county, where the family came in 1870, and began on his own
responsibility by renting a farm in Nidaros township. After following farm-
ing for some little time, he was employed as a clerk in a general store at
392 OTTER I II X TV. MINNESOTA.
Clitherall, Minnesota, for one year. !n 1904 Mr. Petterson came to Battle
Lake. Minnesota, and for the next five years was manager of the Larson &
Hansen general store. In 1909 -Mr. Petterson purchased this store, which
has since been operated under the firm name of A. A. Petterson & Company.
In [885 Andrew A. Petterson was married to Julia Holstemon, of Clay-
ton county, Iowa, and to this union have been born four children: Gustav,
a professor in charge of one of the departments of the Normal school at
Mankato, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and
has also taken post-graduate work at the same institution. He was the first
dean of Vaselen University at Mitchell, South Dakota. Adolph, the second
sen of Mr. Petterson and wife, who was a graduate of the Fergus Falls high
school, and who would have graduated from the dental department of the
University of Minnesota, in IQJ> died in February, 1915. at the age of
twenty-two years. His death was a severe shock to his parents and to
his hosts of friends whose confidence he enjoyed in his home community
and at school where he was very popular. Ella, who is a graduate of the
State Normal School, at Moorhead, Minnesota, taught two years at Camp-
bell, Wilkie county. Minnesota, and also taught in the schools of Appleton.
Minnesota. Clarence, the youngest horn of Mr. Petterson's children, is a
student in the high school at Battle Lake.
Mr Petterson and family are prominent members of the Lutheran
church at Battle bake, and are prominent citizens of this community, and
have worthily discharged all the duties of life, both public and private.
AUGUSTUS G. BURGESS,
Augustus (',. Burgess, prominent farmer of Dead Lake township, 1 ftter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Jefferson county, New York, on June
7. [860, the son of Nathaniel H. and Abigail Jane (Bossuet) Burgess,
lada and Jefferson county. New York, respectively. Nathaniel
II. Burgess went to Jefferson county, when a young man. where he married
and then, in [86l, came to I.eSueur county, Minnesota, and bought one
hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived for a time and then,
selling his place, he bought another farm of eighty acres, which after a
time he sold and then came to Otter Tail county, and located at Richville,
where the elder Burgess lived until his death ill Hilt, and where his widow.
Abigail Jane, now lives, aged eighty-one years. Nathaniel and Abigail
lane Burgess were the parents of six children. William. Elizabeth, Augustus
• J.. Nathaniel, I bury and Nettie.
Augustus G. Burgess was educated in the public schools of I.eSueur
county, Minnesota, after which he learned the mason's trade which he fol-
Foi fifteen years, lie came to Dead bake township. Otter Tail
OTTER 1 All. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 393
county, in [91 J , where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in
section 13, a place which Mr. Burgess has greatly improved and where he
now engages in genera] agricultural pursuits.
On February 7. 1884, Augustus G. Burgess was married to Ida II.
Wynn, who was horn in LeSueur enmity, in [863, and to this marriage was
horn one son, who now lives in Richville. Ida. the first wife of Augustus
G. Burgess died on January 11. [S86. Augustus ('-. Burgess was married,
secondly, on December 20. 18N7, to Eva Randall, who was born in Crafts
bury, Vermont, in May. 1858, the daughter of Wilbur and Charlotte ( Drew 1
Randall, who came to LeSueur county, in [859, and settled near Ottawa on
a farm of two hundred and twenty acres, land which Wilbur Randall later
sold and then moved to Ottawa, where he died <>d March 13, 1911. Char-
lotte, the widow of Wilbur Randall is now living in Ottawa, .Minnesota.
To the marriage of Augustus and Eva Burgess was horn one child, Lola.
who is now tlie wife of |ohn M. Henderson, of Clitherall, Minnesota.
fOHN A. ANDERSON.
John A. Anderson, a prosperous fanner of Nidaros township. Otter
Tail countw Minnesota, is a native of Eagle Lake township, < >tter Tail
county, where he was born on November 0. if>" 1.
Mr. Anderson is the son of John G. and Johanna Sophia Anderson,
both of whom were natives of Sweden. Mr. Anderson's father was horn
in 1838 and his mother in [844. They were married in Sweden and. in
1870, came to America, settling at Red Wing, in Goodhue county, Minne-
sota. In the fall t'i J 870. they moved to Eagle Lake township, Otter Tail
county, and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 1.
Here Mr. Anderson's father worked as a farmer, improving his land until
his death on January 23, [913. Mr. Anderson's mother is still living on the
old farm. They were the parents of a large family of children, Hilda,
John, Frank, Godfred, Selma, Edward, Delia. William, Ilulda. deceased,
and one who died in infancy.
John A. Anderson was reared on the old homestead farm and educated
in the public schools of the township. lie attended the old district No. J>
school and has always Lien engaged in farming. lie formerly owned a
farm in Leaf Mountain township, hut sold it in 1014. in January, [908,
he purchased one hundred and thirty-eight acres, to which in [913, he added
ninety-one acres. Mr. Anderson now owns two hundred and twenty-nine
acres in sections 7 and 18. of Nidaros township.
In [902 Mr. Anderson was married in the Eagle Lake church to Eliza-
beth Brown, who was horn in Sweden on July 15, 1S70. and is the daughter
of Frederick Leonard and Mary Brown. Mrs. Anderson's parents came
394 OTTER nil COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
to America in [869, settling in Moline, Illinois, and three years later immi-
grated to Otter Tail county, settling on the farm which their son-in-law,
John A. Anderson, now owns. Mrs. Anderson's father died in 1S77 and
her mother married again, now being Airs. Magnus Strobeck, and living in
Clitherall village. Mr. and Mrs. \nderson have three sons. Frederick,
Richard and Lloyd.
Air. and Mrs. John A. Anderson are members of the Swedish Lutheran
church of Eagle Lake. Mr. Anderson's parents were active in the church,
his father having been one of the first members of the church in his town-
ship. The son has always been active in the church of Eagle Lake town-
ship, also. Mr. Anderson has always been active in politics. He served as
supervisor of Leaf .Mountain township for seven years and six years as
supervisor of Nidaros township. He has also served as a member of the
school board in Nidaros township for six years.
THOMAS HORAN.
A resident of Otter Tail county since 1880. Thomas Horan, an ener-
getii and industrious farmer of the Battle Lake neighborhood, in Maine
township, is wideh known throughout that part of the county and is highly
respected for his many engaging traits of character. Upon coming to this
county, he bought a farm in Alaine township, which he has cleared and
converted into a very comfortable home place.
Thomas Horan was born in Jo Daviess county. Illinois, both April j_\
[854, son (,i Martin and Catherine (Dunleavy) Horan, both natives of Ire-
land. Martin lloran. who was born in Kings count)-, in the Emerald Isle,
came to \merica in iN.^j and plunged into the then practical wilderness of
Illinois, locating first at Chicago, which at that time was but a small cluster
of log cabins around the old Indian fort. For some years he worked in
the lead mines of [owa, Wisconsin and Illinois, and in 1N47. while living in
tin- latter state, was married, after which he bought a quarter section of
heavily timbered land in To Daviess county, that state, which he proceeded
to clear and upon which he made his home during the rest of his life. He
ami hi e die parents of eleven children, all of whom are living
Elizabeth and Martha, the others being, in the order of their birth,
Mary. Micha l" this sketch: Bernard, Marcus. Cath-
erine. James. Margaret and Ann Martin Horan and his wile were devout
memljers of the I atholic church and their children were reared in the faith
of thi' mother church.
In old home place in Illinois, Thomas Horan
eai education in Jo I)a\icss county and there learned practical
farming. < >n March -'-•. [880, he arrived in Otter Tail county and bought
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 395
a tract of eighty acres of uncleared land in Maine township, which he pro-
ceeded to render habitable. He found it pretty "hard grubbing," but he
persisted until he presently had a well-tilled place, every furrow of which
he broke himself. On October 2, 1894, he was united in marriage to Mary
McNulty, who was horn in Wisconsin, daughter of Michael and Angeline
(McNulty) McNulty, and in 1897 ne further improved his place by the
erection of a new and substantial house and barn. In 1906 he bought an
adjoining tract of forty acres, all of which he also has cleared with the
exception of about seven acres, which still require grubbing. The home
farm is situated in section 25, and is well known in the neighborhood for its
genial hospitality.
To Thomas and Mary (McNulty) Horan three children have been
born, Hilda, Leo and Martin, all of whom are unmarried and at home with
their parents. Mr. and Mr:.. Horan are devout Catholics and their children
have been reared in that faith. They have many friends in that neighbor-
hood and are held in high esteem by all who know them. Mr. Horan is a
substantial citizen and a very worthy force for good in his neighborhood.
ADISON PETRIE.
Successful farmer, extensive stock raiser, prominent citizen, and public
man, Adison Petrie, the subject of this sketch, is a man whom the com-
munity values as a citizen, and one in whose record as an office holder and
as a man of important affiliation, the township and locality find considerable
satisfaction.
Adison Petrie was horn in New York state on September 5, 1865. the
son of Thomas and Hannah (Nickerson) I'etrie. Thomas Petrie was a
farmer of Albany county, New York, until his death, in the year 1871.
Hannah, the wife of Thomas Petrie, was the mother of two children. Mrs.
Peter Prate, of Wadena, and Adison, of this sketch, with whom she lived
until her death, on January 29, 1007.
Edison Petrie received hi- education in the common schools and in tin-
high school of Wadena. Minnesota, after which he became a fanner on the
Petrie homestead in Compton township, of Otter Tail count}', a place of
one hundred and fort) seven .hits of land, which .Mr. Petrie received as an
inheritance from his mother, who homesteaded the farm in the year 1876.
On taking possession of hi- farm. Edison i'etrie proceeded to improve the
place by erecting a g 1 barn, building a house, an.! later buying an addi-
tional fifty-seven acres, making him the owner of two hundred .mil four
acres at the present time. He installed a gasoline engine for power, in con-
nection with hi- agricultural pur-nits. Air. Petrie is now engaged as a
general farmer, and raises a line grade of cattle, hogs and sheep.
396 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
On December 25, 1888, Edison Petrie was married to Erne Wheeler,
who was horn in Marseilles, Illinois, on March 10. 1869, the daughter of
Andrew and Sarah \tm (Coon) Wheeler, Andrew \Y. Wheeler having been
a farmer, school teacher and merchant of Illinois. Hastings, Nebraska.
Wadena, .Minnesota, later moving to Washington. He died in the year 1907.
his wife surviving him ami now living at Wadena. Minnesota. Adison and
Effie Petrie arc the parents of the following children: George, Ralph and
Roy, who are attending their own school, the high school in Wadena, and
the normal school of St. ('loud, Minnesota. Adison Petrie and his family
arc respected and esteemed members of the community at Deer Creek.
In public and official life. Mr. Petrie has held an important position.
having served his township for fifteen years on the township board, twelve
years of that time as chairman of the hoard, and is still a member. Mr.
Petrie is now clerk of the school district, an office he has occupied with
efficiency and dignity for more than twenty years. He is a prominent mem-
ber of the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America, at Deer Creek, Minne-
sota, and is prominent in all matters having to do with the progress and
advancement of the community and its interests.
1. A. BTCKFORD.
\mong the men who have distinguished themselves in an eminent
degree in the industrial development of the community in which they live
is II. .\. Bickford, the subject of this sketch. Invincible courage and deter-
mined will have given him a place of prominence in the agricultural life of
Otter Tail county. II. A. Bickford is a native of Albany, Vermont, having
been horn there on the 10th of February, 1845. He is the son of Paul
Bickford, who was horn in Sheffield, Vermont, on June _•(>, [819, and
Melh'sa E. Morris, die daughter of Rev. James Xorris, who also claimed
\ ermont as her birthplace., where she was horn on September 15, 1819.
The first ancestor of II. A. Bickford. of whom definite facts can be
given, is llexekiah Bickford, who was a farmer during his life in the state
of Vermont, where he was horn, lie was a prominent member of the Bap-
tist church ...| that locality. His son. Paul, who is the father of H. A.
Bickford, was educated in the common schools of Vermont, and came to
Otter Tail county in [870. In his native state of Vermont, Paul Bickford
owned a farm of one hundred acres and upon arriving in this county took
.1 homestead claim on one hundred and sixty acres of laud in section 22.
Maine township, where he continued to reside until his death, in March.
r894. !lis wife, who passed away on March 28, 1904, became the mother
following children: James. Zobina, llarley A.. Wilbur. Rimer. Anne,
II. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
397
Alice, Kate, Frank and Albina. Of this family the first four members men-
tioned were soldiers in the Civil War, where the eldst son, James, was shot
at the battle of Bull Run. and Zobina died of fever.
H. A. Bickford received his education in the common schools of Ver-
mont. Desirous of obtaining better advantages he later entered the normal
school at St. Cloud. Minnesota, from which he was graduated in the teach-
er's course. The year following his graduation he taught in the St. Cloud
Xormal school, and after that went to Fergus Falls, where he followed his
profession as principal in the schools of that city for a period of four years.
For a term extending over four years, Mr. Bickford served as assistant
county superintendent of schools, in which capacity bis ability as a school
man was recognized and which probably led to his being elected countv
superintendent in 1890, an office he held for two years. During the time
he served as a county school official, Mr. Bickford resided in Fergus Falls.
During the early part of his career as a teacher, Mr. Bickford taught in the
schools of Vermont for a period of thirty terms.
\fter completing the term as county school superintendent, Air. Bick-
ford returned to farm life. The farm on which he resides extends over one
hundred and thirty acre- of land. It is a mark of distinction that he is
known throughout the county in which he resides as the oldest homesteader
now living in the township. He not only keeps well informed upon all
advances made in modern methods of farming, but he enters heartily into
every political movement. The citizens of the community in which he
resides have honored him with a number of public offices. Aside from the
township school offices he has held, he has also served as district treasurer
for fifteen years and as township treasurer for thirteen years.
On November 24, 1870, Fl. A. Bickford was united in marriage to
Etta V. Adley, the daughter of R. T. Alley. Mrs. I lick ford, who was born
on March 16, 1850, became the mother of the following children: Dr. Har-
ley, Adella, who is the wife of A. < >. Chapin; Howard, who is residing on
the farm with his father; Albina, Seattle, and one foster-child, Gladyce.
OLOF TOHXSOX.
Olof Johnson, who has been a resident of this country since 18X4, and
who owns two hundred and forty acres of excellent farming land in Everts
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden, August 23,
1864.
Mr. Johnson is the son of John and Kara Johnson, both of whom are
natives of Sweden, and who, in 1885, came to this countrj and settled in
this county. John Johnson was born in 1824 and bis wife in [826 Shi
died in 1006. Mr. Johnson's father now lives with his son, Carl, in Amor
3<;S OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
township, < >f the nine children born to John and Karn Johnson, only three,
Chestine, Olof and Carl, are living.
Olof Johnson was educated in the public schools of his native land.
After coming to America and settling in Otter Tail county, he purchased
one hundred and forty acres of land in Everts township and has since
added one hundred acres, having in all, at the present time, two hundred
and forty acres. His home is situated on Lost Lake, where he has lived
since 1892. lie has erected all of the buildings which are now standing on
the farm and has a well-improved body of land, which produces abund-
antly.
In 1896 Air. Johnson was married to Maggie Olson, who was born in
Sweden on February 22, 1862. Mrs. Johnson's parents died in Sweden.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have no children, but they have adopted three chil-
dren, Reuben, Walter and Ruth. Of these children, Ruth is deceased.
Mr. am! Mrs. Olof Johnson were members of the Lutheran church in
Sweden and are now members of the Free Mission church.
HERMAN G. IMDIEKE.
Herman G. Imdieke, proprietor of two hundred and forty acres of land
in sections 23 and 26, of Bluffton township, Otter Tail county, and secre-
tary of the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company at Bluffton, was born
Imdieke, both of whom were born in Oldenburg, Germany, came, singly to
tin- United States and settled in Stearns count)'. Minnesota. Meeting each
other in Stearns county, they were united in marriage in that county and
there continued to live. Herman J. Imdieke, being a farmer by occupation.
came in possession of a tract of land in Stearns county and has followed
his occupation in that county ever since. He has taken an active interest
in the political and social conditions of his county and served as president
0! the village of Meier's Grove, as well as filling other local offices of trust
and responsibility. He is identified with the Democratic party. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Imdieke are devoted members of the Catholic church. Nine chil-
dren have been born to them, as follow: Ben, a fanner of Padua, Minne-
sota; Joe, also a farmer of Padua; Dinah, who married Nick Brang, and
who lived in Stearns county until her death; Eliza, who married Henry
Griep, lives in Melrose, Minnesota: Herman G. is the subject of this sketch:
farmer, who lives in Meier's Grove; Frank, also a farmer of
Meier's Grove; Mow, a fanner of Bluffton. and John, who lives at home
w ith his parents.
Herman G. Imdieke was reared on his father's farm and educated 111
the public schools ,,1' Meier'- Grove. At an early age he learned the brick-
Made in his father's brick-vard, which trade he followed for main
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 399.
years. In 1909 Mr. Imdieke opened a saloon in Meier's Grove and continued
in this business for a period of two years, after which time he purchased a
threshing outfit and engaged in the threshing business, continuing in the
business even after his removal to Otter Tail county. In April, 1913, Her-
man G. Imdieke removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought a
farm of two hundred and forty acres in sections 23 and 26, of Bluff ton
township. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising, being a
breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He keeps from thirty to thirty-five head of
cattle on his farm. He has also taken an active interest in the organization
of the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company at Bluff ton and is at pres-
ent its secretary.
On November 26, 1907, Herman G. Imdieke was married to Gertrude
Breitbach, a native of Lake George, Minnesota, and a daughter of Peter
and Katriana (Gau) Breitbach. Peter Breitbach was born in Germain- and
as a lad emigrated to the United States, settling at Spring Hill. Stearns
county, Minnesota, the birthplace of his wife. He first engaged in farming
in Stearns county, but later opened a saloon. He died in May, 1897. and
his wife survived him seventeen years, passing away in March, 1914, at the
age of fifty-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Herman G. Imdieke have been
born four children, Herman Peter, Mary, Wendelin and Marcella.
Herman G. Imdieke has been prominently identified with the Demo-
cratic part)', and for a period of three years served efficiently as village
clerk of Meier's Grove.
EDWARD SJOGREN.
Edward Sjogren, who represents that element in the industrial lite of
Minnesota which counts for high purpose and great achievement, was born
in Lockport, Illinois, on the 25th of August, 1N77. and is the son of John
and Margaret (Erickson) Sjogren. His father was born in 1839 and his
mother in 1844, and both parents were natives of Westerbottom, Sweden.
John Sjogren, who was a farmer and a landowner, left Sweden in [868
with bis wife and one daughter. During the journey, which lasted for
three weeks, the daughter died at sea. The couple, upon arriving in this
country, went to lockport, Illinois, where Mr. Sjogren was employed for
eight years in the stone quarries of that locality. Two years he worked in
the paper-mill of the same town. In 1N78 he came to Otter Tail count).
Minnesota, where he began at once the task of homesteading one hundred,
and sixty acres of land in section 30. The log bouse which he erected
during these early days of community development is now- occupied by
Otto Monson as a home. Before his death. Mi-. Sjogren sold one hundred
and twenty acres of his original farm and lived on the remaining fort)
|.»: OTTER TAIL ( -nrXTV, MINNESOTA.
acre- His last days were spent with his sons. He and his wife were
members of the Swedish Lutheran church. They became the parents of the
following children: The eldest child has been mentioned as dying at sea:
Johan, who died in infancy; Ida Sophia, the wife of Nel Olson, who lives
in Balfour, North Dakota; John William, who lives with his brother.
Edward: Edward, the subject of this sketch: Tillie, now Mrs. B. L. Ophus,
who resides in Pelican Rapids, and Alma Josephine, of Black Duck, Minne-
sota, who is the wife of Simon Thompson.
The early education of Edward Sjogren was received in the public
schools of Otter Tail county. From early childhood he was taught the
simple duties of farm life, and it was only a natural result of his earl}- train-
ing that he should have followed farming as an occupation. In September.
1900, he began to work for K. L. Frazee, in "Pelican Rapids, and remained
as his employee for seven years. At the present time he is managing an
estate of one hundred and seventy acres, which he has bought out of the
three hundred acres which he formerly rented for a period of seven years.
He gives special attention to the breeding of Durham cattle and keeps sixty
head on the farm as an average number. Mr. Sjogren has never permitted
the interests of the farm to monopolize his entire attention. During his
public career he has been active in Republican party politics and has served
as school treasurer and road overseer. He attends the Zion Lutheran
church, of which his wife is .also a member.
I >n the 24th of June. 1QOO, Edward Sjogren was married to Minnie
Mattestad. a native of Trondhjem township, and the daughter of Ole Natte-
stad, an old settler of the same township, who died in Pelican Rapids. To
tins union the children born are: Evelyn, Helen, Myrne, Lenore Victoria,
Marvin Isadore. Tov Willis Oliver and Lillian Bernice.
CHARLES W. KADDATZ.
The proprietor of the hotel which bears his name, Charles W. Kaddatz
has enjoyed remarkable success since locating at Fergus Falls, this county,
nearly thirty years ago.
Mr. Kaddatz was born near Stateen, Germany, in 1863, the son of
Charles and Augusta (Volbrieht) Kaddatz. The Kaddatz family came to
America 111 (869 and subsequently settled in St. Raul, Minnesota. Charles
W. Kaddatz had few ol the opportunities of the average boy to obtain an
education, his entire schooling having been limited to one year, and he per-
formed his first work on a farm near St. Paul, where he worked for one
ear. Rater lie work 1 for Smith, the confectioner, and two years
In g Is jobbing business. During the next six years he was
the railway trains for different railroads, and
CHARLES W. KADDATZ.
OTTKR TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 4OI
finally engaged in the confectionery business on his own account in St. Paul.
In this business he obtained a substantial start in life and in 1886 located at
Fergus Falls, at that time having a little money that he had saved and some
more money than he had borrowed, lie there and then engaged in the fruit
and confectionery business and carried on that business until 1896, in which
year he engaged in the bakery business, which he conducted with phenomenal
success until 1914, at which time he decided to build a hotel in Fergus Falls.
Suffice it to say that the hotel was completed and opened in February,
1915. It is one of the finest hotels of the Northwest, modern in every
respect and is located in the center of the business district of Fergus Falls.
The hotel has been a success from the start. Mr. Kaddatz also has various
other interests. He is a president of the Red River Milling Company,
president of the Congress Candy Company, at Grand Forks, and a director
in the First State Bank of Fergus Falls and in other ways has demonstrated
his keen interest in the city's material welfare.
By his marriage to Ida Asslen, who was born at Parkers Prairie, this
comity, Mr. Kaddatz has one daughter, Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. Kaddatz
and daughter have one of the finest residences in the city of Fergus Falls,
located at 226 Summit avenue, west, and take a prominent part in the city's
social activities.
CHRISTIAN IOHNSON.
Christian Johnson ranks with those citizens who have given untiring
energy to the support and development of the agricultural sections of Min-
nesota. Devoted to the pursuit of agriculture as a business he has also
found time to indulge in civic and industrial affairs in the community in
which he lives and has been a valuable assistant to those interested in educa-
tional and political affairs. His work has been thorough and the results
obtained by him in his chosen occupation have hcen lasting.
Christian Johnson is a descendant of an old and honored Norwegian
Family, and is part of that element which has played so important a part in
American industrial life, lie was horn in Modum. near Christiania, Nor-
way, on the 27th of February, 1850. and is the son of Johan and Maren
(Gorgersonl Pederson, both natives of that country. The parents of Christ-
ian Johnson were married in Norway and in that country spent the greater
pari of their lives, where Johan Pederson was a miner for thirty-eight
years. His death occurred in [891 and his wife passed away eleven years
latei Both parents were devout members of the Lutheran church. The
couple reared a familj of eight children, among whom are the following:
Gunhild Maria, the wife oi \\cl Gulickson, who is living near New Auburn,
Wisconsin; Peter, who is a farmer in Norway; Torger, who died on Sep-
| 26b )
402 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
tember [8, 1906, in Nidaros township, Otter Tail county; Edward, who is a
fanner in Girard township, Otter Tail county; Karen Maria, the wife of
William Gulickson, who 'lied in Wisconsin; Christian, the subject of this
sketch; Hans, a fanner, lives in Girard township with his brother, Edward;
Thor, who is employed in a planing mill in Idaho.
When he was only twenty-one years old, Christian Johnson came to
this country and settled in that section of the country which was given over
for the most part to the pursuit of farming. For four years before his
arrival in this country he worked as a miner in Norway, following the
occupation of his father. In 1S80 he came to America, where he worked
in the lumber woods of northern Wisconsin. In that locality he was
employed for four years and during that time bought eighty acres of land
in section 17. Nidaros township. Otter Tail county, hi the spring of [885
he took up his permanent residence on the farm. His initial appearance in
Otter Tail count} was accompanied by the usual hardships incident to pio-
neer days, and from the difficulties encountered and conquered, Mr. Johnson
showed such force of character as to deserve a place beside those who ar-
considered the true foundations upon which the best agricultural life , of
Minnesota rests. The land mi which he worked was raw prairie with no
buildings, lie began his life on the farm by building a small house and
entering at once upon the task of breaking up the soil. The present farm
serves a- an example of what may lie done with uncultivated land when the
tiller of the soil has force of will, integrity and firmness of purpose. Large,
modern farm buildings now occupy a prominent place on the land, the farm
i- well kept up and in an excellent state of cultivation. In 1893 ^'r- John-
son boughl eight) acres of land, which he added to his original purchase,
ows the occupation of general farming.
Mr. Johnson takes an active interest in civic affairs, lie is a share-
holder in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company, both of Clitherall
and \ ining, and also of the Telephone Company. In politic-, he is an inde-
pendent voter. He has served a- treasurer of the school district and chair-
man of the b iard of supervisors of Nidaros township.
On the 1 :ih of fanuary, r886. Christian Johnson was united in mar-
1 to ] ena Nelson, the daughter of Nils Reierson, who <V^\ in Norway,
the place of his nativity. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson the following children
m: John, who died at the age of twenty-six years; Dedrick,
titana, where he has a homestead claim: Kaia, who is
Vlinneapolis ; Bennie, who lives at
os township, and Arthur, who lives at home
with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are ardent members of the Luth-
eran church and contl nisly to its support and welfare.
UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 4O3
WILLIAM E. WESTOVER.
William E. Westover was born on October 19, 1891, and is the son of
Albert M and Augusta (Wegner) Westover. His paternal grandparents
were Isaac and Mary Ann (Witts') Westover, natives of Canada and Eng-
land, respectively. Their marriage was solemnized in Canada, and some
years afterward they moved to Kansas, later removing to Austin, Minne-
sota, where they remained for a short time, and in 1875 changed their
location to Otter Tail county. Upon their arrival in this county, they set-
tled on one hundred and sixty acres of homestead land, gradually adding
to the original tract until their farm consisted of more than four hundred
acres, all adjoining on the south shore of Dead lake. Here they spent the
remainder of their lives and are now sleeping side by side in Mt. Faith
cemetery, in Fergus Falls. They were the parents of five children : Augusta,
Delia. Luella. Albert and Will.
The maternal grandparents of William F. Westover were Fred and
Wilhelmina (Blank) Wegner, natives of Prussia, Germany, where they
grew to maturity and remained for some years after their marriage. \fter
their emigration to America they settled near Paynesville, Minnesota, where
they purchased a farm on which they remained until their death. Fred
Wegner died about 1909, and Wilhelmina (Blank) Wegner died about
1807. They were the parents of six children: August, Fred, Amelia.
Augusta, Herman and Carl.
Augusta Wegner was born on October 15. 1866. in German}-. Albert
M. Westover was born on Inly 12. 1856. They met and married in .Mis-
soula, Montana, and shortly after removed to Tacoma, Washington, where
Albert M. Westover was employed by a railroad company in that city. He
served in this capacity until 1802. and then returned to Otter Tail county,
where he purchased eighty acres of land on the south shore of Dead lake,
adjoining his father's farm, and here remained until his death. This pro]>-
erty was uncleared and uncultivated, but in a few years was under cultiva-
tion, and their improvements consisted of a modern house and other neces-
sarv buildings. The original eighty acres was increased until his holdings
amounted to two hundred acres. IIP death occurred on December 27; [912.
Fraternally, be was identify I tnd with the Modern Wood-
men 1 I Vmerica. Hi- marriage to Vugusta Wegner was solemnized in
nd the) becan one child, William !■'.. Wesl
William E. Westover received his education in tin- publii
in the Park Region 1 utheran College, also in the Northwestern Coll
latter two being located in Fergus Tails. \.fter completing his edw
returned to the farm, assisting hi- father with the work until hi
and since that time h ! 1" manage and (ailtiva.tr same. He is
404 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
making a specialty of breeding and raising dairy cattle and keeps a herd of
thirty-five head. He is a stockholder of the Richville Creamery Conipam
and the Amor Telephone Company, and it is safe to assume that many good
things await his efforts to grasp and hold them, and that each effort will be
conducted with the love of humanity as a guide to the natural trait of
innate nobleness and honesty. The just reward of sincere friendships and
high esteem, extended by those with whom he has associated must, of neces-
sity, result to his credit. His enthusiasm for all that is progressive and of
betterment to the community will he unselfishly given without thought of
recompense, other than the good will of his fellowmen.
NELS NELSON.
A sketch of the life of Nels Nelson would he incomplete without
reference to his father, John Nelson, whose rare qualities of prudence and
industry have combined to make him one of the most esteemed citizens in
the community in which he lives. John Nelson was born in the southern
part of Norway, not far from Stavanger. in 1844. and is the son of Nels
Salveson and Bertha Johnson, also natives of Norway. Nels Salveson.
who was a farmer and a landowner, died in his native country in 1868 and
his wife passed away in 1856. The couple reared a family of six children,
as follow: Sarah (Mrs. Thomas Thompson), died in Norway; Kan also
died in her native country, at the age of twenty years; Inga, the wife of
Verman Sigredson, is buried in Norway, and Bertha, the wife of Lars
Oftedal, resides in Norman county, Minnesota; Sam follows the occupation
of farming near Like Ida, in Becker county. Minnesota, and John is referred
to in the next paragraph.
The public schools of Norway furnished the elementary educational
advantages lor John Nelson, who worked on a farm after completing the
school course. The voyage in America, which was made in 1N69, occupied
one month on the ocean. For two years after his arrival in this country he
resided in Vernon county, Wisconsin, the community to which he was first
attracted. Tin- trip to Otter Tail county was made in a covered wagon,
drawn by a team of oxen, and the time required to traverse the distance,
which seems short in this day of rapid travel, was live weeks. In Scambler
township, Mr. Nelson took a homestead claim on one hundred and sixtv
acres of land, in section 4. His first years of labor in this community were
eventful with all tin' incidents common in the life of a pioneer. He had to
live through the disappointments of crop failures and the draw hacks of
rough winter weather. Before retiring from active farm work. Mr. Nel-
son added -me hundred and sixty additional acres to his original homestead,
lie has since divided part of the land among his children and at the presenl
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 405
time makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Simon Olson, who lives on the
home place. John and Johanna Sophia Nelson were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Nels, the subject of this review; Kari, who died at the
age of twenty-three; Sarah, who died at the age of twenty, and Betsey
(Mrs. Simon Olson), who, with her husband, lives in Scambler township,
on the homestead belonging to her father.
The birthplace of Nels Nelson is in Vernon county, Wisconsin, where
he was born on Tune 2, 1870. He was brought to Minnesota when only one
year old, and after reaching the age of seven attended the public schools of
Scambler township. He went to farming soon after he had finished school
and in 1890 came into possession of eighty acres of land, to which tract he
added eighty acres more. Upon this farm Mr. Nelson put many modern
improvements and continues to live on the place at the present time. In
iqoo he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 9, of Scamb-
ler township, and still continues to manage the addition. Mr. Nelson has
never allowed himself to be wholly occupied to the point of narrowness
with the duties of farm life. He has taken an active part in the industrial
affairs around him and has, as a consequence, been honored with school
offices. He has served as treasurer of the school district and as supervisor
of the township in which he lives. He and his wife are members of the
Norwegian Lutheran church.
To the marriage of Nels Nelson and Bertina Carlson, a native of Cor-
morant township, Becker county, the following children have been born:
Selma Carlotte, Edwin, John, Neil, Tyler, Samuel, Julia, Walter and Birdie.
DICK BOI.LAND.
Enterprise, sound business judgment and well-directed energy are some
of the factors necessary to the making of a home in a new country and
assisting in the development and the improvement of a community. It is to
men of force and energy that the present generation owes much for the
conditions to be found in many well-developed and improved communities.
In numerous instances these improved conditions are traceable to the native-
born German, who has come to this country and has made a pleasant home
for himself and family.
Dick Bolland, a German by birth, was born in Hanover, Germany, on
November 1, i8^t. He was the son of J. D. Heinrich and Katherine
(Clasen) Bolland, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. John
II. Bolland. grandfather of Dirk, was a native of Hanover, Germany,
where he followed fanning, lie never left his native Hanover, where he
was an active member of the German Lutheran church.
J. D. H. Bolland was educated in Germany, where he grew to man-
406 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
hood and married, hi [807 he, with his wife and family, left their native
country to establish a new home in a new land. They landed in New York
and at once came on to Leaf Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
where he purchased four hundred acres of laud, and some horses, stock and
machinery for seven thousand six hundred and fifty dollars. He added to
this farm until he had, before his retirement, some live hundred and ten
acres, about half of which was tillable. The farm was greatly improved
under his management. The house was built already when he purchased
the farm, but the barn and other buildings were erected under his super-
vision. Mr. Bolland was very active in politics in his native country. He
was the father of the following children: Doris, Henry, Mary, Herman,
Dick, Elsie, Katherine, Fritz and John, all of whom but the last two are
married.
Dick Bolland was educated in Germany, in the common schools, and
was but lift ecu years of age when he arrived in America. Mr. Bolland was
married on May 23, ion, to Bettie Ohlrogge. who was also a native of
Germain-. Mr. and Mrs. Bolland are the parents of two children, Walter
and Herbert.
Mr. Bolland purchased from his father two hundred and twenty-five
acres of land and, with the aid of his brother, Fritz, they are farming this
tract, as well as the balance of his father's original farm.
Mr. Holland and his family are members of the German Lutheran
church, and Mr. Holland has held the responsible position of school clerk4
The family enjoy the advantages of the telephone and rural delivery of
mails.
BURTON H. M VTHEWS.
Born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, June 1. 1874, Burton H.
Mathews, a prosperous farmer of Maine township, is the son of Washington
and Ellen (Drake) Mathews, who were natives of Ohio and Wisconsin,
tively. Mr. Mathews' father was born in Ohio, March 10, 1832.
and his mother in \\ isconsin, February 4. 18J4. Washington Mathews was
a farmer all of Ins life. lie farmed in Ohio and in Blue Earth county.
Minnesota. Late in life be sold his farm and, for a time, operated a supply
hi a small town. Washington Mathews came to Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, in 1885. and purchased forty acres in Maine township, where
he lived for ten years. This farm was located in section 33, the same sec-
tion in which his sun's (Burton) farm is now situated. While visiting in
Canada with his daughter, Mrs Bessie Bunse, Mr. Mathews died in Sep-
tember. [909. His wife had died more than two years previously, June 17,
1007. They were the parents of four children, of whom one, Leroy, is
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 407
deceased. The living children are: Burton H., the subject of this sketch;
Blanche and Bessie.
Burton H. Mathews was educated in the graded schools of Maine
township after coming to Otter Tail county. Eleven years ago he purchased
a farm of eighty acres, where he now lives, but the place is rented to Charles
Turman. Mr. Mathews purchased this farm for six dollars an acre and,
at the time, it was all wild land. Forty acres of the farm, however, has
been cleared. Shortly after purchasing the farm, Mr. Mathews built a new
house. The buildings are all new and well painted and reveal the thrift of
the owner. Mr. Mathews is unmarried. He is well known throughout this
section of the countv and is well liked l>v all who know him.
JOSEPH BOEHL.
It is always a pleasure to note the successful career of the man who
has won a definite goal in life, and especially is this true of one who has
left his native home in the Old World and cast his lot in a new country and
under vastly different conditions. Such men, for the most part, are men
of sterling worth, filled with the desire to accomplish something for them-
selves and those dependent upon them. Such a man we find in the subject
of i his sketch.
Joseph Boehl, the son of Frederick and Charlotte (Zelle) Boehl. was
born near Pealeberg, West Prignitz, Brandenburg. Germany, on September
25, 1 84 1. His father, Frederick Boehl, was married to Charlotte Zelle,
also a native of Germanv. To this union were born two children. Frederick
and Joseph, the subject of this sketch. Frederick Boehl was a farmer and
a carpenter, which vocation he followed during his entire life. He never
left his native country. After the death of Frederick Boehl. his widow
married again.
Joseph Boehl was educated in Germany and grew to manhood there,
being twenty-seven years of age when he landed in New York City. In
early manhood he labored on the farm and assisted his father at carpenter's
work. After reaching New York he proceeded to Danville, Illinois, where
lie remained for ten years farming and following the carpenter trade.
When Joseph Boehl came from Danville. Illinois, to Otter Tail countv,
about thirty-six vears ago, lie came in a covered wagon or prairie schooner.
It took him forty days to go the distance. When Mr. Boehl came to Otter
rail county the country was bul sparsely settled and there were two large
Indian villages, one on the south side and one on the north side of the lake,
oci 1 ied by ' ihippewa Indians.
foseph Boehl was married on December 24. 1869. to Mary Shultz, a
native of Germany, who died on October [5, [Q06, at the age of sixty-nine
408 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
years. Mr. and Mrs. Boclil had no children of their own, but they adopted
as their own, Henry Schauberger, who now goes by the name of Henry
Boehl. The parents of Henry ("Schauberger) Boehl were born in Hessen,
Germany, and lived in State Line, Indiana, after coming to this country.
Mrs. Henry Boehl was born near Pavnesville, Stearns county, Minnesota.
Her parents also came from Germany.
Henry (Schauberger) Boehl was married on March 26, 1806, to Emma
Roehr, who was born on March 13, i860. To this union have been born
two children, Ervin and Adella. Henry Boehl and wife l.ive on the farm
of Joseph Boehl and look after the cultivation of the farm as well as the
care of the home. Mixed farming, as well as the raising of much stock, is
practiced here, and a success in both has resulted. The telephone and the
rural delivery of mail are some of the conveniences these people enjoy.
Henry Boehl has a Belle City threshing machine, operated by a gasoline
engine, used principally for his own threshing. He is also the owner of a
Regal automobile. The family are active members of the Evangelical
church of Otter Tail.
PATRICK MOORE.
The late Patrick Moore, who was one of the most successful farmers
and one of the best and most favorably known men of Maine township.
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Ireland on March 17, 1820, the
-.hi of Daniel and Hannah Moore, natives of Ireland. After some years
as a fanner in his native country. Daniel Moore came to America about
[849, and located in the state of California, where he became a gold-miner.
an occupation which he followed in that region for the remainder of his
days.
Following his arrival in America. Patrick Moore went to California
and worked in the gold-mines for main- years. While engaged in this work-
he losl one of his eyes, a- the result of a premature explosion. After some
years. Mr. Moore retired from his activity as a gold-miner, and moved to
the -tale oi Wiscon in, where he engaged in general fanning on one hun-
dred acre- of land which he purchased in that state. He made his home
there for twenty-one years, and then, in 187(1. he came to Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, and bought one hundred and >i\i\ acres of land in Maine town
ship, and where he made his home until his death, on May 7. [901.
While a resident ol California, Patrick Moore was married to Nora
Twohig, a native of Ireland, the daughter of Bartholomew Twohig and
wife, who were horn in Ireland and who came to America and became
farmers in the state of Massachusetts, later moving to California. To the
"i Patrick and Nora (1 vohig) Moore were born the following
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. _LO<)
children: Bartholomew, Hannah, Nora, John, Alary, Catherine, James and
Patrick, all of whom are living. Of the children of Patrick and Nora
Moore two are married: Bartholomew, who married Mary Sullivan, and
Hannah, who is the wife of Anton Britenbanch. Patrick Moore was a
devout member of the Catholic church, both in his native country and while
a citizen of America.
James Moore, who is a son of the late Patrick Moore, was horn in
1873, and after his school days he became a farmer, an occupation in which
he ha- -nice been successfully engaged. James Moore, with his brother.
John, is now the owner of four hundred and forty acres of valuable land in
Maine township, a place which the Moore brothers have well improved, and
where they engage in general farming and in stock raising, making a spec-
ialty of Jersey Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. In addition to their
general farming pursuits, the Moore brothers are operators of a dairy busi-
ness. They have one of the best farms of the community, their farm
adjoining the home place, which is now the property of their, sister, Nora.
The Moore brothers are unmarried, their sister being the housekeeper.
The memory of the late Patrick Moore is among the most honored ol
the entire community, he having been a man and citizen who was of con-
siderable value to the township and county, in the many nays which he
chose to be of service and of benefit. The children of the late Patrick
Moore are among the highly respected and esteemed residents of the town-
ship and vicinity.
ANDREW N. ARYTDSON.
\ndrew X. \rvid-on. for twenty-eight years a resident of this town-
ship, during which time he has lived an industrious, honest life, has sought
always to exemplify the qualities of mind and heart which go to make up
the all-round man and American citizen. Early privations taught him many
valuable lessons, for lie was one of thirteen children. The self-reliance and
industry learned in his childhood home became, however, the corner-stone
of his character. The son of Nils Olson and Margaret (Jenson) Olson, of
Sweden, he was born on May _'|. 1 S70. His parents, who are mentioned
in another -ketch of this publication, are both dead.
.Mr. \rvidson is practically a self-made man. for he was -till a young
man when he came to America and began working on a farm. This wa-
in the year [887. In i8q6 he had accumulated enough mean- to purchase
one hundred and sixty acre-, which constitute the farm where he now lives.
He sel to work to cultivate the land, and to erect thereon the building- nec-
essary for farm work, lb- ha- since added forty acre-.
On lune *, [Qoo, Andrew \. \rvid-on was married to \nna Pehrson,
I i i S I v. MINNESOTA.
of tin- township. Mrs. Arvidson had come with her parents from Sweden
when a child eight years of age. The children born to Air. and Airs. Arvid-
son are seven in number, namely: Alton. Simon. Mabel, Agda, Esther,
YValfred and l.nella.
.Mr. Arvidson has served as road overseer. lie and his wife are
interested in the work of the Swedish Lutheran church, of which
Mr. Vrvidson ha- been trustee for the past three year-, lie was one of the
! of tiie Rose Creamer) Company, ami is now one of its stock-
holder- At the time of it- organization he was one of the men who care-
fully canvassed the entire count}- to obtain the name- of men who desired to
purchase stock. Mr. Arvidson is a man of sterling qualities and his insist-
ence upon honesty in business matter- and consideration for others in all
human relationships ha? won foi him main- stanch friend- and admirer-.
THEODORE VVALSTEAD.
Theodore Wnlstead is a well-known farmer in Otter Tail county. Mis
farm is on the line of tin- two counties, Douglas and Otter Tail, Minnesota,
the buildings hi a 1 ouglas county. Theodore Walstead i- one
of four children born to the first union of Nels Walstead. being thi
horn of Nels and Julia fTollefson") Walstead, both native- of
The birth of Theodore Walstead occurred on May 21, 1876, in Douglas
county. Minnesota, on the home place, which he now own-. Xel- Wal-
igrated to America in [869, choosing Douglas county as the place
best suited to hi- future plan-, and two years after his arrival purchased
one hundred and sixt) acre- of homestead land, which he cultivated until
hi- death. Julia Tollefson emigrated to \merica in [870. also locating in
Douglas county, where her marriage was solemnized and where her death
occurred. The names of the children horn to thi- union are: John. Theo-
dore, Matilda, who died in infancy, and Alfred. John 1- a pa-tor of
Haugus church. Morrisonville, Wisconsin; Mfred 1- a druggist in Larson,
North Dakota, \fier the death of Julia (Tollefson) Walstead, Nels Wal-
stead married I , and to them was born one child, who died in
infancy, namely. Emma.
The maternal grandparent? nf Theodore Walstead emigrated from their
native land to the United States and located near the ti
ville, Minnesota, where the) entered an I eight) acre-, which
i anced age. They spent the
tei who lived in the vicinit;
home place. The paternal gi ndparents of Theodore Walstead were Jens
: and hi- win ' in Norway all of their live l
followed that vocation until hi- death.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. \1 I
Theodore Walstead is indebted to the schools of his immediate vicinity
for the education he received. He was reared on the home farm and has
remained there during the forty years of his life. He has added to the
original farm until he now owns three hundred and forty acres, all adjoin-
ing. He has improved the place by adding a new barn and making the old
house nearly new. In 1903 Theodore Walstead was united in marriage to
Matilda Erickson, daughter of Martin Erickson. Theodore Walstead has
served as township assessor for two years, was town clerk for seven years,
and was elected county commissioner of the first district in Douglas county
in 1912. In all of these offices Mr. Walstead has given satisfaction and is
worth)- of the high esteem in which he is held.
AMASA T. PIERCE.
Amasa J. Pierce was born near Wolcottville, Indiana, July 3. 1848, son
of Stephen K. and Pamelia Burr (Oldo) Pierce, who were natives of New
York state. In 1837 they moved to a farm near Wolcottville, Indiana.
where they lived until the father's death, en \pril _\ 1880. Tin- mother
later died in Kansas, where her eldest son was living. Sanford and Mary
(King) Pierce, ancestors in line, were Yankees, and were descendants of
John Pierce, who owned the "Mayflower." Stephen, father of Amasa J..
was a first ensign in the militia of New York, when a young man. His
sword is now in the possession of Amasa J. Pierce. Sanford Pierce was .1
farmer, and died in Noble county, Indiana, and both he and wife were
buried in the Pierce family graveyard on the farm of Stephen K. Pierce,
who bought the farm of two hundred acres from the government, and still
owned one hundred and twenty acres of it at the time of bis death.
Stephen K. Pierce was twice married, and by his first wife, Betsie
Bellows, had one child. Ferndo Cortez; and by his second marriage the chil-
dren were: Hewitt M., who enlisted in Company A. Twenty-first Regi-
ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Lagrange, Indiana: Orrel M. ; Amos
I. and Amasa J., who were twin-. Amos also was a soldier in the One
Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Amasa |. Pierce attended the common school and spent one winter at
the seminary at Wolcottville, Indiana, and then went to Missouri, where he
stayed for three years, working a- a farm hand lie then came hack to the
home farm and worked line, years In 1N70 he went to Chippewa township,
Douglas county, Minnesota, and was there married in the following
year, lulv 3. 1 S 7 7 . to Martha McKibben. She was horn in fllinois, daugh-
ter of Henry I. McKibben, first cousin of William Jennings Bryan. Mr.
McKibben was an early homesteader in Minnesota,
Mr. Pierce was the firsl to take a homestead in Butler township, Ottei
412 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
Tail county, Minnesota, where he located on April 26, 1879. Others pre-
empted before him, but only for speculative purposes. His homestead was
one hundred and twenty aero in section 14, where he lived seven years.
Then, for the ten years following, he was in North Dakota and western
Minnesota, farming. He returned in June, [896, to Butler township, bought
fcirty acres, and lived on it a few years; and then homesteaded forty acres
more, where he now lives, in Butler township, and which he has improved,
lie raises purebred Jersey cattle, Shropshire sheep, and is also a beekeeper,
lie was the fir<t postmaster of Butler, and kept the office in his house in
section 15; was also justice of the peace for main- wears: chairman of the
township hoard, etc.
Mr and Mr-. Amasa J. Pierce are the parents of the following chil-
dren: Evangeline J.. Leona .May. deceased: Parmelia I... Etna M., Archi-
bald J., Elsie May. .Minnie V., Stella L. and Frank S. They are members
iif the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pierce was formerly a Republican
in polities, hut is now a Prohibitionist. His first presidential vote was for
Horace Greeley, and he made a trip from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to
Lagrange, Indiana, to cast his vote.
It was in the sprint; of 1870 that Mr. Pierce came to Butler township,
Otter Tail county, and he made the trip from Brandon. Minnesota, on foot.
by way of Parkers Prairie and Bluffton, built a shack on his homestead,
and in the autumn of the same year brought his family, they reaching the
homestead mi October jo. i^J')- The place was near the corners called
Butler.
JOHN SCHROEDER.
Practical industry is one of the most substantial foundations on which
tn achieve success. It is generally agreed that there is nothing to equal
continued industry and applied energy, and it is to these elements that John
Schroeder, farmer, owes his financial prosperity.
John Schroeder, Elizabeth, Otter Tail count}-, was horn on September
30, [877, in Elizabeth township, in the county where he now resides, and is
.1 son of Bernhard and Katherine (Diedrich) Schroeder, his wife. His
education was obtained at the public schools of Elizabeth, and after his mar-
riage he located on the farm which he now owns, and which at that time
was the propert) of his father. He rebuilt the house and put other valuable
improvements on the place. I lis special attention has been given to stock
raising, to which he feeds all the grain planted on the place. Mr. Schroe-
der's religious belief is with the Catholic church of Elizabeth, Minnesota.
Bernhard Schroeder, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on
April _', [838, in Germany. Mr. Schroeder attended the public schools of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 415
his native country, and came to America in 1868, landing in New York,
and going' direct to Chicago, where he was employed in a lumber yard for
one year, coming to Elizabeth in 1869 and acquired one hundred and sixty
acres in section 21, Otter Tail county, which he sold in 1889, buying another
farm in Elizabeth township, section 33, and consisting of one hundred and
sixty acres. At the expiration of six years he again sold out and bought two
hundred acres in sections 32 and 33, which he still owns, and rents to his
sons, since he has retired from an active agricultural life, and resides in the
town of Elizabeth, having moved there in [912. He owns two pieces of
property at Elizabeth, on one of which he built a house, and on the other
he follows gardening. Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage, October 30.
1876, with Katherine Diedrich, daughter of John and Eva Diedrich. She
was born in Germany, and came with her parents to America. This union
was blest with seven children, John. Joseph, George, Katherine, Anna.
Matilda and Lizzie, all of whom are married and living in Otter Tail county
and all members of the Catholic church. Mr. Schroeder is a member of
St. Joseph's Society.
Anton Schroeder. the paternal grandfather, was a native of Germany,
as was also his wife. Eva Renter. They lived and died in their native
country, where Mr. Schroeder was a day laborer. In religion, they were
members of the Catholic church. By his first wife, he had but one child,
Bernhard, father of John, and by bis second wife. Mary, he had four chil-
dren, Christopher. Mariana. Katherine and John.
John and Eva Diedrich, the maternal grandparents, were natives of
Germany, and emigrated to America, locating first at (old Springs, Minne-
sota, and a few years later moved to Otter Tail county and bought the farm
now owned by our subject, consisting of one hundred and sixt\ acres Mr.
and Mrs. Diedrich were members of the Catholic church.
John Schroeder was united in marriage. June 27, mod, with Mary
Wedell, daughter of George and Theresa 1 bill ) W'edell. She was born.
July 1, 1877. in Fergus Falls township. This union has been blest with
three children: Theresa, born on October -7. 1007; Bernhard, September
26, [909, and Lawrence, Whilst to, [912. Like her husband, Mrs. Schroe-
der is also a member of the Catholic church. Their children all attend the
public school at Elizabeth, Minnesota.
George Wedell, father of Mrs. John Schroeder. was burn on the Atlan-
tic, while his parents were en route from Germany to America, lb- was
educated at Cold Springs, Minnesota, and was married there, Both Mr.
and Mrs. Wedell attended the Catholic church. During the Black Hills
War. Mr. W'edell hauled provisions for the soldiers. The children bom to
this union were eleven in number, Matilda. Bernhard, Mrs, VTary Schroe-
414 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
der, Robert, Clara. George, Theresa, Wensel, Anna, deceased; Agnes, Cath-
erine The\ also reared an adopted child, named Francis.
Mr. Schroeder is well and prominently known in the community in
which he resides, and when- he has long been a resident, and both Mr. and
Mrs. Shroeder have a wide circle of sincere friends.
WILLIAM I. OMAN.
William I. Oman, well-known farmer, stockman and dairyman of Otto
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was burn in Calumet, Michigan,
on April 2. 1882, the son of fsaac and Mary ( Burkman) Oman, natives of
Finland and Sweden, respectively. Isaac Oman was married in Norway
and in the \ ear [865, with his family, he came to America and continued
his business as a copper miner, in the mines of Calumet, Michigan. In 1887,
Isaac Oman moved to Otter Tail count). Minnesota, and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Otto township, a place to which he added
eight} acre- at a later time, and where he now lives a retired life, with his
-on, William, who has acquired the land. Isaac and Mary Oman are the
parent- of the following children: \nnie. Mary, William (deceased),
Petra (deceased), John (deceased), Peter, Henry, Hilda. William I., of
ti li. and Jacob 1 deceased I.
William I. Oman was educated in the public schols of Otter Tail
comity, after which he became a salesman, employed for some years in the
-tore- of John Hanning, J. G. Mattala and J. H. Muckla, at New York
Mills. Later he was engaged in the mercantile business with a cousin, at
ota, for some time. Following his business career, William
I Oman became a fanner on the home farm in Otto township, section 13.
where lie now lives and cultivates one hundred acres of land, together with
dealings in live stock and also engaging in the dairy business,
keeping twenty good grade cows for this purpose.
William 1. Oman ha: been on, ,,t the leader- in the political and official
' to township, taking an active part in all movements for the better-
ment of the community, for six years having served his township as assessor.
13, William 1. Oman was married to Mary Jacobson, the d
in \\ wton township. William I.
Id, Sadie, age twelve
Jacob \\ . Jacobson was b is1 23, [851, the son
of Jacob and Katie Kinnunen, both of whom wire natives of Sweden. After
in his native country. Jacob W. Jacobson came to America
and located in the state of Michigan, in 1873. In [882 he moved to Otter
a. where he bought one hundred and sixtv acre- of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 41 5
land in section 30, Leaf Lake township. In 1896, Jacob W. Jacobson dis-
posed of bis place in Leaf Lake township and went to Newton township,
where he bought one hundred and forty-six acres of land in sections 15 and
19, and now lives there engaged in general farming and stock raising.
In 1880. Jacob W. Jacobson was married to Katie Kabgole. a native
of Finland, and to this marriage were born the following children, Alfred
(deceased), .Mary, Walter, Marium, Janie, Richard. Anna (deceased),
Arthur, Valmar, Phillip, Ernest (deceased) and Arnold (deceased).
Jacob \V. Jacobson has taken an important part in the public life of his
community, having served as a member of the school board for nine years,
as assessor for twelve years and also as supervisor and township treasurer
for some vears.
JOHX K. WYATT
Among the few native-born American citizens of the older generation
now living in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John K. Wyatt, of Inman
township, who was born near Waldo. Marion county, Ohio, July 7, 1852.
Mr. Wyatt is the son of Cyrus and Catherine ( Bowers) Wyatt, who
were natives of Marion county, < >hio, and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr.
Wyatt's parents came west to Iowa in 1856 and settled in Hardin county,
at Iowa Falls. Later, they moved to Wright county, Iowa, and it was there
that Cyrus Watt enlisted in Company H, Thirty-second Regiment, Iowa
Volunteer Infantry. Cyrus Wyatt served about three years under General
Thomas. After his discbarge he returned to his home and died on July 2,
[865. His wife survived him many years, passing away in Iowa, January
30, 1905, at the age of eighty-two years.
John K. Wyatt was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools.
When he was old enough, lie took up farming in the Hawkeye state. Hav-
ing purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Iowa, Mr. Wyatt
improved the land and lived upon it until 1894, when he moved to Webster
City. In 1901 he moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he lived for
seven years. In [905 Mi V1 yatl purchased three hundred and twenty acres
of land in sectidns 29 and 51 I township, and in [908, tl!:
later, moved to the farm. Mr. Wyatt has made many improvements upon
ibis farm, especially iii fencing He i a well-known and successful breeder
of Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire ?heep and Poland China s. Mr. Wyatt
also makes a specialty of Plymouth Rock chickens and Bronze turkeys. While
,'i residenl of Fergus I alls, Mr. Wyatt wa - >me in the n
business. He owns a number of good lots in Fergus Falls.
On November 15, 1877, John K. Wyatl was married to Elizabeth I.
McGill, who wa- born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, in [859, and who
4l6 "II ER r Ml COl N IV, MINNESOTA.
l- the daughter of Samuel and Ellen (Van Lew) McGill. Mrs. Wyatt's
father and mother were both natives of Pennsylvania, the latter being bom
on June 20, 1833, in Northumberland county. They moved to Iowa in
1855, but returned to Pennsylvania. .Mrs. Wyatt's father served in the
seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil War. He enlisted in Sep-
tember, (864, am! mi his way home was taken ill and died on July 1. 1S65.
at Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he was buried. Vfter his death, the mother
and the remainder of the family moved to Jasper county, Iowa. The mother
January 30, [903.
Mr. and .Mr- Wyatt have been the parents of four children: Cyrus
S., who is a graduate of the Webster City high school, was a soldier in the
Spanish-American War; Percival is deceased; Ruth Eva was graduated
i"i' 'in the Fergus Falls high school with the class of rgoi, and Fern Ellen,
who was graduated from the Fergus Falls high school in 1910.
Mr. Wyatt is identified with the Republican party and has always been
active in party p< litics and is influential in the councils of his party in this
county. Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt and family are members of the Presbyterian
church of Fergus Falls.
CHARLES D. BAKER.
The progressive, wide-awake man of affairs determines the progress
and prosperity of a community whether the boundaries of the community
or small. His influence as a potential factor in the life of a county
is difficult to estimate. Xo man living in Otter Tail county has done more
for the agricultural development of the county than Charles D. Baker, a
dealer in real estate, insurance and mortgage loans at Fergus Falls. From
hi- lather, who was a public-spirited citizen and business man. the son no
doubt inherited or the infinite details of business, hut Mr. Baker's
ion In- inheritance has been enlarged by careful and painstaking per-
sonal application, lie had hardly finished his education in the East before
he turned hi- eyes Westward and. heeding the word- of Horace Greeley,
1 in this great state. Intimately identified with the industrial, com-
mercial and agricultui of < »tter Tail county for nearly a half cen-
tury, he i- (.ne ..I the besl known men in the county and, as a simple state-
ment of tact, it may he -aid that he is one of the most favorably known
1 esidents of the county.
1 harles D. Baker was born on August 10. [848, at Orrington, Maine,
'h I), and Belinda C (Baker) Baker, the former of whom
n\ years and who. during the last thirty years of his
ccupi , 1 Lt( s and in the affairs of his home
which he w; man. lie died about !&)«; in his eightv-
Will
ii
f§|!!
ft
him;
ftv
I
iiiiiissii
ft;ftft.ft:.,ftftft
lllsiii
■ ''■,■
»l 1 ■ 1
;""■' ft' '
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. -| I /
third year. His wife had preceded him in death many years, her death hav-
ing been caused 1>\ consumption. There were six children born to Mr., and
Mrs. Joseph D. Baker, of whom two, Alonzo and Edward, died while serv-
ing their country in the Union army during the Civil War; Charles D., the
subject of this sketch; Jefferson, who is a tailor at Bangor, Maine; Arthur.
who is a banker at Deer Creek, and Helen, who died of consumption in 1885.
Until he was seventeen years old, Charles D. Baker lived at home with
his parents and attended school. Tn 1868 lie was graduated from the Bucks-
port Seminary and immediately thereafter came West on account of his
health. He found employment as a bookkeeper in Moulton's nursery, where
he worked for five years and then entered the government employ as a
detective and as deputy United States marshall for the state of Minnesota,
continuing in the latter form of service lor seven years, at the end of which
time he moved to Alexandria, where he remained for a short time. In
1881 he came tn this county, locating at Bluffton, where he opened a general
store. Two years later he moved to Peer (reek and engaged in the mer-
cantile business. In 1885 he moved to Fergus Falls and, until [898, was
engaged in the loan business. Seventeen years ago he established a real-
estate office in Fergus Falls and since that time has confined his attentions
entirely to Otter Tail county real estate. Mr. Baker's office is one of the
most complete real-estate offices in western Minnesota, being equipped with
rdl the latest ideas in descriptive maps and photographs.
Mr. Baker has devoted considerable money, time and study to deter-
mine the possibilities of the soil of Otter Tail county. He has made diligent
investigation and study of the produce for which this soil is best adapted
and has furnished the farmers of Otter Tail county high grades of clover
seed, alfalfa and corn, which in turn have brought forth abundant crops.
Thousands of dollars have been expended by Mr. Baker in gathering statis-
tics throughout Otter Tail county, and these facts, printed in pamphlet
form, have been distributed among the farmers for their guidance. In other
words, he has been a pioneer in determining the direction of agricultural
development and productions in the county, and. as a pilot, is accorded today
,1 foremosl rank among the county's leading citizens. On his own initia-
tive and as a private enterprise, lie has done for Otter Tail count) what the
United States governmenl i^ now doing in a larger way for the various states
of the Union and fur the countn a- 1 whole. The fundamental fact in Mr.
Bal er's propoganda is that lie recognized early in his career a- a real
dealer that agriculture is an exact si ience and that success in this vocation
is determined by the possession of accurate, scientific and complete know!
edge of -. dK and productions. In the strictest sense of the word, lie is a
:7bl
418 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
constructive citizen, one who has performed tangible service in behalf of the
people of Otter Tail county.
Mr. Baker was married to Almeda Coulter, and to them have been born
two children, Roy A. and Addie C. Roy A. Baker is his father's right-
hand man in business; is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks and is keenly interested in the civic, industrial and commercial
progress of Fergus Falls, lie married Lillian Morrell. Addie C. Baker
married A. P. Stowell and lives in Huron. South Dakota.
(diaries D. Baker is a member of the Masonic fraternity. When still
a young man. m [869, he became a member of Cataract Lodge Xo. 2, at St.
\nthony and. after moving to Fergus Falls, demitted to Corner Stone
Lodge Xo. 99, and has been a member id* the commander) there for the past
twenty years, lie is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Inde-
pendent Order of n<],\ Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks.
OTTO CHRISTIAN FOSS.
Owing to the conditions surrounding his early life. Otto Christian
Foss, while still a youth, became versed in the secrets of agriculture, and to
this day has given his entire attention to this field of activity. Mr. Foss.
who was a native of Christiania, Norway, was born on October 4. [861.
His parents. Ole Anderson and Ellen Mathia Jorgenson, both of whom
were born in Norway, came to America in 1872, and on June 32, of that
year, arrived in Pelican township, this county. Here the father took up a
homestead claim three-fourths of a mile west of the present home of his
son, Otto. This tract of land consisted of one hundred acres, was improved
by the owner and is now operated by his son, Anton J. Ole Anderson lived
there until his death. The children burn to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were
six in number, namely: Anton J., Milla Oliva Olson, Marie Emile Fisher.
Anna Margarel Larson, Otto C. boss, the subject of this sketch; fohanna
Elisa Thorson.
The educational advantages of ( )tt(
his schooling consisting of six wars in
after he reached America. He was comp
and by hard work has acquired two hun
However, he ami his famih together o\\
The farm upon which his home is loca
el) improved. He is known as
cattle.
The marriage of Otto C. Foss ai
M irch, c8qi, the wife being a native of
C. Foss were extreme!
y limited.
Norway school-, and tw
0 months
•lied to s,art to work wh
ile young,
Ired acres of splendid f
arm land.
11 four hundred and twe-
nty acres.
ed and other property
have been
a successful breeder of
( i-uernsey
.1 Bertha Seilstad took
place in
Norway. Mrs. Foss cai
ne to tins
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 4IO.
country with her parents when she was only two years old. They located
in Wisconsin, but her father, Elevson, died in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs.
Foss are the parents of two children, Clara Emilia and Oscar Edward-.
They are members of the Grove Lake church.
The character of the gentleman whose life is here briefly presented is
one which challenges admiration. Noted for his rugged honesty and fear-
less independence in matter of principle, the life of Otto C. Foss has been a
well-rounded career.
JOHN ADOLPH PETERSON.
( )t those men who have overcome obstacle and hindrance and, surviv-
ing discouragement and set-back, have risen to places of note in the locality
and who have proved to be a success in their chosen line of work, the name
of John Adolph Peterson, of this sketch, stands out conspicuously. Thrown
upon his own resources at an early age and without substantial aid or
encouragement, he has become one of the leading men and merchants of
Otter Tail count)- and of the town of Dopelius, and has been given a place
of note in the larger business affairs of the community, and a rank of honor
in the public circles of his town and his township.
John Adolph Peterson was born in Black Hills, South Dakota, on
November 16, 1885, the son of Isaac and Mary (Pary) Peterson. Isaac
Peterson was born in Norway and Mary Peterson, his wife, was born in
Finland, and each having come to America and settled with their parents
in the same locality, they became acquainted, were married and then went
to Hancock, Michigan, where Isaac Peterson worked in a mine for some
time and then later moved to Black Hills, South Dakota, where the father
lived until his death, in the year 1 So 1 . The mother, with the children,
who were living in Otter Tail county, where- they owned a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in Newton township, later was married to John P.
Majava, she now living at Xew York Mills. To the marriage of Isaac and
Marv Peterson were born the following children: \nna, who married
Matthew Find, and who died in the state of Michigan: William, who died
at Xew York Mills: Ida. who married Emil Anderson and lives at Mark-
ham. St. Louis count}-; Arthur, who is a cattle buyer of Xew York Mills;
John Adolph, the subject of this sketch; George, who is a railway hrakeman
of British Columbia; Lena, who married James ("urrie and lives ,-,t Minne-
apolis, and Matilda, who lives at home with her mother.
John \dolph Peterson was educated in a state school at Owatona,
Minnesota, and from thai institution was adopted b) a family with whom
he lived until the age of eighteen years, when he came to Xew York Mills
and secured employment with the Fiske I'.rothers Company livery, where he
I !0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
worked for three or four years and then went to the town of Dopelius, in
< (tter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was engaged as a hotter-maker for
the Dopelius Creamery Association, a position which he now holds. John
Adolph Peterson has extended his business interests since coming to Dope-
lius until now he is the manager of a mercantile business, and in addition to
this is one of the directors of the Dopelius Creamery Association, with
which he has been connected for so many years.
On July t8, mho, John Adolph Peterson was married to Anna Muck-
ala, who was horn in the state of Michigan, the daughter of John Henry
Muckala and wife. To the marriage of John A. and Anna Peterson has
been born a daughter, Erna Arbutus, whose birth occurred on June 8. 1913.
John \diil|ih Peterson and. his wife are active members of the Lutheran
church, a congregation in which they take an interested part. In politics,
Mr. Peterson is an ardent Republican.
EDWARD TOHNSON.
Edward Johnson, a prosperous farmer of Girard township, Otter Tail
countv, Minnesota, is a native of Norway, born there on November 12.
t853.'
Mr. Johnson is a son of John Peterson and Mary (Torgenson) Peter-
of whom were born in Norway, and spent their entire lives in that
country. They were the parents of eight children, those living being as
follow: Guniel Mary, Peter, Edward, Christ. Hans and Thomas. The
leceased children are Torger and Karen.
Edward Johnson received his education in the public schools of his
native land. In 1879 he came to America and settled at Baldwin. Wis-
consin, near which place he worked on a farm fur a time, afterward obtain-
ing work on the railroad. Kt>r some years he spent the winters in the lum-
ber cami^. Ik was also one of the first men employed in the iron mines
rking in the mines for five month-, he came to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in [882, and purchased land from Charles
J Wright, the tract a eight) acres. Me -old this farm in 1892
and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Oak Valley township.
ed of this fane in [896, and thereafter made a trip to Norway,
remaining four month-. \tter his return from his trip to Norway in June.
F896, he 1 of tin- < litherall elevator, and remained
with this firm ther Mr. Johnson lived in ('litherall
•'or thirteei tirrn ed rather extensively in
real estal a trip to Norway, remaining ten
months. In n ! ed to the fan hundred and sixty acres
ich he had purchased ~ Mr. Johnson's brother,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 42 I
Hans, who came from Norway to America in 1910, operates the farm, while
the latter is living retired. Mr. Johnson's farm is well improved and highly
productive.
Formerly Mr. Johnson was a member of the council at Clitherall. and
was also supervisor of Nidaros township for a number of years. During
a part of the time he was chairman of the township board. Mr. Johnson is
a member of the Lutheran church, and is unmarried.
ANDREW ANDERSON.
Among those men of Swedish birth residing in Buse township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. Andrew Anderson, the subject of this sketch, is
well known. Mr. Anderson was born in the southern portion of that country
on June 11. 1871, son of John and Hannah (Isaacson) Anderson. Both
parents were horn in the same locality, where they were engaged in farming
until the father came to America in 1891. This was two years after his
son, Andrew, had crossed the water. John Anderson located in Illinois,
and three years after he had emigrated, his family joined him and all lived
there until 1904, when they came to Otter Tail county and rented a farm' in
Western township. There they lived until the death of the father, on July
13, 191 1. at the age of sixty-six years. The mother died in the spring of
1014. at the age of sixty-seven years. Both were reared in the Lutheran
faith and lived honest and useful lives.
\ndrew Anderson is the eldest of a family of nine children, all (if
whom are now citizens of the United States. Hannah is the wife of Carl
Olson and lives in Millelacs county, this state. Carl lives in Montana, where
he is engaged in farming. Emma is the wife of John Larson, of Vikind.
this state, and Louisa, who is Airs. Louie Hanson, resides in Martin county.
John is a ranchman and farmer in Montana, and both August and Edward
are farmers in Western township, of this county. Clara, the youngest of
the family and the wife of Charles Hanson, also lives in the same town-
ship. Andrew was educated in the public schools of his native land and in
[889 came to \merica and settled in Illinois, where be remained until 1804.
when he came to this slate aid located in Martin county. He purchased a
farm of eighty an-, and mad : I his home until [902, when he became a
citizen of this county. Me purchased one hundred and si\t\ acres in West-
em township, where he lived until the spring of [915, when he sold out and
boughl a tract of like size in Ruse township, intending to make that his
permanent home.
Mr. Andersoi ed on November 3, toot, to Cecelia Johnson,
also horn in Sweden daughter of John Peterson, -till living in bis native
422 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
land. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson arc the parents of four children, namely:
Allien, Oscar, Arthur and Hilda, and both are members of the Swedish
Lutheran church, to the support of which they give generously of their
mean.-.. Mr. Anderson votes independently in politics, and inasmuch as he is
interested in all that makes for the welfare of the community, he bids fair
to become one of the highly esteemed citizens of his township.
GEORGE F. FREEMAN.
\- the reader peruses a work like the present volume, one of the effects
of which he becomes conscious is the inspirational value of certain types of
biography. For this reason the man whose life forms the subject matter
of this sketch is well worthy of consideration. George F. Freeman is a native
of Clayton county, Iowa, having been born there on December 17. 1853. his
parents being Ruben and Lydia (Denton) Freeman. Mr. Freeman has been
a resident of this county for twenty-three years.
The parents of Mr. Freeman were born in Cayuga count}-. New York,
where they grew up and were married. After their marriage they first
moved to Ohio, later to Iowa, and in [855 to Goodhue county. .Minnesota,
where they purchased land in 1853. In 1864 Mr. Freeman lost his wife
1 afterwards moved to Hastings, and thence to Minneapolis, where
he became a bath-house keeper, a business which he continued until his death,
which took place in 1885. At one time he served as justice of the peace,
lie and his wife wen- members of the Baptist church. The family of chil-
dren that came to bless the home of Mr. ami Mrs. Freeman was twelve in
number, being: John I)., Willie T., Mary A., Juliet. Hattie, Charlotte.
George I-'., the subject of this biography: Ruben F.. Alfred, and Charles,
who died 111 infancy; Lyda and another infant, named Charles, who passed
away.
George F. attended the district school of Roscoe, Minnesota, and later
the high school at Pine Island. He early learned the cooper's trade, which
he follow* or eight years, hi ( .11111011 Falls be then became profi-
cienl in the occupation of mill-wrighl and carpenter and worked in Cannon
Falls. Hearing of the good farm lands in Dakota, he pre-empted a quarter
tree claim, but left there in [890 to again engage in
his trade at Fergus Falls, lb- later added to his income by "breaking in
.'it named Jack Billings. Two wars later he began the career
.1 a farmer bj purchasing eighty acres in section 1. west half of the south-
west quarter of Woodside township. \t the time of the purchase only
eleven acres had been broken, and on these a log cabin had been built. As
Mr Freeman was still engaged in carpenter work, he was obliged to hire
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 423
men to clear his new-made purchase. He built a house, barn, granary,
machine shed and chicken house. With this equipment he has since engaged
in farming and has been for some years a breeder of Shropshire sheep and
of standard-breed horses, as well as of full-blooded Jersey cattle.
Jn 1874 Mr. Freeman was united in marriage to Sarah E. Stone, a
native of Olmstead count)', Minnesota, daughter of A. K. Stone. The
children born to this union are seven in number, namely: Luther A., a
jeweler of Cloquet, Minnesota; Harold \\ '., a real-estate dealer of Wadena,
Minnesota; Dora, who died in infancy; Catharine Aletha, who married
Clayton Church, and lives in Todd county; Jeannette, the wife of W. E.
Watkins, and living at home; Jessie, who died in iqio, at the age of twenty;
Marion C, who is employed by his brother in the real-estate business at
Wadena.
Besides his occupational and agricultural interests, Mr. Freeman has
taken an active part in a number of business enterprises. He has been the
president of the Wrightstown Telephone' Company and has been vice-presi-
dent and director of the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at Bertha, as well
as the present vice-president of the Fanners State Bank at Bertha and one
of its organizers. Mr. Freeman has served two terms as county commis-
sioner from the fourth district and has been township clerk and school treas-
urer. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Modern Wood-
men of America. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Their long residence in this county has given them a
wide circle of friends, and their home has long been a center for interesting
social gatherings. Mr. Freeman is a man of kindly disposition, charitable
impulses, strict integrity and is public spirited to a marked degree.
LOUIS VNDERSON.
Prominent in the agricultural and commercial life of Otter Tail county,
Minnesota. Louis \nderson deserves to rank as one of its leading citizens.
Mr. Anderson was born in Denmark, October jo, [872.
Educated in the schools of his native land Mr. Anderson came to
America in iScji. and settled on a farm in Dakota, where he was engaged
in farming for twelve years. At tint time he rented some seven hundred
acres of land In [Q03 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he
purchased a farm of ninety-six acres in Sverdrup township, and here he is
engaged in general farming and stork raising. Mr. Anderson is a self-
made man. Ills farm is well improved and is highly productive. The
buildings are all comfortable and are kepi in a very line state of repair.
During the past ten vears Mr. Anderson has been connected with the Park
4_' -I OTTER IAII COl VI Y. MINNESOTA.
Region Mutual Telephone Company. lie was a director in this company
for nine years, and in [914 was elected president of the company.
While living in Dakota, Louis Anderson was married to Christina
Anderson, who is also a native of Denmark, and who came to Dakota in
1893 with n.cl" parents. Andrew and Mary Johansen. Mrs. Anderson's
father died in Dakota in [913, while her mother is still living in that state.
Louis Anderson and wife are the parents of seven children: Thea, Agnes.
Ella, Francis, Lila, Alfreda and Levi.
Mr. Anderson has heen repeatedly honored by the people of his town-
ship with important local offices. He served altogether seven years as super-
visor in his township, and has also served as a member of the school board
for many vears. Nominally, Mr. Anderson is identified with the Republican
party, and is prominent in the councils of his party in Sverdrup township,
lie is a highly respected tanner, a good citizen and a good man. who has
honored the community where he resides bv his many good works.
HANS P. OLSON.
Bom at Sellan, Denmark, September 3, 1849, Hans I'. Olson is a son
of Ole and Listen 1 Ian-en. both of whom were natives of Denmark, and
who grew to maturity in that country, and were there married. Ole Man
sen died in his native land at the age of fifty-four years, and after his death
his widow came to America in [871, and spent her last days in this country.
After coming to the United States she was married to Nils Tygersen.
Ole Hansen and wife were the parents of seven children, of whom
Hans P. Olson was the eldest. The other children were. Maria, Ingebor.
Stena, Lars, Karen and Olena. Of these children Hans P. and Stena came
to America together in [869. They settled first at Winona, Minnesota, and
lived there for a couple of pears, alter which II I '. Olson returned to Den-
mark to bring back the remainder of the family. Upon their return to
America they were accompanied by their mother and their two brothers
and sisters. The family settled in Otter Tail county, where they purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of school land in section r6, of rordenskjold
township. They put up a rude log house, where the family lived for some
een replaced with a frame house The) have
also built a frame barn and made many other improvements on the place,
and in the meantime Mr Olson ha- added fort) acres to tin- original farm.
Me is a successful stock breeder ami has made a specialty of raising Holstein
cattle.
About [873 Mr D larried to Christine Jensen, a native of
Denmark, who came to \meriea when twenty-one years of age. Mrs. Olson
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 425
died in 1892, and her husband has never remarried. Hans P. Olson and
wife were the parents of nine children, as follow: Olaf, a farmer living in
Canada; ( hris, also a fanner in Canada; Peter, who died at the age of
twenty-two; Alice, who died in infancy; Theodore, a farmer living in North
Dakota; Hans, who lives at home with his father, is the owner of a quarter
section of land in North Dakota; Emil, living in Idaho; Sande, who died
at the age oi eleven years; Sande, the second, is a farmer in Dane Prairie
township.
Airs. 1 )lson, during her life, was a member of the Free Lutheran church,
the church with which her husband is now- identified. Air. Olson has always
been independent in politics.
TORGER TOLLEFSON.
One of the well-known fanners of Folden township and of Otter Tail
county is forger Tollefson, who in agricultural life and in business activity,
has demonstrated Ins ability and a citizen who in those things which make
up the desirable community resident, is not lacking.
'forger Tollefson was horn in Saetersdalen, Norway, on \pril 26, [860,
the s, ,11 of Toilet" Tollefson and Borghild Torgenson, both of whom were
horn in the same district, the father on February 17, 1N17. and the mother
on .May 8, [824. Tollef Tollefson and Borghild Torgenson grew to matur-
ity and were married in their native country, where Tollef Tollefson was
engaged in general work, and then, 111 [872, with two children, he and his
wife came to America and went to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where the)
lived for three years and then in [875 they came to Otter Tail count) and
settled in Eagle Lake township, where they lived for five years. In [880
Tollef Tollefson homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section
30, of folden township, land which was as yet uncleared of the timber and
brush. Tollef ["ollefson, with the aid of his son. 'forger, on taking posses-
sion of his homestead, proceeded to (dear the land and to build a '"cellar."
a work which was no1 finished by the elder Tollefson, as he was overtaken
by death, shorth foil. .win- the beginning of this task. Borghild (Torger
von i Tollefson continued to live on the home place until -he died, at the age
of eighty-four years, in 1908. To Tollef and Borghild (Torgenson) Tollef-
son were horn the following children: Tollef, who died in Norway, at the
age of three years; Torger, the subjeel of this sketch; and Thora, who mar-
ried Morten Peterson, and lives in folden township.
\fter his education in Norway, Torger Tollefson, at the age of twelve
years, came with his parent- to \merica. and when twenty years of age was
called on to till the pi; ce oi his father, wdio died at that lime on the home
426 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
place, 111 Otter Tail county. I'orger Tollefson completed the unfinished work
ol digging a 'cellar begun by his father, and cleared the land, erecting
thereon such buildings as were necessary for comfort, and in 1886, he con-
structed a substantial log house, cue which is now 111 use as a farm out-
building. His efforts have resulted in the clearing of eighty-live acres of
land, en winch Mr. follefson is now engaged successfully as a general
tanner. In [913 L'orger Tollefson replaced his early-built log house with a
modern home, erected nearby, in which he now lives.
'forger Tollefson, in 1880, was married to Lisa Hanson, who was born
in Norway, the daughter of Hans Larson and wife, who lived and died in
their native land, the daughter having come to America when she was
twenty-live years of age. 'forger and Lisa Tollefson are the parents of the
ing children: Tom, who is a farm manager in Eagle Lake township;
Mary, who is employed at an asylum of Fergus Falls; Helmer, who lives at
home; Bernhard, ( onrad, Thca, Boletta, Otto and Oscar.
forger ["ollefson and his wife are leading members of the United Nor-
wegian Lutheran church, where Mr. Tollefson is now one of the choir
singers. In politics, forger Tollefson is an ardent Republican. Among the
residents of Otter fail county, Torger follefson and his wife are highly
respected and are held in high esteem as workers for those things having
for their object the advancement of the community interests.
ALFRED EKLUND.
<)i the well-known and successful farmers of Newton township and of
< Itter fail county, the name of \lfred Eklund is one which stands for good
citizenship and for a type of manhood which in the history of the locality,
great things for the progress and advancement of the general
interest. Industrious, thoughtful and with a resourcefulness characteristic
of the people oi Sweden, his native country, he has been a fair example of
the rewards of honest endeavor and of unselfish pursuits.
Alfred Eklund was born in Stockholm. Sweden, on January jj. [868,
the son of Carl and Catherine (Anderson) Eklund, who were born in
Sweden and then married, and where Carl Eklund and his wile now live,
iii> former being ninetj years of age and the latter about ten years younger.
and both active members of the Lutheran church. Carl and Catherine Eklund
ire the parent; of the following children : Lena, who married John 1 arlson.
and who dud at Illinois; Johanna, who was married to Edward
Larson, who died, tnd later she was married to John Anderson, and lives
at St Louis. Missouri; \ugust Lena, who married John Olson, and lives
ton, Hlinois; Job,,. a carpenter, of Humboldt Lark. Chicago, Illi-
XTY. MIX XI
!-:
nois; Anna, who lives in Sweden; Alfred, the subject of this sketch; Xata-
lius, a farmer of the state of Illinois; Carl Andrew, who is a farmer in
Sweden; Huldah (deceased); [da, who married John Selander, and lives in
Newton township; Frank, a farmer, who lives near Buffalo, North Dakota,
and two daughters, who died in infancy.
Alfred Eklund was educated in the public schools of Sweden, after
which he worked on his father's farm until twenty years of age and then
came to America and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed at the
city of Chicago for sixteen years, and in [903 Alfred Eklund came to Otter
Tail county ami bought eight)' acres of land in section 2, of Newton town-
ship, land which was cleared, but a place on which there were few improve-
ments. Alfred Eklund, on taking possession of his farm, proceeded to
improve the place with new buildings and other necessary equipment, until
he now has one of the best and must convenient farms of the locality. On
his land Mr. Eklund is now engaged in general farming, a line of work in
which he has been peculiarly successful, producing excellent crops and feed-
ing for market large numbers of live stock.
In [892 Alfred Eklund was married to Matilda Carlson, a native of
Sweden. To this marriage were born two children, Hilga and Arthur.
In political affiliation, Alfred Eklund is of the Independent party, and
has served well his community in these things which have called for public
support. Mr. Eklund and his wife are highly respected people of Newton
township, in which locality they have a host of friends.
Mil. T<>\" R. GREENWOOD.
V
Among those who stand first in the life of the locality in which they are
residents, is Milton R. Greenwood, lumberman and fanner, also business
man, of the town of Richville and of the surrounding county of Otter Tail,
Minnesota. He was born on January 10, 1X70, in Wells county, Indiana, and
is the son of Thomas and Sophrona (McGeath) Greenwood, both natives
of Wells county. Indiana.
The maternal grandparents of Milton R. Greenwood were Thomas R.
and Rebecca McGeath, both natives of New York Mate and among the first
settlers of Wells county, Indiana. Thomas R. McGeath was an ordained
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and a pioneer in his vocation
His professional services were in behalf of the residents of the localitj in
which he lived ami hi- death was looked upon as a loss to the community.
Thomas Greem 1. father of Milton R. Greenwood, was born on July
5. 1S1N. in Wells countv, Indiana, and then- grew to manhood ami received
his education. \ft.r reaching maturity he engaged in the lumhi
428 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
estate and agricultural interests of the town and county and in 1882 remo\ed
to Rice county, Minnesota, where he engaged in the lumber business until
in.00. He then came to Otter Tail county, and became the purchaser and
owner of seven hundred and fifteen acres of timber land, adding four hun-
dred more in a few years later. This land was located in Rush Lake town-
ship, Otter Tail county, and after the timber had all been sold, the land was
subdivided into smaller farms and sold. For eighteen months he resided
in the town of I 'erhani. but following the incorporation of the town of
K'ichville. he removed to that place for the purpose of being in closer touch
with his realty interests. Subsequent to his arrival in Richville, Minnesota,
forty aire-- of Tholke's addition was sub-divided into lots and he sold it in
that way. The later years of his life were spent partly in Minnesota, but
the winters being too severe, were spent in Locksley, Alabama, near Alobile.
His death occurred in Richville on December 25, 1914. Sophrona (McGeath)
Greenwood, his wife, is now living in Richville. Thomas Greenwood was a
Republican and very active in the life of the town and was, at one time, a
member of the town council of Foreston. He was also a soldier and served
In- country during the Civil War, having enlisted in Company E, Seventy-
fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and engaged in the battles at Chattanooga
and Chickamauga and was also with General Sherman on his march to the
sea. His wife 1- a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them
were bom -even children: John, William. Alonzo, Milton R., Oscar, Inez
and .Minnie. John is an employee of the Standard Oil Company and resides
in Mankato, Minnesota; William died while in Rice county, Minnesota;
Alonzo also died in that county; Oscar is a farmer and lives in Richville;
Inez became the wife of George Schroeder and they live in Locksley, Ala-
bama, and Minnie died in infancy.
Milton 1\. Greenwood was reared on his father's farm and received his
ation in the public schools of Rice county. Minnesota. Subsequent to
I 1 hool work, he became engaged with his father in the work on the home
as well as in the capacity of lumberman on his father's property. Tn
he removed b county, with his father, and purchased land in
Ction with his father, now owning one hundred and seventy acres near
Richville, and one hundred and sixt\ acres in Beltrami county, near Rernigi.
His commercial interests have consisted in selling the timber from his land.
■ of the land, and he has also operated a saw-mill in con-
nection. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and of the Independent Order of < >dd fellows, in which lodges he is held in
high esteem. Politically, he is a faithful follower of the Republican party.
On Novemb 1 Milton R. Greenwood was united in marriage
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 4.29
to Catherine Shields, daughter of Patrick Shields, an old settler of Shields-
ville, Minnesota, and her birth occurred in Wisconsin. Shieldsville, Minne-
sota, was named for the Shield's family, of whom there are a large number
in and around that town. Patrick Shields now resides in St. Joe, Minne-
sota. Three children have been born of the union of Milton R. Greenwood
and Catherine Shields, namely: Delbert. Joseph and Mamie. Mr. and Mrs.
Greenwood and family are justly esteemed in the community in which they
reside.
AMOS II. WETMUR.
Amos H. Wetmur, a farmer of Candor township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, has been one of the earnest workers for the development of all
things educational and for the advancement of community interests. He
has given time and service and in return has received the approbation of his
fellow citizens. He is a native of Orange county, New York, and was born
on May 5, 1852. He is one of ten children born to the union of Sylvanus
and Sarah jane (McCarter) Wetmur, who were natives of Pennsylvania and
Newark, New Jersey, respectively.
The paternal and maternal grandfathers of Amos H. Wetmur were
both soldiers of the American Revolutionary War and were of English and
Scottish descent. The father of Amos H. Wetmur was born in Pennsyl-
vania on May 3, 1812, and died on November 6, 1899, aged eighty-six years,
six months and three days. The mother of the subject of this sketch was
born at Newark, New Jersey, January 4. [819, and died on June 6, 1893,
being seventy-four years, five months and two days old. Both deaths occur-
red at Morgan Hill, California, and they are both buried at Gilroy, Cali-
fornia.
Sylvanus Wetmur and Sarah Jane McCarter were married on Novem-
ber 30, 1 841. Sylvanus Wetmur's early life was spent in the woods during
winter months, and in spring was engaged in driving logs down the Susque-
hanna river. In 1856 he removed to Wisconsin, taking his wife and six
children with him. The family located mar Rippon, where they remained
until i860. During their residence in that place, Sylvanus Wetmur was
engaged a- .1 farm-band, which vocation be continued after bis removal to
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, until [866. In that year he decided to make Minne
-oia the home and the journey was made with two yoke of oxen and a cov-
ered wagon. This removal was the result of a visit made to the home in
Wisconsin, by an uncle, George Wetmur. who persuaded Sylvanus Wetmur
to make the change. After reaching Minnesota, they located at M
Blue Earth county, where the father became employed as a farm hand for
430 N IV. Ml NNES01 \.
two years. He then moved to Steel county, Minnesota, and purchased
eight) acres of land, near Havana and Owatonna, and lived there i
years, moving, in 1890, t" * alifornia.
! Ik- names of their ten children are as sephine Augusta was
born <'ii Jul_\ 6, [843; died 111 early infancy. Esther Ann (deceased) was
the wife of Daniel Willis and lived in Mapleton, Minnesota. Mary Delia
become the wife of George Stephens, and her death occurred at Mapleton.
Minnesota, October [6, (876. Phebe Ellen, horn on February 5. 1851. mar-
ried William Marshall in [867; issue, one boy, William Mar-hall. Jr.; then
divorced and became the wife <>!" Joseph Carpenter, and her death occurred
on April 30. [914, in Seattle. Washington. Amos il. Wetmur was horn on
-May 5, [852. ( hark) I.. Wetmur was horn on June jo. [853, is a well
driller, thresher and farmer, and lives at Minot, North Dakota. Jane Eliza-
beth was born "ii April 21, [857, and became the second wife of George
Stephens; they now reside in San Jose, California George M. Wetmur
was born on March jo. [855, and was last heard of m Montana in [878.
Willard S. Wetmur was horn on October 13. [860, and is working at the
barber trade in Gilroy, (alifornia. Orin Eugean Wetmur was horn on Octo-
ber 13. [861, and died at Morgan Hill, December 4. 1003. and is buried with
father, mother and sister 1 Ellen) at Gilroy, (alifornia.
George Wetmur. uncle of Amos 11. Wetmur. was a prominent man in
Minnesota in the early days, and limit the first grist-mill at Chatfield, Minne-
sota, lie was also interested in the iron mine- of the State in it- earl)
history.
Amos II. Wetmur received his education in the public schools of Blue
Earth and Steele counties. Minnesota, and wa- reared on the home farm
His first independent business venture wa- the purchase of fort) acre- of
land, located near Rice Lake. Steele county, in 1875, '"r which he paid four
hundred dollars and which he bought from the Lamberton Land Company,
of Winona. .Minnesota. This farm was cleared and improved and soon after
he removed t" Cass county, North Dakota, where he homesteaded one hun-
dred and sixt) acre- \fier improving the one hundred and sixty acre- he
added three hundred and twenty acre- inure, improved tins, and then -old
out in the spring of [888, for ten thousand dollars. Previous to this -ale
he had taken in trade one hundred and sixt) acre-, located in Hobarl town
-hip; this wa- improved and a residence wa- effected on tin- land in the fall
■ if iSSS In loop after making many improvements, the place wa- sold and
Amos II. Wetmur moved to the town of Vergas, Minnesota, where he pur-
chased fort) acres "i laud within the town corporation \t the time of
purchase the land was uncleared ami unimproved, hut it wa- cleared and put
OTTER TAIL (DIXIT, MINNESOTA. 431
under cultivation and in [915 eighteen acres, which was sown to oats and
barley, yielded more than one thousand bushels.
In [880 Amos H. Wetmur was united in marriage to Carrie May
Hoyle, and tn them have been born eight children, whose names follow:
Ervin was born on November 23, [881, is an engineer on the Great Northern
railmad. and lives 111 Minot, North Dakota; Florence was born on February
-'4. [883, and married Albert Abraham, and they live in Elkhart, Indiana:
Bertha, born on June 10. [885, became the wife of William Long, and they
live in Echo, Oregon. Minnie was born on May 6. 1887, is the wife of Glen
Crawford, and their home is in Ontario, Canada. Myrtle was born on June
23. 1888, and is the wife of Charles Mauser, and their home is in Fargo,
North Dakota. Ernest was born on June 25, 1890, and was married on
January 4, [916, to Borga Burman, and is living at home. Ray was born
on December i(>. [895, and i- living at home: Pearl was born on October
_><), 1897, and is employed as an operator by the local telephone company.
Carrie May I Hoyle) Wetmur was born on March 13, [867, the daugh-
ter of Thadous Hoyle, a native of Logansport. Indiana. \mos II. Wetmur
is affiliated with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and is a Socialist in
his political views, lie has served the public as a justice of the peace for
many years, both in Candor and- Hobart townships. He has served as
school clerk in Hobart for many years, also clerk in the village of Vergas
for three years, and was one of the organizers of the village of Vergas.
HENRY HENSCH.
Henry Hensch. who was born in Germany on January 4, 1874, the son
of Nicholas and Alary (Beckmann) Hensch, both of whom are now resi-
dents of Germany, where Nicholas Hensch is a farmer.
Henry Hensch was educated in the schools of Germany, and for a short
tune attended school in the slate of Iowa, where he went after reaching
America, m the year [889. Following bis settlement in Lyons county. Iowa.
I lenr\ Hensch was employed generally at farm work for eleven years and
then he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Western township, a place on which he
put man\ improvements. \t a later date this enterprising farmer purchased
one hundred and sixty acres, south of his original farm, all of which land
is now well improved and in a g I state of cultivation.
During the year [900 Henry Hensch was married to Johanna Kohnke,
win. was horn in Germany, the daughter of John and Kathcrine (Blohm)
Kohnke. who are natives ,,f Germany, where they now live. To the mar-
4.32 mi 11 R f \ 1 1 C01 \ I V MINNESOI
Fienr) and Johanna Hensch have been born four children. Albert,
Frida, I tenry, Jr., and I .ouise.
Henry Hensch and his family attend the German Lutheran church, a
congregation in which Mr. Hensch is one of the best known, and with his
wife, is among the most highly respected communicants.
In the public life oi Otter Tail county and Western township, II.m.
Hensch has taken no especial part, bul has preferred to serve as a private
citizen and to do his duty to the community as it is presented.
EDWARD T. BARN \RI).
Successful as a merchant in Fergus Falls and is and. success-
ful furniture dealer and undertaker. Edward T. Barnard is a native of
Minneapolis, this state, the ?on of Thomas G. and Eliza (Haves') Barnard.
Mr. Barnard's' father was born on Prince Edward Island and located
in Boston, Massachusetts, about [848. It was in Boston that he worked in
a cabinet -hup, as it was called in those days — what we now call a furniture
-tore. \t that time in the cabinet -hop, or store, most all of the furniture
was made, and the product was beautiful and substantial, the furniture made
in those days, with it- antique design, now being bought and sold at almost
fabulous prices. In [857 Thomas C Barnard came West and enj
the manufacture oi furniture in a Minneapolis factory, which is -till in
operation and which i- known as the Barnard-Cope Manufacturing Com
pany. Mr. Barnard 1- now retired from active life and lives at Los \.ngeles,
( 'alifornia.
I d ' ird T. Barnard, who conducts the commodious furniture
East Lincoln avenue, where he has a large and well-selected assortment of
furniture and an admirably arranged stock, betrays, in every nook and cor-
ner of his -tore, his exquisite taste and his expert knowledge of the business.
Mr Barnard acquired his early education in Minneapolis and later
in the printing business. On April 21, 1880, he went to
Falls and. after arriving in that city, was employed by the Journal, where
he worked for •■ ars. \i the end of that period, he emb
the furniture ami undertaking business and in this business he is -till 1
Mr. Barnard's wife, before her man Lillian Nichols, the
I Nichols, who was the third postmaster ■ 1
Falls. Mr and Mrs. Barnard have four children. Helen, \rthur. Neal and
Lucille.
Edward T. Laniard i- a met
1 ree and Vccepterl Masons, and also is a member of the Knights
of Pvthias, the Independent Order of <)<\<\ Fellows and the Modern Wood-
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OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 433
men of America. hew undertakers in the state are better known than he, a
fact that was attested by his election in [914 to the important position of
president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.
HENRY H. BERGE.
Among the fanners and stock raisers of St. Olaf township, Otter Tail
county, .Minnesota, as well as among the general population of the com-
munity, Henry H. Berge is known as a man who has made a success of his
life, not only in agricultural pursuits, but as a man, and as a forceful and
useful citizen of the township. When a boy he was denied home influence
and parental tare, and was therefore dependent largely upon his own
resources and yet regardless of this handicap, by rising to a position of note
and prominence in the community, he has proved to all his quality and his
ability to surmount difficulty and to be of use in whatever situation or cir-
cumstance. It is these qualities in Henry H. Berge which have made him
one of the men of leadership and influence in the township and county.'
Henry 11. Berge was born in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, on March 29, [869, the son of Halvor Berge and Ragnel Hemes,
both of whom were natives of Norway, in which country they lived, where
Halvor Berge was a farmer until the year 1863, when they came to America
and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, living there for two years, after
which time they moved to Mower county, Minnesota, living there for about
two years, and then came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Halvor
Berge homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in St. Olaf town-
ship, a place where he, with his family, made his home and after some
time having overcome many hardships and privations, due to the distance
from the railway, he "proved up" his land and lived his last days in com-
parative comfort. Halvor Berge, well-known pioneer citizen of Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, died in the year 1877, his wife having died in the
year [873; on his death four young children, [ngeborg, Magne, Nellie and
Henry, being left alone and in the care of an uncle. Ole Hemes.
Henry II. Berge, while living with his uncle, was educated in the public
schools of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, after which, having reached the
age of sixteen years, be worked as a farm helper for some time. In the year
[896 be gained po^sessi,,n of the home farm, to which he added some land
by purchase and has since engaged in general farming and stock raising.
During the year [900 Henry 11. Berge was married to Helga Knudson,
who was born on December 30, 1878, in Norway, and to this marriage has
been born two children. Harvey, who is fourteen years of aire, and Roy, who
1 28b )
|_3 | OTTER I \i I COl vi v. WIN NESOTA.
is eight years of age. Henry 11. Berge and his family are loyal members
of the Norwegian Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Berge is an ardent
Republican.
Ji MIX \\ [LLIAM SW ANSON.
John William Swanson, prominent fanner, of Star Lake township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden. December 15. 1876, the
son of Sven M. and Sophia Johanson, both of whom were natives of
Sweden, where Sven M. is now living and where his wife, Sophia, died in
[890. Sven M. and Sophia Johanson were the parents of seven children.
John William, Emma, Carl, llnlda. Gustav, Clara and I Idor
John William Swanson received his education in the public -ehools of
Sweden, alter which he came, in [898, to America and located in Clay
county, Minnesota, where he lived with an uncle. John W. Nelson, for some
time and then came to Star Lake township and bought, in partnership with
an uncle, Frank Nelson, more than two hundred acres of land in section [3.
Of this land Mr. Swanson now owns sixty-five acres. John William Swan-
son has greatly improved his farm with substantial buildings and has brought
his land to a high state of cultivation, lie now , 1 ssfullj in gen-
eral agricultural pursuits.
During the year 1906 John William Swanson was married to Esther
\ ictoria Henstrand, who was horn in the state of South Dakota, in 1SS5, the
daughter of Sven Henstrand and wife, natives of Sweden, who came to
America and settled in Minnesota and later went to North Dakota, where
they spenl the remainder of their days. To the marriage of John William
and Esther Swanson have been born four children. Arvid. Edwin, Irving
and Mice. Mr. Swanson and his family are members of the Swedish Luth-
eran chnrch.
I' )ll\ W. NELSON
Anion- the well-known and successful farmers of Star Lake township,
(titer Tail count}-, Minnesota, is John W. Nelson, who was horn in Sweden.
1 1 |. [860, the son of Israel and Christine Nelson, both of whom
Sweden, in which country they lived their entire life. Israel
and Chris the parents of eight children: Peter, who culti-
vates the home farm, in Sweden; Lena. v! ed : Matilda, di
Frank.- who lives in Star Lake township; Sophia, who is deceased: Emma, a
resilient | lm W.. the subject of this sketch, and Carl, who lives
sota
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 435
John W. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Sweden. In
June. 1880, he came to America and located in Polk county, Wisconsin,
where he lived one year and then, after one summer at St. Paul, Minnesota,
and one winter in the woods of Wisconsin, John W. Nelson came to Moor-
head, C lay county, where he homesteaded, in 1882, one hundred and sixty
acres of land, a place which Mr. Nelson improved extensively and a farm
winch .Mr. Nelson now leases out. In June, 1901, John W. Nelson came to
Star Lake township and bought one hundred and forty-five acres of land in
section 22, where he now lives and engages in general agricultural pursuits.
During the year 1883 John W. Nelson was married, at Moorhead,
Minnesota, to Elvina Bjordahl, who was born in Norway on April 14, 1865,
the daughter of Ole and Elsie Bjordahl, natives of Norway, who moved to
Huston county. Minnesota, where they lived until 1904, and then came to
Star Lake township, this county, where Ole Bjordahl died in 1906, and
where his widow, Elsie, now lives, at the age of eighty-eight years. To the
marriage of John W. and Elvina Nelson have been born four children,
William Eldor, Clara, George Arthur and Alma.
BENJAMIN G. EMERY.
Benjamin G. Emery, well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Maple-
wood township, Otter Tail count}', Minnesota, was born in Marion, Marion
county, Ohio, on June 16, 1852, the son of Jonah C. and Lyda (Kelley)
Emery, the former a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1820,
and the latter born in the same state. Jonah C. and Lyda Emery went to
the state of Ohio in the early forties and located in Marion, where he fol-
lowed his business as a contractor and builder, until his death in 1867.
Jonah C. and Lyda Emery were the parents of five children, Ida, Benjamin
G., lose and Ella (deceased), and Alice.
Benjamin G. Emery received his education in the public schools of
Marion, Ohio, after which he went to Porter county, Indiana, where he
married and then mined to Stcvensville. Michigan, and later to Oshkosh.
Wisconsin, and then he went to the city of Minneapolis. Minnesota, for four
years' residence, hi c88o Benjamin G. Emery came to Otter Tail county
and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Maplewood town-
ship, a place which he has improved with good buildings and a farm on
which he engages in general agricultural pursuits.
On \.pril 23, [871, Benjamin G. Emery was married, in Porter county.
Indiana, to Harriel McAninch, who was born in Indiana on November i.
[854, the daughter of John McAninch and wife, who moved to Porter
(.36 1 TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOl \
county from Wyandot county, Ohio, during the time of the Civil War.
To the marriage of Benjamin G. and Harriet Emery have been born the fol-
lowing children: Hughie, Ella, Thomas, Archie A.. Alfred P. and Mae.
who are living; and Mice ( '.. Frank E. and Edith M., who are deceased.
For twenty-two years Benjamin G. Emery lias served his community as
township clerk and for eighteen years he has rilled the office as clerk of the
school board. During a term of six years Mr. Emery occupied the office of
1 the peace and for practically all of his days in Maplewood town-
ship, he has been active in some manner which has resulted to the profit and
advancement of the community life.
WILLIAM O. WOLD.
William < >. Wold is a native of Clitherall township. Otter 'Pail county,
Minnesota, and is the son of Christian ( ). Wold and Johanna (Paulson)
Wold, both natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in the early days.
Johanna ( Paulson) Wold was born on August 6. 184-'. and Christian ().
Wold was born on January J.q, 1836. He was a blacksmith while a residenl
of Norway, and followed that vocation for many years. After his arrival
in the United States, in 1S66. he located in Chicago for a few years and
then removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he secured a home-
stead in Clitherall township in 1870. and remained there for the rest of his
life. The farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved
land and, as markets were a great distance from the source of production
and the necessities of life were costly, the struggle for an honorable com-
petency was hard and long but gradually the place was improved and put
under cultivation and became a comfortable home. To the union of Chris-
tian <> Wold and his wife were boni the children whose names follow: Ole
Marius, Kaja S. Charles V . Soren, Joseph, \\el. Minnie (deceased),
William Tl. and Elvira. The father and mother of these children were both
devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Christian O. Wold
was a Republican in his political faith He died on September 12. ion.
William i). Wold was born on February 9, 1885, in Clitherall town-
ship, ''Iter Tail county, Minnesota, on his father's farm. T T is education
eived in the schools of Clitherall township, following which he
assisted his father with the work on the home place for several years, bul
iftei his marri Foss, daughter of Tarkel and Kari (Tveton)
Foss, on June 9, [9 he removed to Timber Lake. South Dakota, and pur-
ine hundred and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law, and
remained then- until 101 • He then returned to Otter Tail county, Minne
sota, and purchased the place on which they now reside. This farm con-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 437
sists of one hundred and sixty acres, in St. Olaf township, on which he does
general farming and stock raising.
To William O. Wold and his wife have been born the children whose
names follow: Curtis T., born on May 19, 19105 Kenneth J., born on
August 25, 1912, and Ethel 1., who was born on July 21, 1914. William O.
Wold and his wife are active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Politically, William O. Wold is allied with the independent voters of the
country. Christian O. Wold, father of William O. Wold, died in Septem-
ber, [911.
Gina Foss was born on December 2$, 1886, on the farm which is now
owned by her and her husband, and which her father, Tarkel Foss, home-
steaded in 1868. Tarkel Foss and his wife were both natives of Norway.
He came to the United States when a young man, in 1867, and selected this
farm as a permanent home and it was here that his death occurred. To
Air. and Mrs. Tarkel Foss were born three children, whose names follow:
Andrina, Ole and Gina. Tarkel Foss and his wife were members of the
Norwegian Lutheran church. Kari (Tveton) Foss was married, secondly,
to Michael Holoien, and her death occurred on October 26, 1914. Tarkel
Foss made a trip to Norway in 1870 and returned in 1880. He died on
December 18. 1887.
CHRISTIAN EGGUM.
A citizen and farmer who is known throughout St. Olaf township and
the vicinity, as a man who has been peculiarly successful in agricultural pur-
suits, as well as a man who in the public life and affairs of the community is
prepared, as a result of broad training and natural ability, for the larger
matters in connection with communal welfare, is Christian Eggum. Born
of one of Otter Tail county's best families, a man who has had the advantage
of special culture and instruction, and a citizen who in the conduct of his
personal affairs, as in his efforts to aid his locality, has proved his value and
worth, he is a man without a review of whose life this work would be
incomplete.
Christian Eggum was bom on the Eggum homestead in St. Olaf town-
ship, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, May 12, 1882, the son of Ktfudt O.
Eggum and Anne Ramsey, both of whom were natives of Norway, in which
country Knudt O. Eggum was a laborer, a line of endeavor which he fol-
lowed until the year 1863, when he came to America and located in the state
of towa, where he worked as a farm helper for two years, then for two
years rented a farm which he cultivated, afterwards moving to the state of
Minnesota, there homesteading a farm of one hundred and sixtv acres in
438 OTTER T\l> COl Vl'Y. MINNESOTA.
township, Knudt O. Eggum being one of the first men to settle in
that township. \fter man) hardships and privations, due to his lack of
well as his great distance from a railroad, this pioneer farmer was
able to gain a clear title to his land, and later he was able to improve his
farm extensively and to have a comfortable home and ample land for gen-
eral farming and stock raising, which he followed until his death, in the year
[898. Knull 0. Eggum and .Anne Ramsey were the parents of seven chil-
dren, Martha. flails. Carrie, Ludia, Christina. Anna and Christian. In
church affiliation, knult < ). Eggum was of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Politically, the elder Eggum was an ardent Republican.
Christian Eggum, the subject of this sketch, received his education in
the common schools of St. Olaf township, this county, and folio1
death of his father Christian ime a farmer, cultivating I
farm, a place on which he is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits
and in the raising of good grade live stock.
On July 20, 1904, Christum Eggum was married to Lena Thorgerson,
and to this marriage has been born two children. Milo T.yle and Beatrice
Eveline. Christian Eggum and his family are faithful and devout members
of the Norwegian Lutheran church at St. Olaf, Minnesota, a congregation
in which Air. Eggum and his wife are actively engaged in the support of the
works, efforts and worship.
Politically, Christian Eggum has taken no especial part, but it is only
fair to this capable citizen to say that his efforts and works in general and
public matters have done no little in making the locality known for its prog-
ress and advanced methods in the various lines of work.
FRED l WEBER
Endowed with strong faculties and possessed o! business sagacity in the
truest seii^e of the word is bred I.. Weber, who has reached a prominent
place in the financial world of Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Success has
come to him through individual effort and publii n of his powers
.is a man of understanding and sympathy and as a citizen with the welfare of
the community at heart. Fred 1. Weber was born in Burlington, !
; of September, [859. lie i- the son of « harles S. and Margarel
< Shimmer 1 Weber, both of whom were born in Germany. Charles Weber
left his native land for \merica in [846, and upon arriving in this country
took up his residence in the state of Iowa, where he became a drugg
a physician. Mr. and Mr-. Weber reared a family of four children.
'I he common schools of St Cloud, Minnesota, furnished the elementary
education received bv the subjeel of this sketch. He also completed the high
OTTER I All COl \ I V, Ml\ XHmiTA. 439
school course at St. Cloud. Wishing to develop his powers as a student he
entered St. John's College and finally completed his educational training in
the normal school at St. Cloud. Mr. Weber began his professional career in
1879 as a teacher in the schools of Otter Tail county, where he had charge
of the Perham school. Later he became interested in the general store owned
by M. Walz and served as a clerk in the establishment until 1887. In the
year just mentioned, the subject of this sketch bought a half interest in the
store, and the partnership thus contracted lasted for five years. At the end
of that time, after selling the store, the men who had been partners in the
business established the Perham Bank. This was in 1891. Mr. Weber
assumed the position as cashier of the bank and remained in that capacity
until 1900, when he became the sole owner of the bank. In 1908 the Per-
ham Bank was organized into a state bank, and at that time the subject of
this sketch took J. H. Shea as a partner, who now serves as cashier.
In 18S7 the marriage of Fred L. Weber to Mary A. Walz, the daughter
of Michael Walz. and a native of Illinois, took place. To this union one
child has been born, Norbert O., who died at the age of twelve years. Air.
and Mrs. Weber attend St. Henry's Catholic church.
Mr. Weber has served the community in a number of offices, among
which have been secretary of the school board, an office he has held for
twenty-three years, and village treasurer, in which capacity he has served for
twenty years. As a man possessing high attributes of character he is looked
upon as a force for good in the business world, which has been the field of
his endeavors.
HARPY S. PRICHETT, D. D. S.
Dr. Harry S. Prichett, who is one of the leading professional men
engaged in the practice of dental surgery, and a citizen who is honored for
his public-spirited interest in the various affairs of Perham, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November
[8, [869, a son of John anil Mary ( Pancoast) Prichett, natives of Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania
John Prichett. who was a member of the firm known as Prichett, Baugh
& 1 ompany, link- and leather dealers <>t" Philadelphia, moved to Minneapolis,
Minnesota, in 1880, where he established himself in business and where he
lived for the remainder of his days, as a hide and leather dealer. John and
Mary Prichett were the parents of three children: F.. K.. Tohn and Harry S.
Harry S. Prichett received his early education in a private school of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and after moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
440 OTTER TAIL COl XIY. MINNESOTA.
completed his preparatorj education in the public schools of that city. In
1893 Harry S. Prichett became a student in the college of dentistry at the
University oi Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, three years later graduating
with the degn ■ ! Doctoi oi Dental Surgery. Following the completion
of his professional education, Dr. H. S. Prichett began the practice of his
11 at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, remaining there for about one and
one-half years, after which he went to Alexandria, Minnesota, where he was
engaged in his professional duties for a short time. During the year 1899,
Doctor Prichett moved to Perham, Minnesota, where he has since lived, not
only as one successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, but as a
citizen who, though not aspiring to public office, has none the less been one
of the most influential and beneficial elements in local citizenship. Politi-
cally, Doctor Prichett is a Republican.
During the year 1897 Dr. Harry S. Prichett was married to Bernice
Merwin, and to this marriage has been born one child. Mary Josephine.
Fraternally, Dr. H. S. Prichett is a member of the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons and also of the Woodmen of the World.
CASPER W. LOTTERER.
A man of exceptional business acumen and broad understanding of
civic affairs is Casper Lotterer, whose -licet'-- in life has been won through
individual effort and constant application to duty. The Lotterer name has
been a familiar one in Otter Tail county for almost thirty years and has
-1 1 for achievement. Casper Lotterer was horn in the city of New York
on the 1st of October. 1880, and is the sou of Casper Lotterer. a native of
Wurtemberg, Germany, and of Elizabeth i Froelich) Lotterer. who was born
in New Haven, Connecticut. The father of the subject of this sketch, who
was a barber in New Haven, Connecticut, came to Perham, Otter Tail
county, in the year 1887. In this locality he opened a barber -hop and
remained in business until 1903, when his death occurred. He was survived
by the following sons: Casper W. and Charles. His son, William, met
death by accident in 1901.
Since early childhood Casper W. Lotterer has been a resident of Minne-
sota He was educated in the public school- of Perham, and upon finishing
e prescribed, learned the barber's trade. In 1 So | be was
in this line of work and after practicing it for some time was able to bu\ out
his father's shop. TTe started to manage the business formerly held by his
father, in 19OT, and has continued to retain his interest in the shop until
■ Hi time. Mr. Lotterer has extended his business activities to many
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 44I
fields, and at the present time is occupied chiefly as deputy uil inspector 111
Otter Tail and Becker counties. Since tyit he has served as justice of the
peace at Perham.
In the practical affairs of business life, Air. Lotterer has exemplified the
highest attributes of character, and thus has won friends among all classes
of people. As a citizen he is public spirited and takes an affirmative stand
for every movement for the betterment of the industrial life in the commun-
ity 111 which he lives.
On the 2nd of August, 1904, the marriage of Casper W. Lotterer and
Delia E. Rasmusson, the daughter of S. Rasmusson, was solemnized. To
this union the following children have been born: Yinette, whose birth
occurred on the 17th of June, IQ05, and Arthur, who was born on the 23rd
of September, 1907.
In his political relations, Mr. Lotterer is a member of the Democratic
party, and he and his wife are both members of the German Lutheran
church. He is active in fraternal organizations, being affiliated with the
.Max uis and also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. As president
of the Advancement Club of Perham he has shown executive ability of
marked character.
MATH IAS MOXSON.
In dedicating the following sketch to the gentleman whose name is
seen above, only a generalization is made of the principal events of his life,
including his agricultural and financial accomplishments, and his public-
spirited interest in Pelican township, Otter Tail county, where he has resided
-nice 1894.
Mathias Monson, farmer. Pelican Rapids. Pelican township, was born
on February 13. 1852, in Dane county. Wisconsin, and is a son of Ole and
Rondena fSvenson) Monson. lie attended the public schools of Fillmore
county, remaining on the home place until 1 S 7 5 . when he bought eighty acres
of land in his native county, which he fanned for six years. In 1882 Air.
Monson went to South Dakota, where he took up a homestead of four hun-
dred and sixty acres, living there until 1804. when he rented out his land
ami moved to Pelican township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he
rented land for one year, and in 1S0; he bought one hundred and sixtv acres
and now has two hundred and four acres. He has put all the improvements
on the place, and follows general fanning, combined with stock raising,
making a specialty of purebred Durham cattle. Politically, he is an inde-
pendent voter. Religiously, he belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church,
in the work of which he has officiated as trustee.
OT I i N IV. MINNESOl \.
( He Monson was born in Norway, where he was united in marriage with
Rondena Svenson, also a native of that country. Mr. Monson was a man
of limited means in his home country, earning his living as a day laborer,
lie came to America in 1850, settling for a few year.- in Dane county, Wis-
consin, after which he moved 1 county, Minnesota, where he took
me hundred and sixty acres, where he spent the remain-
der of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Monson reared a family of eight child
of whom are living in K115.
Mathias Monson was united in marriage in [870 with Karen Onsum,
of Ole Onsum, to which union eleven children have been born:
o, Rudolph, Otthelia. Carl, Emma, Edwin, Albert. Martin. Laura
and Lauritz. I. aura, died when eight months old.
Mr. Monson has won the reputation of being one of the must thrifty
farmers of Pelican township, his neat and well-cared-for
place being one of the most attractive in that community.
MARTIN SHE V
Martin Shea, popularly known as "Colonel" Shea, is one of the prom-
inent and progressive business men oi this locality, and has done much for
the betterment of civic conditions. He is a native of Ireland and his birth
occurred on October 12, [844. He 1- the son of James and Honora (Spaesy)
A Ireland. They were the parents of nine b
remained residents of their native country until their deaths.
Martin Shea received hi- education in the common schools of Ireland
and after completing same engaged in farming, lie emigrated t>> America
in [865, arriving in the month of June, and located in Pennsylvania, where
M in railroad work for three years. He then removed to Des
[owa, where he was employed as a foreman for a railro
1 was instrumental in building the track from Des Moines, Iowa, to
Fori Dodge, Iowa. In the spring of 1N71. lie accepted a position with the
Northern Pai fie Railroad 1 ompany and traveled by stage from St. Cloud
to I'.rainerd. Minnesota, arriving on April 10. [871. lie assisted in laying
the lirst track from Brainerd t" Moorhead, Minnesota. In 1872 In- was put
in charge of a construction train and continued to. operate same for three
years. In the fall of [87 | he decided to quit the railroad work and pur-
1 farm in Rush lake township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, con-
sisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he continued t" cultivate for
three years In [878 he engaged in the hotel business in the town of Per-
ham, Minnesota, building the presenl hostelry in [898, and is still operating
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 443
one of the best hotels in the county. The building is one hundred by fifty-
six feet in dimensions.
One June 13, 1875, Martin Shea was united in marriage to Maria
Bridgemann, and to them have been born these children: James, George,
\\ illiam, Edward, Isabell and Irene. Martin Shea and his wife are stanch
members of St. Henry's Catholic church, and he is a member of the Knights
of ( olumbus. Politically-, he is a Democrat and served as postmaster during
Grover Cleveland's first administration.
HENRY WILSHUSI-X.
Henry W'ilshusen, well-to-do farmer and one of the prominent men of
public life, in Friberg township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in
Hanover, Germany, on September 5, 1S58, the son of John and Meta (Mink;
Wilshusen, natives of Hanover, Germany. John YYilshusen was the son of
John W'ilshusen. Sr., who spent his entire life as a farmer in Germany.
John W'ilshusen came to America in 1884, and located in Friberg township,
this county, where he lived with his son. Henry, until February, 1895, when
the elder W'ilshusen died. Meta, the widow of John Wilshusen, survived
her husband by only two months, she dying in April, 1895. John and Meta
Wilshusen were the parents of the following children: John. ( 'harles,
Henry, Fred, Carsten, Katherine and George.
Henry W'ilshusen received his education in the public schools of his
native country, after which he became a school teacher in the schools of
Germany, a work which he followed until 1880. when he came to America.
After spending more than a year at the city of Brooklyn, New York, where
he visited with a brother. Henry Wilshusen went to St. Louis, Missouri, and
made his home in that city for six months, after which he came to Friberg
township, this county, in July. 18S2, and worked as a farm helper for two
years. In 1884, Henry W'ilshusen bought eighty acres of land in Friberg
township, where he established a home, and after some time be bought
eighty additional acres, making one hundred and sixty acres of well-
improved and highly-cultivated land which Mr. W'ilshusen now owns
During the year 1891, Henry Wilshusen was married to Adelheid
Muller, and to this marriage have been born ten children, namely : John
D.. Herman ( '., Henry G., Adcle M., Margaret E., May C, Frieda M.
Walter F.. Regina W. and Reinhold T.
W a public man and office holder. Henry W'ilshusen is one of the besl
and most favorably known citizens of Friberg township. Mr. Wilshusen
has served his community for many years as road overseer, for two years
he has served as township assessor, has been clerk of the school district
444 OTTER TAIL COt N'TY. MINNESOTA.
nci [903 and holds that office today, for twelve years was school district
treasurer and for some years he was constable. Mr. Wilshusen is now serv-
ing as justice of the peace, an office which he has occupied for some years.
Henr) Wilshusen is one of the highly-respected and esteemed citizens of
Friberg township. Otter Tail county.
|ol!X HOLT
Among the well-known farmers of Elizabeth township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is John Holt, who was born in Sweden, on June i<>.
[850, the son of fohn and Christine (Jones) Hanson, natives of Sweden
[ohn Hanson, with his family, came to America in 1871, and located at
famestown, New York, near where he bought a farm of fifty-five acres, a
place which the elder Hanson cultivated until his death, on ^.ugusl 31, [900.
Christine, the widow of John Hanson, now lives with her son, August Han-
son, at Gerry, New York. John and Christine Hanson were the parents of
seven children: ("ohn, August, Anna. ( harles, Alfred, Mathilda and Lores.
fohn Holt received his education in the common schools of his native
country, after which he came to America, in 1S71. and located at James-
town, New York, where he lived for two years and then moved to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, during the year 1873, and homesteaded eighty acres
of land in section 22, Elizabeth township, a place which Mr. Holl has
improved and to winch he has added land, until now he is the owner of one
hundred and seventy-five acres of desirable land in Elizabeth township.
On July -'. 1872. John Holl was married to Lena Peterson; to this
marriage no children have been lx>rn. Lena, the wife of John Holt, died
on April 8, [91 1 .
LOUIS RUD.
Lotus Rud is a native of Norway and his birth occurred on June 13.
[865. IK- is the son of Martin and Sigerid (Olson) Rud, both natives of
Norway. The) were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom emi-
grajted to America. Martin Rud and his wife remained in their native land
until their deaths.
Louis Rud received his education in the schools of Norwaj and immi-
grated to America in fune, [887, locating in Otter Tail comity. Minnesota,
almost immediately During the first year of his residence in this locality,
he was employed near Pelican Rapids, but the following spring he removed
to the state of Washington where he remained for eleven years. While a
resident of that state, he was employed in the timber and as a farm hand,
lie also purchased eightv acres of land. He returned to Norway, where he
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 445
remained for a period of eighteen months, and then returned to Pelican
Rapids. Shortly after his return, he purchased one hundred and seventeen
acres of unimproved land from Knute Stevenson, in Lida township, section
27, on which he has since remained and which he devotes to general farming.
He has improved this place completely, with the exception of the house which
was built previous to his tenancy of the farm.
In lyoo, Louis Rud was united in marriage to Laura Peterson and they
are the parents of seven children whose names follow: Mary, Alga, Martin,
Eleda, Fredrick, Lena and Melvin. Louis Rud and his wife are members
of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Politically, Louis Rud is independent
of party.
HANS NELS< >N.
Hans Nelson, well-known retired farmer of Friberg township, this
county, was born in Denmark, May 6, 1850, the son of Hans and Mary
Nelson, both of whom were natives of Denmark. Hans Nelson, Sr., was
a farmer of his native country, an occupation which he followed there for
his entire life, with the exception of a few years as a soldier of Denmark.
Mans and Alary Nelson were the parents of four children, Henry, Hans,
Mary and Katherine. Nans Nelson and his family were devout members
of the Danish Lutheran church.
Hans Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native land, after
which he married and shortly afterward came to America, in [875, and
went to Denison, Iowa, where he lived for ten years and then moved to the
state of Nebraska, there becoming a farmer for about twenty years in
1899, Hans Nelson came to Otter Tail county, and located in Fergus Falls
township, where he lived as a farmer until [905 and then came to Friberg
township, where he bought one hundred and fifty-eight acres of land, which
Mr. Nelson improved and to which he added, later, eighty acres. Hans
Nelson, on his well-improved farm, now lives a retired life, the agricultural
pursuits of his place being conducted by his children.
Hans Nelson has not only been successful as a farmer and of use to
his community as one who has aided in the development of the township
and its resources, but lie lias been of service to the country of bis adoption
as a soldier, Mr. Nelson having for six years served in the United States
army. lie was engaged in battle with the Sioux Indians in t888. Nans
Nelson rose to the rank of a sergeant, and served as such for three years,
receiving an honorable discharge on November 4. [893.
During the year [874 I bins Nelson was married to Minnie ' lever, of
Denmark, in which country they were married, and to tliis marriage have
;,i, OTTKR I'M!- COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
I)een born the following children: Charles, Hans, Anna, Katherine, Emma,
Henry ai i Hans Nelson and his family are prominenl members
ami active workers in the Danish I utheran church, of Fergus Falls. \- a
fraternal man, Mr. Nelson is a member of the fCniehts of tin- Maccabees.
PEDER \. MOE.
Peder \. Moe, prominenl farmer and citizen of Oscar township, ibis
county, was born in Norway, November 26, [855, the son of Andes and
Martha Amenson, both of whom were natives of Norway. ^ndes ^men-
son was a fanner of his native country, an occupation which lie followed
the whole of his life.
Peder V Moe came to America in [886, and after his landing at Bos-
ton, Massachusetts, came to the state of Minnesota, and located at the town
of Rothsay, in Oscar township. In his new location Peder V Moe, secured
one hundred and. fifty aire- of land, a place which Mr. Moe improved with
a new house, a good barn and other buildings, which together make the
farm of Peder A. Moe, one of the desirable places for agricultural pursuits,
i:i ( Iscar township.
During the year 1886, Peder A. Moe was married to Thea Otteson,
and to this marriage have been horn four children. Alfred, Martha. Mag-
nus and Oscar. Mr. Moe and his famib members of the Nor-
■■■•■:• , Lutheran church, of Rothsay.
Vs a business man Peder A. Moe takes rank among the more prom-
inent of Oscar township, he being a stockholder of the Rothsay Elevator
Company, of Rothsay, Minnesota. In politic-. Peder A. Moe has taken no
especial part although he is known a- a man and citizen who is interested
in general welfare and public improvement.
GEORGE I!. MILLER.
Of the farmers and stock raisers throughout < >ite-r lad county, prob
ably no one is more prominently connected or more widely known for his
part in the life and activities of the community, than is George II. Miller.
the subject of this -ketch. Extensively engaged in scientific fanning, a
reeder of fim I which is second tp none in the li
man who in business and financial circli iffiliated, and a
citizen who in the mattery of community life and as a holder of public office
is a leader and ■ '• record of achievi pent ami accom-
plishment no 1 i nl in this county would he complete with-
out reference to the works and activities of this worthy citizen.
George II. Miller was horn in Xew York City, lune 28, 1870, the son
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 447
of John F. Miller, who was born in Hanover, Germany, on October 31,
1842, and Meta (Shumacher) Miller, who was born in Hanover, Germany,
on January 20, 1838, both of whom came to America in the year [864, and
landed in Xew York City, where they lived for nineteen years, the elder
Miller being a storekeeper there. During the year 1883 John F. and Meta
Miller, with their family, came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and settled
in Leaf Lake township, where John F. Miller purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, later adding one hun-
dred and sixty-eight acres of land, making a farm of two hundred and
eighty-eight acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated farm land which
he owned at his death on November i_\ 1911. Meta Miller, the widow of
John F. Miller, now lives with her son. George, on the home place.
John F. Miller was one of the best-known and most highly-respected
men of Otter Tail county, being a man known for his unselfish interest
in the development of the community and for his support of church work
and activities, more particularly the German Lutheran church, of which he
was a prominent member. The elder Miller was one of the most progressive
of the earlier farmers in this locality, finding great interest in the improve-
ment and equipment of his farm with modern buildings and structures,
together with the supplying 6f his place with the most approved implements
and conveniences for the pursuit of general agricultural life.
1 i :orge II. Miller was educated in the public schools of Leaf Lake town-
ship, attending district school No. [85, near his home, after which he
engaged in farming, having inherited a portion of his father's farm: and
after having purchased the interests of the other heirs he established mi his
place a stock farm, where he is now engaged in the breeding of fine quality
Duroc-Jersey hogs, and in the breeding of Guernsey cattle. In addition to
his general farm work. George IF Miller conducts a dairy, keeping for this
purpose fifteen head of purebred and good grade cows.
George IF Miller is one of the best-known stockmen of the county, his
counsel and judgment in matters affiliated with this pursuit being conceded
t<> he of the best and id the greatest value for the development of this busi-
ness, a testimony of which ;s his occupancy of the office as president of the
Guernsey Breeders' Association of Otter Tail county.
( hi June 1, 1005. George II Miller was married to Mary Buerge, who
was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, March 30, 1879, and to this mar
riage were bom two daughters, Luella and Viola. George IF Miller and
his family arc members of the German Lutheran church, a congregation in
which they are respected and esteemed communicants.
In public life George II. Miller has served long and with a clean and
honorable record, a an official in the office; ol town clerk, which he served
IJN OTTER TAI1 COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
for eleven years; as a member of the school board, on which he held a seat
for six years, and now as president of the Society of Equity, an office in
which he serves the community in a business capacity. He is recognized
as a man with no little ability and a- a citizen whose unselfish endeavor for
the welfare of the localit) has done -real things for the advancement of
li\ ing conditions.
George II Miller is connected with some of the large concerns and
business interests of the county, being president of the Otter Tail Henning
telephone Compan)', a stockholder in the Otter Tail Creamery Company,
is the owner of considerable stock in the Security State Bank, and he also
is a shareholder in the Farmer's Elevator ( ompany. of Henning and a
shareholder in the Farmer's Store, at the town of Heinold, in Otter Tail
county.
The life and activity of George II. Miller is one of the valuable assets
of business and agricultural circles in this comity, and he, by his progressive-
d his intelligent effort has won a place of permanent appreciation in
the hearts of the people of his county.
OLIVER OLSON.
Another prominent citizen in the commercial life of Fergus halls, this
county, is Oliver Olson, who is engaged in the lire, life and accident-insur-
ance business and who is secretary and manager of St. Luke's hospital;
secretary and treasurer of the Fergus Falls Ugeblad Newspaper Publishing
Company, and president of the company operating the Fergus Falls woolen
mill-. TTc has served as secretary and manager of St. Luke's' hospital for
the past ten years.
< lliver Olson was horn near the city of Roros, Norway, May i. [852,
the -on of Esten and Ingerberg (Olson) Olson. The Olson family came to
America in [869. by wa\ of Quebec, Canada, settling in Winnesheik county,
Iowa, where they remained for about one year. During this time, the father
made a trip to Tordenskji M township. Otter Tail county, where In- home
steaded a quarter of a section of land. In the fall of 1870 the familj moved
from Iowa to ( (tier Tail county, first living in a dug-out and later in a log
house, part of which house later was used for a school house and is still
standing The first teacher was Mice Fitch. Mr. Olson was (he firsl clerk
1 1| the district.
In 1S75 Oliver Olson moved to Stom Brook, (Irani county, this state.
where he "squatted"' on a piece of land, which he afterward pre-empted from
rnment. There he lived during the summers for several years and.
during the winter months, worked as a clerk in various insurance offices in
Falls.
(M.ivki: olsox.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 449
In 1883 Oliver Olson was married to Olin Story, and since his mar-
riage has lived continuously in Fergus Falls. To this union there were born
five children. Inga, Esther, Olive, Agnes and Oleen. Esther Olson married
George Oberg. of Los Angeles, California, and has two children, Oliver and
Georgia. Olive Olson married Alfred Aunan, of Fergus Falls, and has one
child. Agnes. Mrs. Olin Olson died in 1895 and, five years later, Mr. Olson
married, secondly, Mette Melby, a native of Norway.
Since coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Olson has served as probate
clerk of the county for fifteen years and also as judge of the probate for
two years. He is the present city assessor of Fergus Falls and has held
that office for the past ten years. Mr. Olson is also secretary of the Old
Settlers' Association, a position which he has held for eleven years. This
association was founded by the venerable George Cowing and Eli Dewey.
Mr. and Mrs. Olson occupy a comfortable home in Fergus Falls, where they
are well-known and highly-respected citizens.
|()1IX HAGLUND.
John Haglund. a well-to-do farmer of Compton township, this county,
who has a well-kept farm and a well-improved tract of land in section 30,
comprising one hundred and sixty acres, was burn in Sweden.
Mr. Haglund is a son of a native of Sweden, a farmer by occupation,
win 1 died in the old country. Mr. Haglund's parents were members of
the Lutheran church and his father was trained in the military schools of
Sweden. The fatlier died on November _>8, 1878, at the age of seventy-
eight years, and the mother in 1893. Of their seven children, two, Erick
and Peter, the two eldest, are deceased. The living children are, John,
Martha. Inger, < hristene and Maggie.
John Haglund came to America shortly after the death of his mother
in [893. He had received a liberal education in the public schools of his
native land and. after arriving at Quebec, Canada, proceeded almost immedi-
ately to \sblaii(l. Wisconsin, where he remained one month. Afterward,
Mr. Haglund moved to Wadena county. Minnesota, where he lived for two
months and then came on to Otter Tail county, purchasing the farm which
he now owns, and upon which be now lives.
On September 3, [893, John V Haglund was married to Betty Swan-
son, a native of Sweden, and to them have been born four children, Erick,
\manda. Albin and Herlof.
Since the purchase of Ins original farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
Mr. Haglund has increased the acreage until he now owns altogether two
hundred acres. In [913 be built a splendid barn, thirty-two by fifty feet.
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450 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
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SWAN JOHNSON.
One of the best-known farmers of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, a
man who has been unusually successful in agricultural pursuits, as well as
being a man who takes an important part in the business life of Compton
township, is Swan Johnson. Public spirited, capable in those things to
which he applies himself and a man whose value to the community has been
demonstrated by his record in public life, he is a leading citizen of Otter
Tail county.
Swan Johnson was horn in Carver county, Minnesota, February 15.
[860, being one of twin sons horn to Peter and Johanna I Anderson 1 John
son. Peter Johnson and his wife were natives of Sweden, who lived in
that country until the year 1858, when they came to America and landed at
Boston, Massachusetts, following a six-weeks voyage across the Atlantic
ocean. Peter and Johanna Johnson went to Carver comity. Minnesota,
where they lived for three years and then moved to Washington county.
Minnesota, living there for four years, after which they went to Dakota
comity. Minnesota, a place where they lived for eleven years and then came
to Otter Tail comity. Minnesota, locating in section 20. of Compton town-
ship, where Peter Johnson took up a homestead of eighty acres ,,f land on
which lie lived for the remainder of his days. Peter Johnson was one of
the best-known and one of the most useful men of his community, taking an
active interest in the development of the county and in the promotion of
those things having for their objeel the bettermenl of living conditions.
among which was his particular interest and effort in the building of the
Swedish Lutheran church in Compton township. Peter Johnson finished
his helpful and generous life during the year [899
Swan Johnson, the subjed of this sketch, following his education in
the public schools of the state of Minnesota, became a farmer on a farm of
eighty acres of land which he received from the estate of his father, laud
which at that time being untilled, this sturdy farmer proceeded to cultivate,
and in time he added to his holdings until he now owns two hundred and
eighty acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated land in Compton and
( )ak Valley townships of ( Itter Tail county.
On December 26, 1889, Swan Johnson was married to Beda Anderson,
bom in Sweden, tin- daughter of Ole Anderson and wife, who
came to America and located in < Itter Tail county, where he purchased two
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 45 1
hundred and forty acres of land in Compton township, a place on which he
lived for the remainder of his life. To the marriage of Swan and Beda
Johnson were born the following children: Theodore S., Fannie M., Oscar
F., Ellen A.. Fred W. and Emma E., the latter being a school teacher of
Lancaster, Minnesota. Swan Johnson and his family are members of the
Swedish Lutheran church in Wadena, and are respected and esteemed as
workers and strong supporters of the denomination.
In business circles Swan Johnson is notably affiliated, being president
of the Deer Creek Creamery Company for six years,- previously having been
treasurer of the same company. The life of Swan Johnson has been of
great value to the community, not only in business, agricultural, and church
circles, but in all things for the promotion of the county and township and
its various interests and enterprises.
WILHELM LUHNING.
Wilhelm Luhning. progressive farmer and leader in agricultural circles
of Otter Tail township, this county, was born in Hanover, German v, on
May 26, 1879, the son of Henry and Doris (Crans) Luhning, natives of
Germany. Henry Luhning, who was the son of Alor. Luhning, a fanner
and shoemaker of Germany, received his education in the common schools
of his native land, after which he came, in 1890, to America, and joined his
son. Wilhelm, who had preceded him by about two years, and who was
established as a farmer in Otter Tail township. On reaching Otter Tail
county, Henry Luhning purchased three hundred and thirty acres of land in
Otter Tail township, where he lived as a farmer, until his death in [914.
Doris, the wife of Henry Luhning. is now living in Otter Tail township.
Henry and Doris Luhning were the parents of the following children:
Fredrick, Carl, August. Catherine. Henry. William and Diedrick. The
elder Luhning was a prominent member of the German Lutheran church,
a denomination which is actively supported by his family.
Wilhelm Luhning. after his education, which he received in the schools
of Germany, came to America, in 18(17, and located at Perham. Minnesota,
near where he became a farm employee for two years, and then, his father
having arrived, Wilhelm Luhning, together with his father, engaged in gen-
eral agricultural pursuits, "ii three hundred and thirty-three acres of land
which the elder Luhning acquired. On his farm in Otter Tail township
Wilhelm Luhning is now successfully engaged in general farming and in
stock raising I In- farm of Mr. Luhning is one of the besl improved and
most thoroughly equipped of the community, this progressive farmer not
only having the besl of buildings, but excellent equipment, among which is a
complete threshing outfit, which he uses for his own "-rain.
45- OTTER 1'AII. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
During the year [906, Wilhelm Luhning was married to Gusta Ohl-
rogge, a native of Germany, and to this marriage have been horn five chil-
dren: Louise, Arthur, Ernest, Emma and Henry. Mr. Luhning and his
family arc members of the German Lutheran church.
William Luhning has been active in the public life of Otter Tail town-
ship, being prominent in all public movements. He has served his town-
ship as treasurer for ten years.
MRS. EMILIE SPIES.
Mrs.' Emilie Spies, of Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, was born
in Wurtemberg, Germany, and is a daughter of George and Caroline ( Meyer 1
Koch. She came to America in 1867, with friends, and was united in mar-
riage after her arrival. After the death of her husband, she took over the
management of the home place, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres,
and is still in charge.
George and Caroline (Meyer) Koch were both horn in Germany. They
came to America in [853, locating at Georgetown, Virginia, where Mr
Koch followed the brewery business. His wife died in [849, leaving sur-
viving, her husband and three children. Mary, Emilie and (hark"- Mary
Koch came to America in 1857. and Emilie came in [867
Emilie Koch was united in marriage on June to, 1N71. at Alexandria,
Virginia, with Christian Spies, son of Henry and Anna (Dickupl Spies.
Hi- was horn on November 20, 1832, at Dernbach, Germany, coming to
America in [867, and landing at Mew York. From there he went to Wash
ington, D. C, where he engaged in the brewery business For three years, at
the end of which time he went to Duluth, Minnesota, following the same
vocation. The next year he returned to Washington for a shorl time, and
then came to Otter Tail county and bought the homestead where the subject
of thi- sketch now resides, consisting of one hundred and sixty acre-. ["his
place was originally entered In Jacob Frey, to whom Mr. Spies paid the
purchase price of five hundred and fift\ dollars. IK- put valuable improve-
ments 'in the place \t the time of his death, which occurred on May 2,
[896, Mr. Spies owned two hundred acre- of tine agricultural land, lie was
an earnesl member "i the Catholic church. A substantia] house was rebuilt
in [897, a machine shop, and a granary, which was built three years later.
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Spies were the parents of -even children: ('ani-
line. Albert, Henry, Emily, Charles, Rose and Frank. Henry Spies was
united in marriage with Clara Wedell. and resides in Elizabeth :■
iliis county. The\ have one child, Cyril. Emily Spies became the wife of
1 harles F. fohnson, and is also a residenl of Elizabeth township They
have tw'i children. Rose and Caroline. Charles Spies was united in mar-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 453
riage with Catherine Sha. and lives in Oscar township. No children have
been limn to this marriage. The other children of Christian and Emilie
( Kcch ) Spies are living at home.
Henry Spies, father of Christian Spies, was a native of Germany, as
was also his wife, Anna ( Dickup) Spies. He was engaged in the crockery
business, and spent his entire life in his native country, with the exception
of the last fifteen years, which were spent in Belgium, where he was engaged
in the same business. He traveled all over Germany and Belgium in the
sale of his wares. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry Spies were members of the
Catholic church. They were the parents of four children: Peter, Christian.
Henry and John Adam. Peter, the eldest son, was horn in Holland; Chris-
tian and Henry were horn in Germany, and John Adams was a native of
Belgium. Peter, Henry and John were the first to come-to America-; Henrv
and Christian coming later, at different periods.
Mrs. Emilie Spies is a woman who is sympathetic and loving in her
disposition, and is kind and considerate of those in distress. She has manv
warm and admiring friends in Elizabeth township, where she is known and
respected by all.
RICHARD ANDERSON.
Born in Carver county. Minnesota, January 9, 1870, Richard Ander-
son, a well-known fanner of Compton township, this county, is the son of
Olaus and Anna Anderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Olaus
Anderson came to America in 1871, after his marriage, and upon landing
in New York City, he moved to Carver county, Minnesota. Seven months
later he was joined by his wife and children, and there rented land for seven
years, when they came to Compton township. Otter Tail county. Here thev
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in section 20, Compton township,
and here Olaus Anderson lived until his death. He was a member of the
Lutheran church and had been a fanner in his native country.
There were born to Olaus and Anna Anderson eight children: Mary,
Alfred, Beda, Augusta. August, Ida. Richard and John. Of these children.
Mary resides at Grantsburg, in Burnett county, Wisconsin. John lives at
Wadena, Minnesota. August is deceased, The remainder of the children
live m ( )tter Tail county.
When the family settled m Otter Tail county their homestead farm
was all wild land, but il has been cleared of its timber The Anderson
home farm included, al the time of Mr. Anderson's death, two hundred and
forty aires, which had been very greatly improved.
Since his father's death, Richard Anderson has had charge of the home
farm. Mr. Anderson himself owns one hundred and twenty acres of land
454 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOl \.
in section ,}_'. of Compton township, and has owned this farm for the past
thirteen years. There are, however, no buildings on the farm. With Mr.
Anderson are his sister. Augusta, and his mother, and they all live togethei
on the home place Mr. Anderson lias made a very great success in raising
Polled Angus cattle The Anderson family are all members of the Lutheran
church and take an active interest in religious matters in their home com-
munity.
PETER G. LAUGEN.
Peter G. Laugen, farmer, Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, was
horn on October t8, 1852, in Wisconsin, and is a -on of Gullick Laugen
Mi- early education was received at the public schools of Rushford, Fill-
more county, Minnesota, after which he attended high school for tin'
and then began the vocation of an agriculturist, in which he has continued
to prosper from the start. In 1889. Mr. Laugen bought one hundred and
fifty-three and one-half acres, to which he afterward added forty acres
more This property is located three miles north of Elizabeth, where he
follow- general farming. He has put all the improvements on the place.
including a substantial house and barn. Politically, he has always given
his support to the Republican party, in the politics of which he has taken an
active local interest, having served as assessor for one term and township
supervisor for sixteen years. He has been school clerk of the district since
was originated in 1892. Religiously, Mr. Laugen belongs to the
Lutheran church at Elizabeth, Minnesota.
Gullick Laugen, father of the subject of this sketch, was horn in Nor-
way, and received his education there, but he acquired a thorough knowl-
edge of the language and customs of this country. Politically, he was a
stanch Republican, and was at one time representative for Fillmore county.
Mis eyesight became impaired, and he was obliged to discontinue his political
life. Religiously, hi- was a member of the Lutheran church. lie was
united in marriage with Rachnild Hasbrud, also a native of Norway. They
cam< to America in 1845. going directly to Rock county, Wisconsin, where
they lived for alxml fourteen years, at the cud of which tunc they moved
id Fillmore county, Minnesota, spending their last days al La Crosse, where
VIr Laugen suddenlj dropped dead in February, 1878, at which time he
was a mail agenl lie made several business changes during his life and
had acquired two hundred acres of valuable land, which was located al Mew
burg. His wife died in November, [894,
The paternal grandfather is supposed 1. 1 have been 1 He Laugen, a
farmer in Norway, where he lived and died, and was a member •<( the
Lutheran church. \fter hi- death, hi- widow came 1.1 America, bringing
OTTER TAIL O MX IV, MINNESOTA. 455
with her their sun, Ole. The children horn to this union were: Ole, Ole,
Gunder, Anna, Gullick and Holver, all of whom, with the exception of Hol-
vcr. came to America at a later date.
Pete C. Laugen was united in marriage on September I, 1883, with
Kate Sletvold, who was hum in Norway. This marriage has been blest
with ten children: Mary, John, Inga, Oscar, Peter, Anna, George. Alice.
Clarence and Florence. Alary Laugen became the wife of Oscar Norgren,
and lives in Elizabeth township.
Mr. Laugen is a modest, unassuming man. and holds a high place among
the enterprising men of his county, where his honesty is above question,
and where his genuine personal worth is thoroughly appreciated.
OSCAR TOHNSON.
The subject of the following sketch has been a resident here for almost
sixty years, his financial achievement being sufficient answer or explanation
of his appreciation of his adopted home. His splendid tract of over two
hundred acres is considered one of the most valuable farms in Otter Tail
count}-. He has always been a thrifty, saving man, and can now reap the
benefit of his agricultural efforts.
Oscar Johnson, farmer, Elizabeth township, Fergus Falls, Otter Tail
county, was horn on December 1. 184J, in Sweden, and is a son of John
Johnson and his wife. Marie M. Johnson. He was educated in his native
country, and came to America in 1868, landing at New York City, from
where he went direct to Michigan and was employed in an iron mine in
Marquette county until 1870, and a few years later went to the gold fields
of the West. In 1881, he came to Minnesota, settling in Otter Tail county,
where he bought his present farm, consisting of two hundred and forty
acres. Politically. Mr. Johnson has long been a stanch Republican, while
in religion, both he and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran
church, taking a great interest in the work.
John Johnson, father of the subject of this sketch, was horn in Sweden,
as was also his wife. Marie M. (Johnson) Johnson, between whom there
was no blood kinship. Mr. Johnson was a trained soldier in his native
land, but never participated in battle. He was a great church man. and took
an active interest in the work of the Lutheran church. His death occurred
in [849. The children born to this union were: John. Peter. Oscar.
Frank, Gusta, Elizabeth and Sara.
Oscar Johnson was united in marriage on November 26, [882, with
Carrie Jenson, daughter of Amen Jenson, of Norway. The children born
to this union are as follow: Charles, William, Clara, Ella, Susan, Edwin,
Clarence and [nga; only two of whom are married. William, who was mar-
45^ OTTER TAU COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ried to Laura Gabriel, and lives in Otter Tail county, and Clara, who
became the wife of John Jacobson, and is also a resident of this county.
Mr. Johnson lives quietlj on his home place near Fergus Falls, where
he lias done his pari as one of the substantial men, and where he has added
his pro rata amount of wealth to the community.
JENS TORGERSI >N.
Jens Torgerson, a prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of
Tordenskjold township. ( Hter Tail county. Minnesota, was horn at Sopnes,
near Talvake. Norway, July iN. 1S57, and is the son of Michael and Kari
(Thompson) Torgerson.
Michael Torgerson was horn at Raroaas, Norway, and his wife at Tap-
lnl'l. near Talvake, Norway, the former in 1815 and the latter aboul [825.
They were married in Norway and lived near Sopnes, where, for twenty-
five years. Michael Torgerson taught school. After the death of hi-- wife,
m April. r866, Michael Torgerson came to America with his family. The
voyage to America was made on a steamship and. on their arrival in America.
the family spent one winter in Winneshiek comity. Iowa. \fter moving to
St. Paul, Minnesota. Michael Torgerson left three daughters in that city.
and, with three sons and two daughters, came to Otter Tail county. The
journey from St. Paul to St. (loud was made by rail and from St. ("loud
to Otter Tail county by wagon. Upon arriving in Otter Tail county. Mr.
Torgerson homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold
township on the west shores of Stalker lake. \ cabin built on the shore of
the lake was destroyed by lire in [870. For some tune Mr. Torgerson had
no horses and only two cows. Subsequently, he built another log house
on a hill just north of the first and there lived until late :n life, when In-
built a little house near the home of hi- son. Jens. He died there in iSoN.
\fter coming to (titer Tail county, Michael Torgerson was married,
secondly, to Ellen Eialdorson. lie taught school lure for some years and.
for some time, -ant: in the choir of bis church, lie was a prominenl mem-
ber of the Synod Lutheran church. Of his twelve children, four died earl)
in life in Norway; Sabine married Robert ECarsman and. having returned
to Sweden, live- in Stockholm: Magdalena married Thomas Dwyer and
live- in Minneapolis; John S is a well-known farmer of Tordenskjold town
ship; I. en. 1 married \ndrew Burg and lives in Grand Island, \>
Dora is thi oi Knut Foss and lives in Butte, Montana; Jen- is the
subject of tin- sketch; fieri lives at Temple. North Dakota, where he is a
farmer: Bolletta married Samuel llu-chv and live- in Fergus Falls.
|en- Torgerson was educated in Norway and in America, having come
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 457
to this country at the age of ten or twelve years. He attended the common
schools of towa and Minnesota and assisted his father on the farm until
1883, when he went to Thirteen Towns and homesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Polk county, .Minnesota. After two years he moved
to Grant county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of "tree claim"'
land, which his father had taken as a "tree claim" for his son, before he
had reached his majority. After owning that farm for some years and
living there during the summers, Mr. Torgerson sold out and settled per-
manently on the old homestead in Tordenskjold township, which he has
now owned for some years. He has a thoroughly modern house which is
well furnished, a magnificent barn and a large silo made of cement blocks.
Mr. Torgerson is an extensive breeder of Percheron horses and owns a third
interest in two very fine stallions. He is also a breeder of Shorthorn cattle
and Chester White hogs. At the present time, he keeps about twenty or
thirty head of cattle and some fifty or sixty head of hogs.
On November 17, [890, Jens Torgerson was married to Josephine
Johnson, who is a native of St. Olaf township, where she was born 011
November 3, 1871. She is the daughter of Knut and Anna (Olson) John-
son, who immigrated from Norway to America, prior to the Civil War.
Mr. and Mis. Torgerson have been the parents of nine children, namely:
Clifford, who lives at home, was educated in the agricultural department of
the University of Minnesota; Ada. who died at the age of nineteen months;
Ada, who is a graduate of the State Normal School at Moorhead and has
been a teacher for three years; Leonora, who was educated in the Park
Region Lutheran College and in the agricultural department of the Uni-
versity of Minnesota; May, Raymond, Webster, who live at home; the
eighth child died unnamed, and William Cordon, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Josephine (Johnson) Torgerson is a sister of Edward K. John-
son, a successful farmer and business man of Tordenskjold township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. Mr. Johnson was born on February 3. 1877. The
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Torgerson and Kdward EC Johnson were
John and Walburg Evenson, who lived at Stavanger, Norway, before the}
immigrated to America. After coming to this country, they settled in Fill-
more county, where the grandfather engaged in farming. Later he moved
td St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, during the early seventies ami took
up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. He died about 1 878 and
his wife survived him several years, passing away about [886. They were
the parents of nine children, two of whom are now living in Otter Tail
county. Mrs. Torgerson's father is one of the living children in this county
and \ndrew, a resident of Fergus Falls, is the other. The maternal grand
parents of Mrs. Torgerson and Mr. Johnson were ( )le and Martha | ('hinder-
(.58 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
son) Torson, who spent their entire lives on a farm near Stavanger, Nor-
way. They were the parents of nine children. Sigrid, who married ( He
Vidvay and died in Norway; Joran, who married and dfed in Norway;
Anna, who is the mother of Mrs Torgerson and Mr. Johnson; Hilga, who
married Paul Knutson and died in Iowa; Thore, who is a fanner in Nor-
way; Martha, who married Bjelst Rowalson and lives 111 Iowa; Annie, who
died unmarried in Norway; Olena, who married Joseph Kjordal and lives
in Norway; Guilder, who is a farmer and lives in Norway.
Knut Johnson, the father of Mrs. To born on December
3, 1846, and the mother, Annie Oleson, October 5. (836. She came to
America alone about [866 and lived in Fillmore county, Minnesota. Knut
Johnson was broughl to America in 1860 and settled in Fillmore county,
Minnesota, where he was married. \.bou1 [869 he ami hi- wife moved to
Otter Tail county and settled in St. Olaf township, where the) took up a
homestead and lived until 1893. At that time they moved to (irant county,
where they lived until [909. At this time they moved to < Itter Tail county
and have since lived retired in rordenskjold township. The father has
been active in local politics and is identified with the Prohibition party. In
1864 Knut Ibhnson enlisted in Company B, First Regiment, Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the Civil War.
To the marriage of Knut Johnson and Annie Oleson there were born
five children, of whom John died at the age of fourteen; Qlena married
|olm Holt and lives in ("irant county. Minnesota: Josephine married Jens
Torgerson, the subject of this sketch: Cena, who died at the age of seven;
and Edward K.
Edward K. Johnson was educated in the public schools of St. olaf
township and reared on a farm. Me began farming for himself in Grant
county. Later he purchased two hundred and eighty acres and lived there
until the fall of i'i<«j. when he sold out and moved to Otter fail county.
Here Mr. Johnson purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold
township, lie has since remodeled his house, erected .1 modern barn and
buill a silo, lie b a general farmer and stockman. Mr. Johnson 1- .1
stockholder in the .Mutual Telephone Company and in the Mutual Insurance
< '1 impany.
In [903 Edward K. Johnson was married to Gena Hoff, a native of
(»Uer Tail county, Minnesota, the daughter of John I'. Hoff, an old settler
of tin- county. The) have been the parents of four children. Margaret.
Kenneth. Elmer and I [albert.
Mr. Johnson i- independent in politic-; and ha- filled various school
Bi th I- 11 d In- wife and family are members of the free Lutheran
church.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 4 5' t
DOMINIC J. ESTERMAN.
Dominic J. Esterman, a native of Switzerland, was born in the canton
of Freyburg, September 6. 1S7.1. and is the son of Eberhard and Veronica
( Hochstetter ) Esterman.
Eberhard Esterman was born in the Canton of Lucerne, and his wife,
who was of French descent, was born near the boundary line. There they
were married and he pursued the occupation of farming', being a landowner.
He died in 1876, and his widow afterward married a Mr. Webber and lived
until 1912. when she passed away while living in Switzerland. Her father
had served the customary time in the army of his country. Both Mr and
Mrs. Esterman were members of the Roman Catholic church. Three chil-
dren were horn to them, the first horn being Eberhard, who after coming
to America, returned to his native country and farms there today. Alois,
the second child, grew up and became a farmer in Switzerland and is
deceased. Dominie, the subject of this article, is the youngest born of this
union. After her marriage to Mr Webber, their mother had three sons
who have remained in Switzerland.
Mr. Esterman had more than the average education for after his public
school course he attended the high school for one term. He followed the
example of his father in regard to occupation and in 1892. when eighteen
years of age, started out alone for the shores of America. Having friends
in Martin county, Minnesota, he moved directly to that locality and began
working on a farm In kjoo, he bought a farm in Kennebec county, but
never lived there. Making his home in Martin county until 1008, in that
vear he began a residence in Todd county which lasted for two years. He
then became interested in land across the line in Otter Tail county and here
he moved on one hundred and twenty acres, in sections t and 12. in Wood-
side township, which he purchased. As this land was unimproved, he
immediately began to clear and cultivate it and to build the necessary struc-
tures for farm work. Here he has lived ever1 since and besides general
fanning has been a successful breeder of full-blooded Duroc-Jersev hogs.
In 11103 D. J. Esterman and Mary Sahli were married, she being a
native of Todd county, and daughter of Samuel Sahli. one of the old set-
tlers. >.\ho is still living in that county. The children born to them are,
Florence, Emma, Elsie and Maurice.
Mr. Esterman has long had the confidence of the community in which
lie lives as evidenced by the fact 1 ll.it he has served ill the capacity of school
clerk, lie is an independent voter. In the struggles and privations of the
earl) vears, Mrs. Esterman has ably and unselfishly co-operated with her
husband in his work and ambitions. She is active in her church member-
ship and both she and her husband belong to the United Brethren church.
I C01 XIV. MINNES01 \.
ien as he whose career has only been touched
is of life, Mr. Esterman lias exhibited those
(1 by the word stalwart. Strong in mind and
ideals inculcated in a home founded by pious
md has become a type of man worthy of emulation and respect.
(Oil
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TER
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s of character best
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[OHN C LIEDER.
Vs a man whose entire life has been given to agricultural pursuits, and
this successfully, and also as one whose career and character are such as to
command respect, John C. Lieder merits a place in the present publication.
The family early became identified with the annals of this vicinity, and from
the time of its appearance, to the present, there has been nothing to mar
its honor, for both Mr. Lieder and his father have been eminently just and
square in their dealings. Mr. l.ieder, who is a native of LeSueur county.
Minnesota, was horn on March i. iNNi. and is the son of Christ and Johanna
i i Iroschke ) l.ieder.
The parents of Mr. l.ieder were born in Prussia. Germany, where they
married and lived until the year 1S72 or 1873, when they came to America.
Living their first year in Faribault, Rice county. Minnesota, with friends,
they then took up farming in LeSueur count}' on a farm which they rented
for a couple of years. By the end of this time, Mr. Lieder had saved enough
to buy a sixty-acre place, later adding another sixty acres and here he lived
until his death which occurred in 1899. llis wife continued to live on the
farm with her sons until her death in 1907. Both were members of the
German Evangelical church. They were parents 'if six children: Albert,
who died an infant in Germany; Augusta, the widow of Lonney Sykes, lives
with the subject of this sketch; Emil, who also lives with his brother Join).
but who also.owns a farm in Oak Valley township; Otto (l.. who is in part-
nership with his brother. John: William died at the age of two; John C., the
y< in -t
|ohn ( '. l.ieder was broughl up on his Father's farm and attended the
local schools. Receiving his share of the home farm, he lived there until
19] 1. and in January ol thai year came with his In-other. < >tto, to this county
where they purchased one hundred and sixt) acres in sections 11 and u. of
\\ lside township. This land was only partially improved. In 1913,
the] boughl an adjoining forty, in section 12. making two hundred acres.
rhree years after the first purchase the owners 1 milt a fine modern barn
thirty by sixty feet, having hip-roof and concrete foundation. The} alsi
well-house. The) then began giving their special attention to the
of full-blooded Holstein cattle, and at present are especially inter-
ested in the dairv business and are the owners of fourteen milch cows
OTTER TAT!, COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 46 [
Mr. Lieder has not limited His activities to agriculture for he is the
present secretary of the Wrightstown Telephone Company. He belongs to
the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Odd Fellows lodge. He votes
with the Republican party. Mr. Lieder is a progressive farmer, a wide-
awake man and a public-spirited citizen. He has won his present place by
his own efforts and because of his consideration of others and his square
dealing he has won the respect of all who know him ; a respect which is well
merited.
ANDREW EKSTAM.
Andrew Ekstam began his industrial career as a farmer in his native
country of Sweden, where he was born in 1847, on tne J5tn °f April. While
employed on the farm, he spent some time in learning the carpenter's trade,
which he mastered and used to a great advantage as a means of earning a
living. The parents of the subject of this sketch, Anders Aaronson and
Johanna Johnson, were both born in Sweden, in the year 1822. The father,
who was a landowner, devoted his time to farming and to the trades of
the blacksmith and carpenter. He worked at these occupations until his
death, which occurred after he had reached the age of sixtv vears. The
mother, who died at the age of seventy years, reared the following chil-
dren; Andrew, to whom reference has already been made: Ulrika, who mar-
ried C. Carlson, and who is living in Sweden ; Aaron, a farmer, who died
in Grant county, Minnesota; Matilda, who died in Sweden; Adolph, who is
a farmer in Sweden; Hannah, the wife of August Anderson, who lives in
Sweden; August, who lived in Chicago, and Victor, who died in Wisconsin.
where he was employed in a saw-mill. Three of the children died in child-
hood.
At the age of twenty-three years Andrew Ekstam left his native country
and came to America, where he settled in Ishpeming, Michigan, and for
four years worked in the mines of that locality. At the end of that time,
which was in 1874, he left for Dakota county. .Minnesota, and worked on
the farms of that section and also on the railroads which were being put
through in that part of the state. He came to Otter Tail county in [879
and bought eighty acres of land 111 section 28, of Scambler township. He
spent tin- first few years clearing the land of underbrush and timber and
during that time put up a log cabin which is -till standing: part of this time
was also spent in the Dakotas, where there was opportunity offered for
making money. Mr. Ekstam has continued to add to his possessions until
now he is the owner of one-half section in Scambler township. In iqoq
he erected a modern residence designed with every convenience and has a
barn of large proportions and perfect construction. Since realizing his ambi-
l62 OTTER TAI] COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
tion of building up a thoroughly modern farm. Mr. Ekstam has retired from
active work on the place, and rents the land to his sons.
Andrew Ekstam was married, in 1876, to Mrs. Ida (Johnson) Ander-
son, a native of Norway and the daughter of Julian Hanson and Maren
Brynildson, also natives of Norway- To this union the following children
have been born: Anna, who resides at home; Carl, who married Esther
Beckman, is employed in a store in Pelican Rapids; I '.mil and Allien, who
are living on the home farm; Thea, the wife of Edward Elefson, who is
living in North Dakota: Emma, who married Adolph Erickson and resides
in North Dakota; Henry, who remains at home; Hilda, the wife of Alfred
Peckham, of Roseau county, Minnesota; Alma, who resides on the home
place.
By her first marriage, Mrs. Ekstam reared two sons: Gabriel, a farmer
in Scambler township, who married Olena Hanson, and Julius, who married
Eldora Cowles, and who resides in Canada, where he follows the occupation
PRANK W. DANIELSON.
Prom far-away Sweden Frank W. Danielson came when a young man
of twenty-six, to seek prosperity in a wider field than that afforded by his
native land. The fact that here he has established himself and family in
a -ond substantial home surrounded by valuable land which he has acquired,
is evidence that when he disembarked on the \merican shores he was
possessed of the dauntless courage, the eager industry and the faith that
go to make up the admirable qualities of a self-made man. Mr. Danielson
was horn in the southern part of Sweden on December 6, [862.
Daniel Gunderson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was horn 111
Sweden in the year [837, and his mother, Mary Johnson, was horn three
years later, and in that countr} the: grew n]> and were married. The
father, a farmer and landowner, is still living. His wife died in iwii
Their eight children are as follow ; Charles, a section boss living in Sweden;
frank \\ ., whose name heads this article: John, a section boss residing in
Stockholm; Edward, a Minneapolis blacksmith; Samuel, a farmer living
about four miles west of Wadena. Minnesota: Olricha, who married a
Swedish farmer: Emma, who married a soldier and lives in Sweden, and
\nnie. the wife of a Swedish farmer.
frank Danielson, as a preparation for his after life, like many other
boys born in that locality, had only limited educational advantages, hut of
:1m 1 lu made the nios|. ||js early days were spent in the school and on
tin' farm, and in [888 he joined some friends in Minneapolis and lived
there for three years. His ne\t home was in Montana, where he worked
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. (.63
in a copper >melter for seven years. Desiring to become more settled in
hi-* habits and life, in 1898 he returned to Minnesota, and in July bought
one hundred and twenty acres in Elmo township. Otter Tail comity, and
this has been his home ever since. Taking what was practically unimproved
land, its only building being a log house, the owner remodeled this, adding
bedrooms and kitchen as well as clearing the farm of timber until now he
has forty or fifty acres cleared, the remainder consisting of pastures and
hay meadows. Besides this he has rented land in the neighborhood, in
which he is recognized as a capable and successful general farmer.
In i8<)5 Frank W. Danielson was united in marriage to Annie Sher-
blum, a native of Finland, but. born of Swedish parents. The children
born df this union are: Beda: Lorency, who lives at Moorhead; Axel
Alovick; Grace, who died 111 1014; Harry and Everett.
Mrs. Danielson has had the qualities necessary for a hard-working
piOneer farmer's wife, and has shared her husband's hardships and work,
a- well as his joys and sorrows. Both are members of the Presbyterian
church at Elmora. In politics, Mr. Danielson is a Republican. His toil and
virile energy have brought him the success for which he planned, and
because of his kindly disposition and upright life he is among the; must
highly respected farmers of the vicinity in which bis home is situated.
FRANK NELSON.
Frank Nelson, a well-known farmer of Clitherall township. Otter Tail
county, was born in the southern part id" Sweden, November 2J, 1845, :m<'
1- a -nn of Xels and Elsie (Okeson) Nelson. Air. Nelson's parents spent
their entire lives in their native land of Sweden. .Mr. Nelson's father was a
farmer and landowner. lie was born in 1804 and died in 1851. Mr.
Nelson's mother was born in r8o8 and died in 1869. Both were members
of the Lutheran church, and reared a family of eight children, as follow:
Oke, born in 1826: Nels, born in 1827; John, a farmer of Clitherall town-
ship, was born in [83 1 ; Peter, w bo died in Clitherall township in [913,
was born in 1833; Bernt. born in 1836; llabban. who was the wife of Xels
Madis, was born in 1830, and died in Denmark- : Lewis, who died at the age
of seventeen, was born in [842.
[■'rank Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native land
and was reared on his father's farm. When he was old enough be engaged
in farming, and in 1869 came to America on a steamship. Upon his arrival
in the United States, be settled firsl at Litchfield, Minnesota, where F01 .1
time be worked on a railroad. Frank was the tirsi member of the Nelson
family who came to America. In 1871 be removed to Otter Tail county
and homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land in section 29. of
I'i| OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Clitherall township. The farm was heavily timbered at the time Mr. Nelson
purchased it. and it was necessary to clear this land before crops could be
raised, hi the meantime he erected a log house, which has since been
destroyed. For about twenty years after coming to America. Mr. Nelson
was engaged in clearing and improving his land, and his farm is now in
good condition, and he has occupied it ever since his removal to this county.
He is a general fanner and stockman, and has been most successful in his
operations.
In 1875 Frank Nelson was married to Annie Peterson, who died in
[886, leaving four children: Leonard, who is a clerk in a hardware store
in Clitherall; Joseph, a farmer living in Dakota: Oscar, who lives at home,
works on neighboring farms; Emily, who died in 1905.
In [887 Mr. Nelson was married to Hannah Peterson, and to this
union have been born eight children: Agnes, the wife of Richard L. Gilles;
George, who is a telegraph operator at Black River Falls, Wisconsin; while
five children. Eddie, Harry, Arthur, Esther and Ernest, are living at home
with their parents. John, another child, died in infancy.
Mr. Nelson has always voted the Republican ticket since coming to the
United States. He and his family are earnest and devoted member'- of the
Swedish Lutheran church of Eagle Lake township, and take an active
interest in religion- affairs, and contribute liberally to the support <<\ the
church.
OLE I. SLETTEDE
Ole I. Slettede, an upholsterer by trade, is well known to the ]<
Fergus Falls, this county, where he enjoys the confidence of a host of
friends and a large patronage lie was horn in Norway on November 28,
1851). the -on of John and Kari 1 Morten' Slettede, members ol two good
old Norwegian families.
Oli J. Slettede emigrated to \merica in [880. when he was twenty-one
years old. in company with his brother, < )le They came West, firsl locating
igo, where they remained for a time, doing odd jobs, but in iSS;
Ole J. Slettede came to Minnesota, settling in Fergus Falls, where
nths he was employed in the furniture -tore owned b\ II. Rutturf.
Afterwards Mr. Slettede established a furniture rep In- own
account. This shop wa located on Lincoln avenue, west, and there he
remained until th cton wa- established and started business. Mr.
osition as cloth coverer with the casket company, and
this occupation he followed for sjn years, after which he returned to In-
trade of upholstering and repairing. Hi- business was then located in his
MINNESOTA.
465
storage rooms at 201 Bismark avenue, west, and it is there- that he has built
up his present prosperous business.
.Mr. Slettede married Mathilda Thoreson, who has borne him two chil-
dren, Hihna, a teacher at Underwood, and James H.. who is associated with
his father in the furniture repair business. James H. Slettede married Ver-
detta M. Waller, a native of Illinois, and they have one child, Cessarine
June.
Of Mr. Slettede it ma\ be said truthfully that he is one of the best-
known men in Otter Tail county. He is known for his kindness, his gen-
iality and his admirable intelligence. Being a great reader and a deep
thinker, he is a most interesting conversationalist and no one may leave him,
after having spent an hour or two, without feeling that he has learned
something. Mr. Slettede'- religious views are tolerant in the extreme. He
believes that all religious organizations perform a good purpose, and he
unqualified!} give- his support to all of them.
FERDINAND ZUEHLKE.
Ferdinand Zuehlke, a native of Prussia, Germany, was born on October
4. 1N51. The parents of the subject of this sketch, Frederick and Caroline
(Pomerenke) Zuehlke, were also natives of Prussia, where they were mar-
ried, and from which country they and their six children came to America
in 1866, and made their home in Pittsburgh. There Mr. Zuehlke was
engaged in the blacksmith trade for thirteen years. In 1879 he took his
family to Chickasaw county, Iowa, where he farmed until 1881. They then
took up a homestead claim in this county, becoming possessors of a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres on Stony creek, the place being thickly
covered with brush and timber. Living in a log house, hastily and rudely
constructed, he began to clear his land, but was not able to finish his task,
for in 1884 he died. Five years later his wife passed away. Both were
devoted members of the Lutheran church. Their children, all of whom
were born in Germany, were six in number. Florentine became the wife of
Fred Voos, of Philadelphia, and later died in Chicago. Theresa married
William Redeman. and died in Washington state. The third child is the
subject of this sketch. Adolph is employed in a cracker factory in Minne-
apolis. Bertha is Mrs. George Roehm, of Parkers Prairie. Gustav, the
youngest, i- a laborer in Milwaukee.
Ferdinand Zuehlke attended school in his native land and in Pitts-
burgh, and engaged in bridge work in this city for eleven and one-half
years. Desiring to return to the country and its healthful pursuits, he
homesteaded a tract of one hundred and sixtj acres, in section 24, Elmo
1 50b)
[.66 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
township, this county, first building a crude log cabin on the thickly tim-
bered land. A later addition, also built of logs, was added, this being four-
teen by sixteen feet in dimensions. While this structure is still standing,
it is not used as a residence, tor in 1905 Mr. Zuehlke built a modern frame
house, lie now has forty-one acres of land cleared and is successful as a
general farmer.
Ferdinand Zuehlke' s marriage to Caroline Schneider took place in
1872. His wife is a Prussian by birth and a daughter of Frederick and
Eleanora (Dilg) Schneider. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider came to America in
[869 and made their home in Pittsburgh and Mr. Schneider was employed
as a laborer in Pittsburgh, where they settled. They later lived in Roches-
ter, Pennsylvania, where he died in June. 1885, and his wife died two years
later while living with her son-in-law, Ferdinand, in this county.
To Mr. ami Mrs. Zuehlke were horn nine children, as follow: Fred,
the first born, died at the age of seven; T.ouis lived in Buffalo, Xew York:
Herman is a farmer in Elmo township; flattie became the wife of John
Cameron, who lives in Calgary, Canada; Christopher lives at home: Elnora
died in infancy: a child, who followed her. died unmarried: Albert operates
the home farm and other rented land: Florentine is a clerk employed in a
store in 1 )etroit, Michigan.
Mr. Zuehlke has been painstaking and persistent in his work, undaunted
by the problems presented to every pioneer, and sturdy and faithful in every
duty- He has made for himself and his family a place in the community,
which it will lie an honor for his children to retain and hand down. He
and his wife have many friends here.
GII.P.ERT MOl-.X.
Gilbert Moen, a well-known fanner of Sverdrup township, this county.
is a native of x orway, where he was born on July 5, [862. Mr. Morn is a
son of Helge and Kan (Skatebol Moen, both of whom died in Norway.
Helge Moen and wife were the parents of a large family of children.
among whom were Even. Erik. Kari, Gilbert. Christ. I labor, Ole and
Knut. besides two who died early in life.
Gilbert Moen received bis education in the public schools ~<\ his native
land, and when be was twenty years old. in lSSj. made the voyage to
America and settled eventually in Sverdrup township, this county. Five
years after coming to the United States, Mr. Moen was able to purchase
..lie hundred and twelve acres of laud, and on this tract he has since lived.
He has greatlj increased the value of this place by the addition of main
mporti in and substantial improvements
In iSS- Gilberl Moen was married to Marit 1. Roble, who is a native
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 467
of Norway, born in 1865. and to this union have been born five children,
Henry, John, Clara, Minnie and Edward.
Mr. and Mrs. Moen and family are all earnest and faithful members
of the Lutheran church. Mr. Moen is independent in politics. He has
served as school treasurer in Sverdrup township, and here where he has
lived for the past twenty-five years, is well known and is a highly-respected
citizen of the township, and is especially popular in the neighborhood where
he has lived for so manv vears.
ANDREW J. ANDERSON.
Born in Moore county, Minnesota, January 30, 1868, Andrew J.
Anderson is the son of Johanna and Synneve (Olsen) Anderson, both of
whom were born in Norway, the former in 183 1 and the latter in 1842.
Mr. Anderson's parents came to America in 1867 and settled in Moore
county, Minnesota. The next year they emigrated to Otter Tail count}',
making the journey from1 Moore to Otter Tail county with an ox-team.
After homesteading one hundred and sixty acres in Aurdal township, where
their son, Andrew ]., now lives, they set to work to clear the land and to
improve it. At the time the land was obtained it was covered with heavy
timber. Here Mr. Anderson's father died in 191 1. His mother had died
fifteen years previously, in 1806. They had three children, of whom
Andrew J. was the eldest, Gustina and Hannah being the other two children.
Mr. Anderson's parents were prominent in the Lutheran church of this
community.
Andrew J. Anderson was reared on the old homestead farm and edu-
cated in the public schools of this county. His first teacher was Haldor
Boen. Mr. vnderson attended school in pioneer times, when the educational
facilities were considerably more limited than they are at the present time.
When the Andersons came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Mr. Ander-
son's father had only two cows, two calves and a half interest in a wagon.
Some years ago .Mr. Anderson purchased his father's farm. He now
owns two hundred and sixty acres of land. Tn tqo8 he built a new barn
and. after it lias been destroyed by a tornado in iou. it was replaced by
another barn.
On October _•('. [8q8, Andrew J. Anderson was married tn Louisa
Fossen, who was born in Goodhue county in 1867, and who is the daughter
of Jens .ind Christina Fossen, who settled in Goodhue county in 1864. after
emigrating to this country from Norway. They moved to Otter Tail county
about 1870 and took a homestead farm in Dane Prairie township. Both are
still living. Mrs. Anderson's father is now eighty-three years old and her
468 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
mother is eighty-five. They had a large family of children, of whom three.
Lawrence, Louise and Hans are deceased. The living children are < He,
Louisa, John, Gurena and Mikkel.
-Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Anderson have three children. Julius, horn
on October 30. [899; Sophia. October 29, 1901, and Arthur, April 25,
1903.
Mr. Anderson has never been active in politics, but he lias always
been interested in educational affairs and has been, for a number of years,
a member of the local school board.
OLE O. VIDNESS.
( He < ). \ idness, who is a prosperous farmer of Everts township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born on December 24, 1853, in Norway, and
is the son of Ole Christiansen and Christina Johnson, both of whom were
born in Norway and who spent their entire lives in their native land. Thev
were the parents of four children: Julia, Ole O., Thea and Mena.
Ole O. Vidness was educated in the public schools of Norway. In
1880 he emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and took a homestead
of ninety-two acres in section 30. of Everts township. Here he made many
improvements and now has a commodious barn and a comfortable residence.
Ole O. Vidness was married, in Norway, to Anetta Sletner. the daugh-
ter of Andrew Sletner, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. To this
marriage there were born six children: Oscar. Caroline, Christ, Julia, John
and Alfred. Mrs. Vidness died in 1888, and, two years later. Mr. Vidness
was married to Lena Johnson, who was born in Wisconsin and who is the
daughter of Johannes Johnson, who came from Norway to Wisconsin and
later to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he spent his last days.
Mr. and Mrs. Ole O. Vidness and family are well-known members of
the Lutheran church in Everts township. They take a prominent part in all
public matters and are among the leading citizens of this township.
TOHN M. VAGLO.
\moiig the leading farmers of Erhards Grove township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is John M. Vaglo, who was born in Norway on January
20. [853, the son of Olaus L. and Nicolena Vaglo, both of whom were
natives of Norway Olaus Vaglo came to America in [882, and located in
ail county, where he lived until his death, in 1014. Nicolena, the
wife of the elder Vaglo, died en February 17. [893. Olaus and Nicolena
Vaglo were the parent- .if live children. Ludwig, John M.. Anna. Ellen and
Johanna, all of whom are living.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 469
John M. Vaglo was educated in the schools of his native land, after
which he came to America in 1880, and located in Fillmore county, Minne-
sota, where he lived for two years and then moved to Fargo, North Dakota.
One year later John M. Vaglo returned to Minnesota and came to Pelican
Rapids, where he worked as a carpenter and also as a millwright for some
time. In 1885 Mr. Vaglo bought sixty acres of land in section 4, Erhards
Grove township, a place which he has improved and to which he has added
land until now he cultivates one hundred and twenty acres of choice land
in the community.
During the year 1888 John M. Vaglo was married to Josefa Dahl, who
was born in Norway in the year 1862, and to this marriage have been born
two children, Katie Nemina and Alma Olina.
John M. Vaglo is well known in public life and in political circles,
having served his township on the board of supervisors for a term of five
years : has been a member of the school board for fifteen years, and has
been a candidate for some of the higher offices of the community.
FREDERICK EUGENE BURLINGAME.
Born in Madison county, New York, August 15, 1865, Frederick
Eugene Burlingame is the son of James Alden and Melvina (Palmiter)
Burlingame, both of whom were born in New York state, and who came to
Wisconsin in 1874. Some years later the)' emigrated to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where Mr. Burlingame's father died on December 6, 1914. His
mother had died many years previously, April 10, 1892. There were three
children in the Burlingame family: Frederick E., the subject of this review,
is the eldest; Franklin, the second born, and Minnie, the youngest child, who
is the wife of S. M. Wright, of Deer Creek, Minnesota.
Frederick E. Burlingame was reared on a farm and received his educa-
tion iti the common schools of Markesan, Green Lake county, Wisconsin.
After finishing his educational training, Mr. Burlingame worked as a painter
and decorator for twelve years. He then engaged in farming and in 1800
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Tnman township, Otter
Tail county. Minnesota. Here he carries on a general system of farming
and stock raising, and has made many substantial improvements on this
place since acquiring it. All but one acre of the farm he has cleared, and
his buildings are modern and up-to-date and his farm is well equipped for
stock raising.
On March 5, t8oi. Frederick E. Burlingame was married to T.izzic
Mattocks, a native of Town, who was born on August t,^. 1871. She was a
daughter of W. R. and Phoebe (Conner) Mattocks, both of whom died at
Deer Creek. Minnesota, within one year. They had come to Otter- Tail
4/0 OTTER TAI1 COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
county, Minnesota, from fowa. They settled in Oak Valley township on
two hundred and eight) acres of well-improved land, comprising one of the
best farms of Oak Valley township.
Mr. and Airs. Frederick E. Burlingame were the parents of three chil-
dren, Cecil, « 'lifford and Harland. The mother of these children died on
May 29, i<)o(>. and on June II, 1907, Mr. Burlingame was married, sec-
ondly, to Jeanne- Johnson, who was born in Deer Creek, Minnesota, in [882,
and who is a daughter of Jacob and Marion (Binnie) Johnson, of Deer
Creek. By this second marriage there have been horn three children. Gor-
don, .Marland and Gladys.
The Burlingame family are well-known, enterprising farmers. Mr.
Burlingame has always been an industrious and hardworking man. and his
success in life is due almost wholly to his own unaided efforts, and he has
a host of friends in the neighborhood where he lives.
HANS STANER HANSON.
Hans Staner Hanson, a farmer of Henning, Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, is now a well-to-do man and is well known throughout the county
where he has lived for many years.
Mr. Hanson was horn on January 3, 1852, in Norway, and is the son
of Staner and Rungnald (Larsen1) Hanson, both of whom were nati es of
Norway. Mr. Hanson's parents came to America and settled at Madison,
Wisconsin, in 1856. Four years later they moved to Albert Lea, Minne-
sota, and there purchased a pre-emption of one hundred and sixt) a res of
land, where Mr. Hanson's father died. They were the parents of seven
children, two of whom. Louis and an infant, an- deceased. The living
children are Mary, Hans Staner. Ole, Anna and Richard.
Hans Staner Hanson was four years "Id when the family settled in
the -tate of Wisconsin. He attended school in Dane county, Wisconsin.
and at \lbert I ea and later took up farming. Subsequently, he moved to
1 rool ton, Polk county, Minnesota, and purchased three hundred anil twenty
ere 1 1 railroad land, which he sold in 1879. \t this time he returned to
St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and in 1881 came to Otter Tail county. Min-
nesota, ami purchased 1 ne hundred and sixty acres of land in section t6. of
Henning township. \fter a time he sold this farm and moved to Girard
township, where he purchased three hundred and sixt) acres For the next
sixteen years he lived in Girard township, but this farm was sold in r8o8,
at which time Mr Hanson moved to Henning. He nov >>wns two hundred
acres of land, "tie hundred and -i-!\ acres of winch is located within the
corporation limits of the town of Henning. Having rebuilt his house, Mr.
Hanson has a splendid residence lie has a barn, sixty by twenty-six feet,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 47 1
with two sheds, eighteen by sixty and fifteen by sixty. Hans Staner Han-
son lias always been prominent as a stockman. He is secretary and manager
of the Henning Farmers Creamery Association and has held other positions
of trust and responsibility.
In 1892 Hans S. Hanson was married to Helena Bogan, who was born
at Christiania, Norway, in 1862. Airs. Hanson's father died in Norway
and, after his death, her mother came to America and settled in Otter Tail
county. She spent her last days in Raker count)', Minnesota. Mr. and
Mrs. Hans S. Hanson have been the parents of five children: Staner,
Louis, Stella, Hannah and Henry, all of whom are living and reside at home
with their father. Their mother died in 1904.
Mr. Hanson has bought and sold considerable land in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota. He has been president of the village of Henning and is now
president of the local school board. He has served in this capacity for the
past seven years.
STILLMAN HALVORSON.
Stillman Halvorson, who is one of the most extensive farmers of
Nidaros township, this county, was born on the farm he now owns and
which is located in section 33, of Nidaros township, February 21, [873.
Mr. Halvorson is the son of Even and Ingeborg Halvorson, both of whom
were born in Norway. Mr. Halvorson's father was born in 1836 and his
mother in 1843. After their marriage in Norway the}- came to Freeborn
county in 1868, and two years later emigrated to Otter Tail county, taking
a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres which their son. Stillman, now
owns. Mr. Halvorson now owns fifty acres joining the homestead, also
eighty acres in another tract. His father died on this farm in 1885, after
having spent a great deal of money in improving the farm. The family
were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. They were the parents
of seven children: Anne, Halvor, Carrie, Charley. Stillman. William
(deceased) and Sever.
Reared on the old homestead farm of his parents and educated in the
public schools of this county, Stillman Halvorson has been engaged in farm-
ing and threshing for twenty years. Mr. Halvorson has erected a new
house and a good barn on the farm.
In looi) Stillman Halvorson was married to Hattie Benson, who was
born in Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county, December 1, [888.
She is the daughter of Nels and Celia Benson, of Leaf Mountain township.
Mr. and Mr-. Halvorson have three children. Margaret, Bernice and Will-
.' fAI
.Mr. and Mrs. Stillman Halvorson are members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church of Leaf Mountain township. They not only take a pro-
found interesl in religious affairs, but in civic affairs as well. Mr. Halvor-
son has a host of friends in tin- communitv where he lives.
PETER K. PEDERSON
A successful farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county, Minne
sota, is Peter K. Pederson, who was born near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, June
~, [867, and who is the son of Kmtt and Marit Pederson, mentioned else-
where in this volume.
Peter K. Pederson was only six months old when he accompanied Ins
parent^ to southern Minnesota. They settled at Bear creek, in Mower county,
and in 1X70 emigrated to Otter Tail county and settled in Sverdrup town-
ship, where Mr. Pederson has since lived. Some years ago, lie, in partner-
ship with his brother, Carl, purchased the old homestead of three hundred
and twenty acres and they are engaged in general farming and stock raising.
The Pederson brothers keep full-blooded Jersey cattle and other purebred
stock and are engaged in the dairy business.
In 1902 Peter K. Pederson was married to Pauline Osander, of Sver-
drup township. Mrs. Pederson was horn in Norway and is the daughter
of \ndreas and Gurianna Osander, who came to Otter Tail county from
Norway. Mrs. Pederson's father is now deceased. I [er mother is still living.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter K. Pederson have tour children, Galena, Kriut,
Edward and Petra.
The family of Peter K. Pederson arc all members of the Lutheran
church. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson are active in church work. Tn politics,
Mr Pederson is independent.
TVAR ANDERS* IN
\.mong the well-known farmers and prominent citizens of Maplewood
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Par Anderson, who was horn in
Gothenburg, Sweden, on November 24, [865, the son of Andrew and Path
arine Anderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, the former horn in
[839, the latter in 1832. Andrew Anderson came to America in [879 and
settled in Douglas county, Minnesota, where he lived for one year and then
moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres
of land in section 1 |. Maplewood township, a place where he has since
lived. Katharine, the wife of Andrew Anderson, died in [895. Andrew
and Katharine Anderson were the parents of two children, Par and Axel.
Par Anderson was educated in the public schools of Sweden, after
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
which he became a fanner, buying the home farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Maplewood township, where he engages in general farming and
stock raising.
On June 9, 1898, har Anderson was married to Clara Blegen, who
was born in Iowa, the daughter of Gilbert A. and Kjersti Blegen, pioneers
of Iowa, who later moved to Maplewood township, where they now live.
To Ivar and Clara Anderson have been born seven children. Lottie. Arthur.
Delia. Clifford, Leonard. Arnold and Thelma.
For more than twenty-five years, !\ar Anderson has been a part of the
public and official life of Maplewood township, for the whole of his publii
career having served as treasurer of the township. For some years he
served as school treasurer and is now clerk- of the school board, having
served this office for three years.
ANDREW WAGSTROM.
Andrew Wagstrom, one of the best-known farmers and public men of
Maplewood township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden on
February 2, [849, tin son of Swen Olofson and Ingeborg Anderson, both
of whom lived and died in their native country of Sweden. Swen Olofson
and Ingeborg Anderson were the parents of four children. Claus, Andrew,
Johanna and I'.eiata. all of whom are living.
Andrew Wagstrom, following his education in the schools of his native
country, came, in June. 1N71. to \merica. and after a short time in Xew
York 1 'ity went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was employed at railroad
work, and later to Minneapolis, at which city he was engaged in lumber
work for four years. In [876 Andrew Wagstrom secured employment on
the construction of the Great Northern Railway Company depot at Min-
neapolis, where he was engaged until the year [880, when he came to
Maplewood township. Otter Tail county, and homesteaded one hundred
and sixty acres of land in section 10, which place Andrew Wagstrom
improved extensively and where he now lives as a general farmer and
stock raiser.
During the year [876 Andrew Wagstrom was married to Clara Redeen,
who was born in Sweden. April n. [849, and to this marriage have been
born the following children, Arthur Edwin, \lma Frances, Harry ('deceased 1.
Maud Clarice, Laura Helen, Clans Harry, Olga Axeline, Ellis Rudolph and
I [erbert Eugene.
\ndrew Wagstrom has taken an active part in the public life and offi-
cial circles of bis community, having filled a number of offices with notable
efficiency and satisfaction. In r88l Mr. Wagstrom was elected as constable
x- i on i r :aii coi \tty, minni sota.
of Maplewood township, an office which he served for four years and then
he was elected as township supervisor, serving in thai capacity for three
years, al the end of which time he was made township clerk, a position
which he held for eight years. During the year [898 Andrew Wagstrom
was elected to office as a county commissioner for Otter Tail county, serv-
ing this office continuously for eight years. Andrew Wagstrom performed
a notable service to his community when lie organized school district No.
224 in 1 887. he after this time, for some years acting as clerk of the school
hoard, an office he now holds. In 1910 Mr. Wagstrom was elected to the
office of township supervisor, being made chairman of the board at the
same time, an office he has since filled.
W a business man. Andrew Wagstrom has demonstrated his ability,
being the organizer of the North Maple Telephone Association, a company
in which he has officiated as president sine- the establishment of the com-
pany.
AUGUST W. MEYER.
August W. Meyer, the son of John and Mary (Leiferman) Meyer.
was born on June 25, [873, in Carver county, Minnesota. The parents were
natives of Germany, the father being born in Prussia, on the Rhine. August
29, [829, and the mother was horn in Westfall, Germany, on December
'J. [837.
John Meyer, on (Mining to the United States in [856, located in Wis-
consin, where he remained for two years, after which he came to Minnesota,
where he entered a claim. In August, of the same year, he returned to
Wisconsin, where he married Mary leiferman, and they came to their home
in Minnesota On ('etcher 21, where they resided until their retirement, in
[895, when they took up their residence in Watertown, where Mr. Meyer
died. November 23, 1004. Mrs. Meyer, who came to America with her
father, brothers and sister, in [856, and settled near Madison, Wisconsin,
survived her husband some years, having died on \pril 9, 1000. Mr. and
Mrs. Meyer wen' the parents of the following children: John, Jennie,
Henry, Frank, Casper, Ubert and August. Mr. Meyer was a soldier of the
(nil Mar. having enlisted on August [2, [864, and received his honorable
discharge en July 1 \. [865. lie was a member of Company B, in a Minne-
sota regiment, and was a brave and worthy soldier during his entire enlist-
ment.
Ilemw leiferman. the father of Mrs. August W. Meyer, was bprn on
December 17. [837, in Westphalia, Germany, and emigrated to Dane county,
Wisconsin, where he entered land and remained for some years, after which
he removed to Waseca county, near Mma City, where he engaged in farm-
UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 475
ing tor nine years. He then moved to Beau ford township, Blue Earth
county, and purchased the farm on which he died on June 6, 1914. Mr.
and Mrs. Leiferman were the parents of eleven children, as follow: Henry,
William, John, Katherine, Frank, Joseph, Elizabeth, George, Sophia, Leo
and Alary.
August W. Meyer, whose education was limited to the common schools
of Carver county, worked for a time in Minneapolis, where he was engaged
in the meat business. In the fall of 1898 he came to Dent, where lie entered
his present farm. December 18, 1898. The place was covered with heavy
timber and with no buildings. He at once began the erection of a small
shanty on his one hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, preparatory to the
coming of his bride the next spring, he being married to Elizabeth Leifer-
man, March 14, 1899. Much work was accomplished by Mr. Meyer during
the fall and winter in the erection of his little house and the clearing of
some of the land. The original home was the home of the family until
1900. when the present residence was built, the barn being erected in mi 2.
Mr. Meyer does general farming and is an extensive breeder of full-blooded
Holstein cattle, his stock being some of the best in the section.
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have a pleasant country home, well kept and a
pleasing place to rear their family of four children: Hazel. Henrietta.
Glenn Alvin and Jennetta Elizabeth. Mr. Meyer and family are members
of the Catholic church. Mr. Meyer is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has also been
school clerk for the past six years, giving most general satisfaction, as he
is a man of broad views and takes the utmost interest in the education of
the children of his district.
OLE HANSON.
Ole Hanson, a prosperous farmer of Nidaros township, this county, is
a native of Sweden, where he was born 011 May 7, 1858, and was educated
111 the public schools of that country. He is one of seven children born to
his parents: Andrew (deceased 1. Peter, (He. Magnus, Nels, Anna and
Johanna 1 deceased). Mr. Hanson's father died in 1870 and his mother in
[901. Both lived in Sweden all of their lives.
fn r888 Mr. Hanson came to America and, for several years, rented
land in Otter Tail county. In toot he purchased one hundred and sixty
acre- of land in section 34, of Xidaros township. From year to year he
made improvements on the farm and. in 1014, erected a substantial resi-
dence, llis buildings are all kept in a high state of repair and are all well
painted. He is a general farmer and stockman and is one of the well-
known citizen- in the community where he lives.
47
I, OTT£R X Ml. i OUN IV. MINNESOTA.
hi [892 Ole Hanson was married to Kjerstin Lindahl, who was bom
in Sweden on iulv I, [863, and who is the daughter of Bengt and Anna
(Miller) Lindahl. both of whom died in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson
have Keen the parents of six children, Xanna Marie (deceased), Helmer
Bernard, Otto Adolph, \.nna Marie, Hugo and Gerda.
Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hanson are members of the Eagle Lake Swedish
Lutheran church. They take an active interest in religious affairs as well
as in all civic matters.
HANS MADSEN.
Hans Madsen, who is one of the older citizens of Otter Tail townshp.
('iter Tail county, Minnesota, and one of its most successful fanners, was
horn in Denmark. September _\ [849.
Mr. Madsen's father and mother were both natives of Denmark. His
father. Mads Hanson, was married three times, Hans Madsen's mother
being Anna Rasmussen. Air. Madsen's paternal grandfather was Hans
Madsen. a native of Denmark, who was a day laborer and who spent all of
his life in his native land, lie was a member of the Lutheran church. Mads
Hanson, the father of Hans Madsen, was a soldier in the Danish army ami
a day laborer. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.
Hans Madsen. the subject of this sketch, is a son by his father's third wife,
and in this family there were three children, Rasmus. Lewis and Hans.
Hans Madsen was educated in the common schools of his native land.
hi 1878 he came to America and. after landing in New York City came
direct to Perham, in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, purchasing one hundred
and nineteen acres of land in this county in 1885. The land was boughl
from C. J. Wright, of Fergus Falls, for seven dollars per acre. The farm
al that time was wholly unimproved and consisted merely of wild land.
Mr. Madsen now owns one hundred and sixty acre-, most of which has
been cleared and which has been very greatly improved within recent years.
On December 10, [888, Hans Madsen was married to Anna Olson,
who was born in Norway, August 15. 1859. She came to America in 1883.
I!v this marriage there have been horn two children, \rthur. horn < in July
15. [895, ami Minnie. November 4, 1N07. both of whom live at home with
their parents.
Mr. and Mrs II in Vladsen and family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. They belong to thai class of substantial citizens who
have made Otter Tail county what it is today, one of the mosl productive
counties in the state of Minnesota Mr. Madsen has a host of friends in
fail tow nship.
OTTER 1AII COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 477
HERBERT S. ALDRICH.
Herbert S. Aldrich, the son of John H. and Anjanette (Stinson) Aid
rich, was horn on December 2, [861, at Centralia, Woods county, Wiscon-
sin.
The father of Mr. Aldrich was a native of New York, having been
horn there in. 1830. His wife was horn in Bangor, Maine, but they met and
married in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, and after their marriage lived first in
Waukesha, Wisconsin. After a brief residence in Winona, Minnesota, they
returned to Wisconsin, where for a time they lived in Centralia. They
then returned to Minnesota, where they took up their residence in W I-
land, Martin county. John Aldrich was by trade a blacksmith and carpen-
ter and was for the period of nine or ten years head sawyer in Wisconsin
saw-mills. While a resident of Martin count}" he engaged in farming in the
summers and blacksmithing in the winters, this continuing for four years.
In 1874 John H. Aldrich homesteaded a claim of eight)' acres in section
2, of Woodside township, this county, arriving here on July 3, and before
the month was out had secured a squatter's right. In August. 1878, he took
out filing papers for this property. At that time almost the entire township
was a wilderness, there being only three or four settlers here. In true
pioneer fashion, Mr. Aldrich constructed a rude log cabin, in which he
started a small store for the accommodation of the neighborhod, which, in
connection with his farming, was to be his source of livelihood. He set to
work to break and cultivate the soil and later purchased eighty acres addi-
tional, after which he began a mercantile career and was appointed post-
master at Wrightstowri. He enlarged his business, later adding more floor
space by building a new house. He lived here, however, only four years and
four months, when he died, at the age of forty-nine, this taking place in the
year 1870. Mr. Aldrich, Sr., had completed the process of homesteading
in the year of his death. He had the distinction of being one of the organi
xers of this township and of being its first clerk. After his death his wife
closed out the store business and post office in favor of "Sir. Dere Newell,
who built a store and started up a business on the old homestead, by leasing
a one-acre tract to build on.
Mr. Aldrich and his wife were members of the Baptisl church while
residing in Wisconsin. I lis wife, Anjanette Aldrich. married again, her
second husband being John S. Flint, and they lived in this vicinity for two
years, when Mr. Flint died. Several years after his death, his wife married
\mos Bacon, and he died within two years after their marriage. She died
in Bertha, Todd county, Minnesota, on November 25, 1914, at thi > of
seventy-four,
IfR OTTER 1X11 ('" XTY. MINNESOTA.
Herbert S. Aldrich is one of eight children, the others being, Plyna, a
resident of Battle Lake, engaged in the garage business; Edgar, a merchant
living in Aldricli. Minnesota; Willie died in infancy, in Winona, Minnesota;
I . I tt m !' i- a general merchant living in .Minora; Belle died in infancy; Guy
passed away when less than one year of age; Gara is Mrs. Alfred Xavlor,
of Bertha. '
Herbert S. Aldrich was able to acquire only a limited education, owing
to the necessity for work at home. For two years he was a pupil in the
.Martin county district school, the term consisting, however, only of three-
month winter seasons and in summer he was obliged to herd cattle. After
Air. Aldricli became a resident of Otter Tail county he attended two sum-
mer terms of school of two months each. From his fifteenth to his nine-
teenth year lie was a farm laborer, working much of the time away from
home, still helping, however, in the management of the home farm. This
continued until his twenty-second year, when he married and purchasing
eighty acres one-half mile from his home, began his own independent career.
Air. Aldrich lived on his farm for four years, when his wife, who was
before her marriage. Jennie Cameron, died, leaving a daughter. For the
next two years Mr. Aldricli continued to work in the woods in the winters
and was employed in various -aw -mills in the summer time anil in threshing
at Wrightstown, meantime making his home with his aged mother. About
i <S( > t he purchased a part interest in the store then owned by Jerry Newell.
Later, Mr. Aldrich, with three others, bought out Air. Newell, and the busi-
ness was continued under the firm name of Aldrich, Cameron & Company.
This partnership lasted for two years, when Air. Aldrich. selling out his
saw-mill and threshing interests, bought out his three partners. Soon after
this transaction he sold one-half of his interest to his brother, Edgar D.
Aldrich, and the linn became known as Aldrich Brothers until January i.
[896, when Mr. Aldrich became the sole owner, continuing in possession
until the present time. The -lock at the time of Mr. Aldrich's first pur-
chase was placed in a building whose dimension- were sixteen by twenty-
four feet. The store is now forty by forty-four feet, with storage space
twelve 1>\ fort) feci. From a -tuck worth two hundred and seventy-five
dollars at the time it was purchased from Air. Newell it has increased in
value l" a sum all the way from eighl thousand t>> nine thousand dollars,
consisting of groceries, hardware, clothing, shoes, rubbers and farm imple-
ments. The business transacted, in the year 101 ( amounted to more than
twenty-three thousand dollars, the handling of which required the services
of four clerks.
Mr. \ldrich has never relinquished his interest in farm matters, lie
ii.i- purchased the old homestead, consisting of eighty acres, as well as other
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. | ~< i
adjoining land, amounting in all to seven hundred and thirty acre-, all of
winch is located in Woodside township. As a stock breeder, Mr. Aldrich
specializes in Duroc-Jersey hogs.
On December 16, 1897. Herbert S. Aldrich was united in marriage to
Margaret J. Perkins, a native of Todd county. She is the daughter of
Edgar A. Perkins, who, with his wife, were pioneers in this section of the
state, to which they came from Money creek, Minnesota. He is still living
at the ripe old age of seventy-four or over. The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Aldrich was blessed by the birth of six children, the eldest of whom is
Hazel D., who received her education in the local schools, including the
Wadena high school and one term at the St. Cloud Normal. The other
children are, in the order of their birth. Myrtle, Paul. Kenneth. Reynold
and l.uverne.
A Republican in politics, Mr Aldrich is vitally interested in public
affairs. He was for ten years township treasurer and has been a valuable
member of the local school board. He and his wife are not only members
of the Wrightstown United Brethren church, but they contribute largely to
its financial support as well as to its active work. Mr. Aldrich is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America. Not only as a merchant has he
become well known and esteemed, but also as a man of sterling qualities.
No consideration of expediency can change his determination to follow a
certain line of action, having once decided upon its wisdom, and his clean,
wholesome life has won for him many friends. .
FERDINAND HEEMBROCK.
Ferdinand Heembrock, well-known farmer, of Edna township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born in St. Charles county, Missouri. April 29,
[866, the son of Anton and Katherine (Ottomeyer) Heembrock. Anton
Heembrock came to America in 1852, and located in Missouri, where he
lived as a farmer the remainder of Ins days, with the exception of two
years as a gold miner and as a mine owner in the state of California. Anton
and Katherine Heembrock were the parents of six children: Marv. John,
Ferdinand, Anna, Anton and Joseph. Anton and Mary (Goedde) Heem-
brock (bis second wife) were the parents of the following children: Vgnes,
Anton. Theodore, Henry, Elizabeth, Dorothea. Pauline. Stephen, Bernard,
( lenience. Mary and Herman.
Ferdinand Heembrock was educated in the schools of St. Charles
county, Missouri, after which. 111 t88l, lie came to Minnesota and located
in Perham, near where he was employed on farms until [888, when be
bought eighty-five acres of land, to which he later added eighty-three acres
and where he is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits.
480 OTTER 1 Ml COl \IY. MINNESOTA.
In the year r8oj Ferdinand Heembrock was married to Anna C. Alt-
stadt, a native of Perham township, and to this marriage were bom the
following children : Kate, Alary, Aloysius, ( lenience. Rudolph, Hugo, Helen.
Leonard, Elenora, Lauretta, Veronica and Agnes. Mr. Heembrock and his
family are communicants of the Catholic church. Anna C, the wife of
Ferdinand Heembrock, died on December 6, [911, survived by her husband
and eleven children.
Ferdinand Heembrock is affiliated with the German Catholic Aid
Society of Minnesota, and in the public life of the township Mr. Heembrock
has served efficienth and satisfactorily as township supervisor and as town-
ship assessor.
MK'll \F.L H. FROSLEE.
Among the men of large and various interests in Otter Tail enmity and
in the town of Vining, is Michael H. Froslee, successful farmer and leading
Business man. A citizen of conspicuous ancestry, a man of splendid intel-
lectual attainment-, one who in the affairs of community life has been a
leader of thought and a director of public opinion, no work of this kind
would be complete without reference to and a proper review of the life and
activities of this man.
Michael II. Froslee was born six miles north of Christiana, Norway,
on July 25, [868, the son of Hans and [ngeborg (Gjefsen) Froslee, both of
whom lived in Norway all their lives, and wdtere Hans Froslee looked after
his extensive interests until he died, at the age of sixty-eight years, on
December 9, [894, his wife. Ingeborg, surviving him until the year [913,
when she died al the age of seventy-seven years.
Hans Froslee was the son iff Mons Svinning and Maria Froslee, who,
after their marriage, moved to the farm of the Froslee family, where Mons
Svinning assumed tin name <■{ hi- wife, and where they lived for tin-
remainder of their days, Mons Svinning Froslee dying in the yeai [868
his wife. Maria, having died previously. Mons Froslee was engaged exten-
sivel} a- a farmer in hi- native land, conducting hi- farm in a progressive
and scientific manner, and being a man of important rank in bis home dis-
trict. To the marriage of VTons and Maria were born four children : TTans,
father of the subject of this sketch; bar-, who lived and died on a part of
In- father's farm, hi- death occurring during tin- year 101 (.; Ingeborg, who
married Paul Rakstad, and who died in Norway in the year [904; and Mary,
arried Paul Dahlen, and who died in Norway in the war [903.
rngeborg Froslee was the daughter of \ndrew and Kari (Klastad)
Gjefsen, who lived and died in the same community a- tin- Froslee family.
Andrew Gjefsen wa- interested in three or four feed mill- and a distillery in
MR. AND MBS. MICHAEL II. FROSLE
OTTER 1AM. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 48 1
his native- land, as well as having been the owner of a nail and spike fac-
tory. He also was the owner of great land interests, on which land he was
a raiser of cattle, as well as an extensive follower of general agricultural
pursuits. Andrew Gjefsen died in the year 1882, his wife, Kari, surviving
him until the year 1885. To the marriage of Andrew and Kari Gjefsen
were born the following children: Margaret, 'who married Brede Gjefsen,
and who lived and died in Norwa) ; ECjersti, who married Bent Horn, and
who died in Norway; Ingeborg, mother of the subject of this sketch; and
Martha, who married her Svinning, and who died at Sundbakken.
Andrew Gjefsen, maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was the son of Ivor Stadstad, a well-known farmer in his community. He
was the father of four children: Andrew, grandfather of Michael Froslee;
Lars, who assumed the name of Rustad; Ingeborg, who married Thorsten
Svinning; and Margaret, who married Lars Hvalby.
Maria Froslee, the paternal grandmother of the subject of this sketch,
was born on a farm in Flatla and was married to Lars Froslee, who was
"wakmaster." a local government officer of Norway, having to do with the
military and postal service of his locality. Maria Froslee was one of fifteen
children. Hans Froslee, father of Michael Froslee, was one of the leading
farmers of the district in which he lived, being the producer of many
superior products, for which he received from his government many awards
and prizes in recognition of his success, and especially for fine horses and
cattle. Hans Froslee conducted a creamery on his own land, was a keeper
of records dealing with his cream and milk and was generally known as a
farmer who in the conduct of his agricultural life followed closely along
scientific lines.
Michael H. Froslee was educated in the academic course of his native
land, a course similar to that taught in the high schools of America, and
after finishing his schooling, during which time he studied four different
languages, he became a clerk in a store for three years. In the year 1892
he came to America and landed at New York city, and from there went to
Vining, Minnesota, reaching this place on January 11. At Mining, Michael
Froslee entered the general merchandise store of Froslee Brothers, as a
partner with Thorwald II. Froslee, his brother, until the spring of the year
tgoi, when Michael Froslee purchased the interest of Thorwald Froslee and
conducted the store as sole proprietor until 1910. He then disposed of his
interests and for the next three years devoted his time to the care of his
wife, whose poor health resulted in Mr. Froslee going with his wife to Nor-
way and there placing her in the hands of specialists, but without avail, for
Mrs. Froslee died on June 5. 1012.
48-' OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In August, 19 1-', Air. Froslee returned to America and cared for his
land interests until 1913, when he erected a new store building, which, with
a general stock of merchandise, he opened on February 5. 1914. where he
has been engaged in business ever since. In addition to his merchandise
business, Michael H. Froslee is the owner of two farms, on which land he
is the overseer of general farming and stock raising pursuits. Since coming
to America. Mr. Froslee has visited his home land on four occasions, at one
time journeying as Far north as Trondhjem and Nortcap, the farthest point
north in Norway. He was present at the coronation of King Haakon, and
during the same summer he became acquainted with Ranghild Rustad, a
second cousin, to whom, after returning to America, he was married, on
November _'o. 1906, in Rousseau. .Minnesota, at the home of Dr. Christian
Jelsrup, with whom she lived previously. Subsequently, Michael II. Froslee
made a trip to Norway in the interest of his wife's' health and after return-
ing to America to care for business interests. Mr. Froslee again, in 191 2,
went to Norway, at which time he was called on to bear the death of his
wife. To Michael H. and Ranghild Froslee were born two children: Hans
M., who was born on September 16, 1007, and Raunaug Margaret, April
26. 1909.
Michael II. Froslee, as one of the leading citizens of Vming, has served
his town and county well, both in private life and in the office of chairman
of the town board. Mr. Froslee has been active in all those things for the
promotion of town and county interests, and has given much in the way <>i
time ami means to the community affairs. In politics. Michael H. Froslee
is a Republican. He has been president for two years of the local society of
the Sons of Norway and has held all the offices of this organization. Mr.
Froslee is a member of the Lutheran church at Mining.
OSCAR F. WILSON.
Oscar F. Wilson, a prosperous farmer of Tordenskjold township, this
county, was born on November 25, [861, near Aalborg, Jutland, in Den-
mark, and is tin- son of Jen- II. and Christine (Graveson) Wilson, both of
whom were natives of Denmark. Jens II. Wilson, who is still living at the
age of ninety years. was a fanner during his active life and, by his marriage
to Christine Graveson, who died in Denmark, had eighl children, live of
whom arc living.
Oscar I;. Wilson was educated in the public schools of his native land
and in the high school, lie learned the gardener's trade and in 1882 came
to America alone, settling in Wisconsin. Afterward he moved to Minnea-
polis and followed bis trade until he came to Otter Tail county with his
brother, Christ, \fter coming to (titer Tail countv, Mr. Wilson purchased
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 483
a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres in section 16, of Tordenskjold
township. There were no improvements upon the land and it was necessary
to clear the land before a crop could be raised. Mr. Wilson erected build-
ings on the farm and lived upon it until 1897, when he sold out and moved
to Underwood, where he operated a feed store for six years, a part of the
time for his brother, Nils, and later for himself. In 1903 he moved to the
Nelson farm, owned by his mother-in-law, in Tordenskjold township, and
has managed this farm ever since. In 1912 Mr. Wilson purchased lot 7, in
section 11, of Tordenskjold township, a tract of thirty-five acres, which
land is now cultivated by a tenant. Mr. Wilson is engaged in general
farming and stock raising and has made a specialty of raising Chester White
hogs.
On March 26, 1900, Oscar F. Wilson was married to Mary Jensen,
who died on July 15. 1900, without issue. Mr. Wilson was married, sec-
ondly, on September 2, 1902, to Jensena Maria Henriksen, the daughter of
Jens Peter and Anna Marie 1 Nelsen) Henriksen and the granddaughter of
Anders and Annie Jens ( Datter) Nelsen. Mrs. Jensena Maria Wilson died
on June 13, 1903. To them was born one son, Jens Frederick, who was
born on May 29. 1903, and who died on October 4, 1909.
Mrs. Wilson's grandfather, Anders Nelsen, was born in Denmark, in
Skiby, near Raskilde, September 16, 1829, and died on May 5, 1909. He
was the son of Nels and Annie Maria (Petersen) Petersen, who had four
children, three of whom remained in Denmark. Anders Nelsen was a
blacksmith by trade, and in 1871 came to America, bringing with him his
wife and three children. They landed in Portland, Maine, on July 15. 1871,
and lived there for two years, where Mr. Nelsen worked at the blacksmith's
trade for a company in Portland. In 1873 ne emigrated to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, homesteading a farm of one hundred and thirty acres
in Tordenskjold township. This tract of land was located in section T2, on
the shores of Fish lake, which Mr. Nelsen named. The land was not
improved and Mr. Nelsen erected a log house and a log barn, living here
until his death. As time passed he improved the farm and cleared it.
Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Lutheran church.
By the marriage of Anders Nelsen, on August 4, 1853, to Annie Jens
Dattef, a native of Denmark, and the daughter of Jens Peter, who died on
April 3. 1890, there were born three children. Of these three children.
Wis Andersen, horn on \pril 12. 1854, who lived in section ri. of this
township, married Elsie < hristina Petersen, and to them was born one
daughter, Anna Marie, who is new Mrs. Ole F. Johnson. Wis Andersen
died on January CI, 1900. The second child, Anna Marie, who was horn
on June 25, 1855. came to America in 1 871 and in 1873 married Jens Peter
■4^4 OTTER I Ml. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Henriksen, who died on February 17, 1885, in Maine. Two years later she
joined her father in Minnesota. To Air. and Mrs. Henriksen were born six
children, of whom Henry Peter, the eldest, lives with his mother; Anna
Christena married Martin Ambuehl on May 25, 1895, ar>d nves near Bos-
ton; Jensena Maria was the wife of Oscar F. Wilson; Dorothea Sophia
married Olaf Christensen, of Bagley, Minnesota, and died on November 1,
1914; Nelline Andrea died at the age of nine years, on March 2. 1890; Ole
Jensen, born on November 10, 1883, died on September 25, 1884. The
third child of Anders Nelsen, Anna Katrina, was born on November 25,
1861, married Jens Petersen and lived in Tordenskjold township for a time,
but later moved to Wilkin county, where she died on June 23, 1890, leaving
two sons, Hans and Henry.
I >scar F. Wilson is a member of the Danish Brotherhood and is identi-
fied with the Democratic party in politics. He is a prominent citizen of this
county and enjoys the confidence of a host of friends.
CHRISTIAN RODE.
Christian Rode, a retired farmer of Oak Valley township, where he
owns two hundred and forty acres of splendid farming land, is a native of
Germany, born on January 10, 1846.
Mr. Rode's parents, Halmud and Lottie Rode, were natives of Ger-
many. His motber died when In- was still a small lad and his father some
years later. Their six children are all deceased, except Christian. The
deceased children are John, Henry, Fred, Jacob and Mary.
Christian Rode was educated in the public schools of Germany and.
when he was eighteen years old. came to America. After landing in New
York City he spent five weeks there and then moved to Dupage county,
Illinois, where he worked at the mason's trade for a time. Subsequently,
he engaged in farming and, for two years, rented land. In 1874 Mr. Rode
purchased a farm of eighty acres in Lee county, Illinois, and there he lived
for twenty years. In 1895, however, he emigrated to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of land in section 1, of
Oak Valley township. This has since been his home. Mr. Rode has erected
comfortable and substantial buildings on this farm. These buildings are
kepi well painted al .ill times. For the pasl five years Mr. Rode has been
living retired. During his active career he was a general farmer and stock-
man.
Christian Rode was married on \pril 28, 1875, in 1 at county, Illinois.
to Catherine Meyer, who was born in Germany on December 6, 1S54. and
who is the daughter of John ami Mary Meyer, the latter of whom died in
Germany in iSnj. The former came to Boone county. Illinois, in Decern-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 485
ber, 1867, and, for one year, worked at the trade of a cabinet-maker at
Belvidere, Illinois. He died there in 1868, leaving a family of seven chil-
dren, George, Jacob, Mary, Catherine, Lena, Charles and Caroline.
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Rode have a family of seven children, all of
whom are still living, Bertha, Winona, Minerva, John, Maud, Catherine and
Gladys.
Although Mr. Rode has long been prominent as a farmer and citizen,
he has never aspired to public office. Mr. and Mrs. Rode and their family
are members of the Evangelical church and attend the church which stands
on their farm. The building was erected in 18(78, three years after Mr.
and Mrs. Rode and family came to Otter Tail county.
FRED A. FEMLING.
Fred A. Femling, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Adams
county. Wisconsin, where he was born on the 16th of June, 1868. His
father, John Femling, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1831, and
came to America as a young man and settled in Wisconsin. There he met
Sophia Sommers, also a native of Germany, who was born in 1839 and
whom he finally married at Whitewater, Wisconsin. The couple went to
Wood county, after their marriage, where Mr. Femling bought government
land at the rate of a dollar and a quarter an acre. From that locality he
went to Worth county. Iowa, where he resided for six years. In 1881 he
took a homestead claim on ninety-six acres of land in section 6, of Star
Lake township, Otter Tail county. He lived on this farm until 1889, when
he passed away. His wife, who is still living, makes her home with her
son, Fred, who is the subject of this sketch. She attends the Lutheran
church. Among the children reared by Mr. and Mrs. Femling are : Lydia,
Mrs. Orlin Rood, who died at the age of fifty-five years; Lizzie, the wife
of R. T. Cordes, of Iowa: Sarah, Mrs. William Sutton; Flora, who married
Mathew Champlin, of Star Lake township: Emma, Mrs. Henry Madee,
who died in Star Lake township: Fred; George died at the as^e of two years.
and Edward died in infancy.
Fred A. Femling attended the common schools of Wisconsin and of
Iowa. From the age of fourteen he has assumed the duties of farm life.
He owns his farm in Star Lake township and keeps it in an advanced state
of improvement. He gives special attention to the breeding of Shorthorn
cattle. Air. Femling is a shareholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery
Company at Dent and was director of the concern for two years. He is an
independent voter and takes an active interest in the affairs of the township.
As chairman of the board of supervisors he has served for nine years, and
has also acted as school director of the district in which he lives.
486 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
On the 21st of March, 1894, the marriage of Fred Femling to Jessie
M. Langley was solemnized. She is the daughter of Joseph and Caroline
1 Nash) Langley, early settlers of Glencoe, Minnesota, where Mrs. Femling
was born. Her parents came to Fergus Falls in 1881, where Mrs. Langley
died seven years later. Mr. Langley married Mrs. Daisy (Lotton) Giant-
valley after the death of his first wife, and moved to Canada, where he has
lived since 1909.
George, the eldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. Femling, is a graduate in
the 1915 class of the University of Minnesota, where he took the course in
agriculture and where his sister, Caroline, is still a student. The other
children born to this union are: John, Frank, William, Norman, Fred-
ericka and Dorothy. Olive, who was born after Fredericka, died at the age
of four months.
Mr. Femling, who recalls many interesting experiences of pioneer life
in Otter Tail county, remembers the time when Fergus Falls was the only
market reached by a passable road, and when the trip to that point and back
required four days. In relating of the conditions of the roads he tells of
one occasion when returning home with a load of wheat he was obliged to
block all four wheels of the wagon to prevent the team from falling on the
steep hills. Once during the early days of settlement, Fred Femling and his
father camped out when the temperature was forty degrees below zero.
One of the greatest hardships encountered by these two men was that of
rowing across the lake to gather hay which in the winter had to be hauled
to the farm on the ice. They threshed the first two crops of wheat with a
flail. Game, such as deer, ducks, rabbits and partridges, was plentiful and
was a large part of the living. They had to go fifteen miles for their mail,
which thev usually got about twice a month.
TEMAN A. LUND.
One of the well-known and prosperous farmers of Erhards Grove
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Teman A. Lund, who was born
in Erhards Grove township, September 12, 1S76, the sun of Anund and
Olena Lund, both of whom were natives of Norway. Anund Lund came
to Vmerica in 1869 and settled in Waseca county, Minnesota, where he
lived until [874, and then moved to Erhards Grove township, where he
homesteaded eighty acres of land in sections _m and 22, to which he added
eighty acres and where the elder Lund lived until his death, in 1S0N. his
widow, Olena. surviving him until 1015. Anund and Olena Lund were the
parents of the following children: Christine, Mary I deceased). Tora
(deceased), Andrena (deceased), Peter (deceased), Emma (deceased),
Jennie, Tilla, Teman A.. Lena, John and Peter.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 487
Teman A. Lund received his education in the public schools of Erhards
Grove township, after which he went to the state of North Dakota and
homesteaded a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Pierce county, where
he lived for seven years and then returned to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota. On his return to Erhards Grove township, Teman A. Lund bought
one hundred and eighty-three acres of land in section 8, a place which he
improved with a modern house, large barn and outbuildings, and where he
now follows general agricultural pursuits, together with the raising of live
stock.
During the year 1902 Teman A. Lund was married to Clara Christo-
pherson, who was born in Erhards Grove township, February 3, 1878, the
daughter of Andrew and Lise Cirri stopherson, who were among the early
settlers in Erhards Grove township. To the marriage of Teman A. and
( 'lara Lund have been born three children, Orville, Linda and Myrtle.
M. O. MADSON.
M. O. Madson, farmer and well-known citizen of Trondhjem town-
ship, this county, was born in Norway, January 25, 1855, tne son °f Ole
and Olea Madson. both of whom were natives of Norway, the for-
mer born in 1822, the latter in 1830. Ole Madson, who was a painter by
trade, was married in Norway in 1849 a"d in 1866, with his family, the
elder .Madson came to America and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota,
where he lived a short time and then moved to Otter Tail countv in 1869,
where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 4,
Trondhjem township, where Ole Madson lived until his death, in 1905, his
wife surviving him until 1015. Ole and Olea Madson were the parents of
the following children : Ole. Johanna. Anne, O. M., Serena, M. O., John,
Severn and two children who died in infancy.
M. O Madson received his education in the schools of Norway, and
in the schools of Fillmore and Otter Tail counties, Minnesota, after which
he became a farmer, securing the home place of one hundred and sixty
acres, which M. O. Madson has improved and to which farm he has added
land until now Mr. Madson cultivates two hundred and forty acres of
choice land in Trondhjem township. In addition to his general farming,
M. O. Madson engages extensively in the raising of fine grade live stock.
M. O. Madson lias now retired from active farm work, but lives on the
farm and supervises the conduct of the place.
On May 30, 18S4. M. O. Madson was married to Julia Steffinsen, who
was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, in the year 1865, tlie daughter of
John and Hokine Steffinsen, early settlers in Fillmore countv, where they
lived for some time and then moved to ('lay countv. where they spent their
488 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
last days. To the marriage of M. O. and Julia Madson have been born
seven children: Melvin, Oscar, John, Henry, Eunice, Helen and Gustof,
all of whom are living.
M. ( ). Madson has been active in the public and official life of the com-
munity, having served as clerk of the school board for fifteen years and
for an equal length of time Mr. Madson served with honor and with
notable efficiencv as a member of the board of supervisors.
I '.KM \X LARSON.
Herman Larson, successful farmer and stock raiser, highly-respected
citizen and man of affairs in the life of Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden, March 20, 1875, the son of Andrew
Larson, who was born in Sweden, July 6, 1841, and of Joanna Kjell. who
was born in Sweden, May 31, 1851. Andrew Larson, who was a laborer in
his native country, came to America in the year 1881, coming directly to
Otter Tail county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Orwell township, a place on which he lived as a general farmer until his
death on September 20, iqoj, following his death, his widow going to
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where she now lives.
Andrew Larson was one of the well-known and prosperous farmer- of
the community, at the time of his death being the owner of three hundred
and sixty acres of well-tilled and highly-cultivated land, on which he had
placed extensive improvements, making his farm one of the best in the
township. Andrew Larson and wife were the parents of six children. Her-
man, Anna. Elida, Albin, Elof and Marvin, all of whom are members of
the Swedish Lutheran church. In politics Andrew Larson was an ardent
Republican.
Following his education in the common schools of Orwell township.
Otter Tail county. Herman Larson became a farmer, fur a lime operating a
threshing machine with O. Sholberg, later moving, in the year [QOO, to Eagle
Lake township, where he ran his father-in-law's farm. He afterward bought
forty acres and now owns two hundred and forty acres of land, which he
has extensively improved and where he engages in general farming and
stock- raising.
During the year 1896, Herman Larson was married t" Jennie Olson,
who was born on December jo. 1873, the daughter of Andrew and Hannah
(Nelson) Olson, the father born in Sweden. December 10. 1833, he living
in his native country, where he was a railroad worker until the year iSjr.
then coming to \merica, working on the railroads of the stair of \\ isconsin
for .urn' time, after which he came to Eagle Lake township and after many
privations and sacrifices became the owner <ff a farm of one hundred ami
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 489
sixty acres of land, a place on which Herman Larson, his son-in-law, now
lives. Andrew Olson died on July 9, [906, his wife. Hannah, having pre-
ceded him in death many years, she dying on June r6, 1884. Andrew and
Hannah Olson were faithful and devout members of the Swedish Lutheran
church. To the marriage of Herman and Jennie (Olson) Larson were horn
the following children: Arvid II.. who was horn on December 19, 1896;
Harry F., September jo, 1898; Olof S., April 28, 1901 ; Helen E., Decem-
ber 21, I903.
Herman Larson is one of the more prominent members of the Swedish
Lutheran church of Eagle Lake, Minnesota, being a communicant who has
served his church for three years as treasurer, as well as being a member
who is an active worker and supporter of the efforts of this denomination.
In political affiliation Herman Larson supports the Republican party,
although in local affairs he is independent of party. Air. Larson has taken
no especial part in the official or public circles of his township, but he is
known as one of the leading citizens of the community, one who has done
no little in the development and in the progress of the county and its various
interests. Herman Larson and his family are among the esteemed and
honored people of Eagle Lake township and of Otter Tail countv, Minnesota.
ANDREW GLENDE.
Andrew Glende, a. well-known farmer of Everts township, Ottei Tail
county, Minnesota, who was born in Norway on December to, 1855. is the
son of Andrew and Kare (Rye) Glende, both of whom were born in X'or-
way, the former in 1823 and the latter about the same year. They were
married in Norway and both died in that country, the former in 1857 and
the latter in 1865. They were the parents of seven children: Anna Alary.
Karen, Erick, Andreas, Andrinie, Anton and Andrew. Andrew Glende's
mother was twice married, the second time to Even A. Glende, by whom she
had one child. Thor
Educated in the public schools of bis native land. Andrew Glende came
to America in 1871 and settled in Eairbault, Rice county. Minnesota. The
next year he came to Otter Tail countv, and in 1874 purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in section 10. of Everts township. Later he sold
this farm and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, in 1S7N, where he
has since lived. Mr. Glende has erected . substantial buildings on the farm
and has made other improvements.
In 1XN5 Andrew Glende was married to Olena Larson, and to them
was born one child, Kare Mrs. Glende died in r888, and five years later
Mr. Glende was married to Mina Venes, of Everts township, who i- tin-
daughter of Tohn and Anna Marv Venes. Thev came from Norway in
4Q0 OTTER TAN COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
[880 and purchased one hundred and sixty acre- of land in Everts town-
ship. Later they sold this farm and moved to Battle Lake. By his second
marriage Mr. Glende has five children, all of whom arc living, foseph, Marie,
Agnes. Ovidia and Altine.
Mr. and Mrs. Glende are members of the Lutheran church.
[ENRY I). LUHNING
Henry D. Luhning, farmer and well-known citizen of Girard township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was horn in Hanover, Germany, on June 27,
iN-;. the son of li. Luhning and Magarete Luhning. natives of Germany.
Henry 1). Luhning was educated in the schools of his native country,
after which lie came to America, in [899, and located in Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, where, in partnership with his brother, William, Henry I). Luhn-
ing bought three hundred and thirty acres of land in Otter Tail township, a
place which Mr. Luhning cultivated for some time and then he bought one
hundred and seventy-two acres of land in Girard township, a farm on which
he now lives as a general farmer.
On July [8, 1902, Henry D. Luhning was married to Anna Peters,
who was born in Germany, the daughter of < »tto Peters and wife. To the
marriage of Henry D. and Anna Luhning has been horn one child, William.
Mr. and Mrs. Luhning also have one adopted child, Elsie. Henry 1). Luhn-
ing and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, they being
active members in the congregation of their choice.
Henry D. Luhning, for two years has been school treasurer For Otter
Tail township, and he is a man who takes an important place in the public
life of his community.
JOHN" 11. DINSMORE
fohn II. Dinsmore, a well-to-do farmer of Maine township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born near Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, January 31,
Mr. Dinsmore is a son of Scott and [sabelle Christie Dinsmore. Scott
Dinsmore was a farmer in Pennsylvania, and for twenty-five years taught
>chool in Westmoreland county, that state, lie owned one hundred and
forty acres of land and was a prominent and leading member of the Presby-
terian church, having served as an elder in that denomination for many years.
Scotl Dinsmore was the father of nine children, eight s.m-. and one daughter.
fohn 11. Dinsmore received his education in the common schools of
die Keystone state, and in the spring of 1SS4 left Pennsylvania for Otter
Tail countv, Minnesota. For a time Mr. Dinsmore was employed bv IX G
OTTER TAIL COUNTY., MINNESOTA. 4QI
Keefe, and during this peri' id taught school during the winter months in
Fergus Falls township. Afterwards he removed to I 'age county, fowa, and
for six years operated a farm belonging to his aunt. He also bought eighty
acres of land in Page county, and lived in Iowa for six years. In 1891 Mr.
Dinsmore sold his holdings in Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Maine township, this county, sixty acres of which was
cleared. In 1910 Mr. Dinsmore built a comfortable and commodious house.
Previous to this, in [902, he had built a large barn.
In 1888 John Dinsmore was married to Xettie Wilson, a daughter of
William Wilson, a Pennsylvania farmer. John Dinsmore and wife are the
parents of four children. Isabel, Wilson W.. Lilian and J. Scott.
Mr. Dinsmore and family are members of the Presbyterian church in
Maine township, and take an active interest in the affairs of that congrega-
tion. Mr. Dinsmore has served efficiently for a number of years as clerk
of the township school board, and has been a member of the board .alto-
gether for a period of twenty years. He is well known and highly respected
in Maine township.
JOHN SIM.
John Sim, well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Scambler town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Scotland, October 28, 1848,
the son of John and Agnes (Donald) Sim, both of whom were natives of
Scotland, born in the year 181 1. John Sim, Sr., who was a blacksmith in
the highlands of Scotland, lived in his native country during his entire life,
dying in the year 1875. Agnes, the wife of the elder Sim, died in 1885, at
Glasgow, Scotland. John and Agnes Sim were the parents of the following
children: Margaret. Thomas, James, ^.gnes, Janet, John, Alexander, David
and two children who died in infancy.
Following his education in the public schools of his native country.
John Sim came to America, and in 1887 settled in Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, where he started a blacksmith shop, a trade which lie followed until
1892, and then bought forty acres of land in Scambler township, a place
which he improved and to which Mr. Sim has added land until he now owns
one hundred and eighty acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated land.
John Sim, in addition to his general farming, makes a specialty of dairying.
During the year 1878 John Sim was married to Isabel Cameron, a
native of Scotland, and to this marriage have been born seven children :
John Cameron, T-homas, James. Isabel, David. Alexander and Francis.
John Sim has been an active and a valued citizen in business circles of
Scambler township. Mr. Sim was one of the organizers of the Park Region
Co-operative Creamery and Store Company, of Cormant, Minnesota; he was
I'lil.'XTY, MI.XXKSOTA.
one of the organizers of the Farmer's Elevator Company, at Pelican Rapids,
and is a member of the Pelican Rapids Farmers' Shipping Association.
John Sim lias been a prominent member of the school board for many years
and he is now one of the supervisors of Scambler township.
TOHAXXES P. SCHEI.
Johannes P. Schei, a pioneer citizen of Otter Tail county and one of
the best-known residents of Tordenskjold township, where he is now living
retired, is a native of Norway, horn eight miles out of Trondhjem, May 17.
[839.
The venerable Johannes P. Schei is the son of Peter and Jochimine
Schei. who in later life immigrated to America. They died on a farm in
Tordenskjold township about 1890 and are buried in the Tordenskjold town-
ship cemetery. They were farmers by occupation and had a family of nine
children, all of whom came with them to America. Johannes P. was the
eldest, Maria, who died in Norway; Ole, who lives in Red Wing, .Minnesota:
Olaf, who died in Minneapolis; Berit Martha, who married Aneus Volen
and died at Underwood; Paulina, who died unmarried in Minneapolis;
Martin, who died in Minneapolis; Mary, who married a Mr. Johnson and
lives in Minneapolis, and Ever, who resides near Minneapolis.
Johannes P. Schei was educated in the public schools and, from his
boyhood, has been engaged in farming. In 1867 he accompanied his par-
ents to America, and for the next three years worked on a farm in Good-
hue county. Later the family came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold township. This farm was
composed altogether id' wild land and. after clearing a place, Mr. Schei buill
a log house, having lived one summer in a wagon. The old log house stood
on the site of the present Schei home. Later, Mr. Schei added forty acres
of land in Lane Prairie township and still later two hundred acres more
southeast in Tordenskjold township, erecting houses and barns on these
various farms. For some years, Mr. Schei has been living retired.
1 »n lulv 4, i8f>7. Johannes 1'. Schei was married in Goodhue county.
Minnesota, to Barteline Rosvold, an aunt of Martin Rosvold, mentioned
elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Schei have been the parents of
ten children. Olaf. who is a merchant at Fergus Falls; Julia, who died n the
age of si* years; Karen, who married Allien Anderson and lues m Dane
Prairie township; Julius, who is a farmer in Tordenskjold township: Joseph.
who died at the age of twenty-seven; Ole. who is in the real estate business
in Portland. Oregon; Martin, who is a farmer in Idaho; John (I., who is
the manager of the home Farm; Olena, who died at the age of twenty years,
and lulia. who lives at home with her parents.
OTVKk TAIL (lir\ IV. MINNKSiil \.
ELLEF E. RISBRUDT.
Ellef E Risbrudt is one of the representative agriculturists of St. Olaf
township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and is a native of Norway, his birth
having occurred on September 2~, 1857. He is the son of Engebret T. Ris-
hrnclt. also a native of Norway and the brother of Torkel E. Risbrudt.
Ellef E. Risbrudt received his education in the public schools of St.
Olaf township, Otter Tail county, and was reared on the home farm where
he assisted his father with the work until twenty-seven years of age. In
1884 he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land in St. Olaf town-
ship, on which he erected buildings and made other improvements. He has
continued to live on this place ever since. In 191 1 he purchased three hun-
dred and twenty acres of land, under the homestead law, in Montana and
remained there until Christmas, 1914. Each year he returned to his former
home in St. Olaf township to visit his people, and in 1901 purchased ninety
acres of land near the home place. In 1900 he invested in forty acres more
adjoining his farm, and now owns three hundred and ten acres in St. Olaf
township. He is also the owner of ten acres of timber land, which was
given to him by his father. The farm in St. Olaf township is devoted to
general agriculture and stock raising.
On June 2, 1883, Ellef E. Risbrudt, Jr., was united in marriage to
Christine Johnson and they are the parents of six children as follow : ( 'lara.
Emma. Tena, Elvin, Selmer and Noble. Politically, Ellef E. Risbrudt, Jr.,
is a stanch advocate of Republican principles and is very earnest in his con-
victions. Religiously, he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church
and lends his active support to that church.
OLIVER E. MOSES
( lliver E. Moses, who claims Minnesota as the state of his nativity, was
born in Blue Earth county, on February 19, 1872, and is the son of Emer-
son and Alice W. (Calvin) Moses, natives of the state of Connecticut. The
grandparents' of the subject of this sketch were born in Hartford county,
Connecticut, where Richard Moses, the paternal grandfather, was a farmer
and landowner. He and his wife, Rachel Moses, lived in that community
until they died. Their son. Emerson Moses, grew to manhood in the state
where be was liorn and took up farming on his father's place. In [868,
after selling the old home, which he had in the meantime acquired, to an
elder lirother. \dnan. he moved to Minnesota, coming by stage from Winona,
there being no railroad at that time, and where he bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Judson and Garden City town-hips, located in Blue
Earth county. On this land, which was only partially improved, he worked
404 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
at dairying and farming, raising pure-blood Jerse) cows, which breed his
son, Oliver, -till raises. His death occurred in C901. \ iter the death of
her husband, Mrs. Moses continued to live on the homestead until a short
while before her death, when she went to make her home with her son, ( >. E.
Moses, the subject of this sketch. She passed away on March 5, 1915 U
the time of his death, Mr. Moses owned two hundred acres of land. He
was always an enthusiastic member of the Democratic party. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Moses, are O. E. and Charles K., who lives on the
old home place in Blue Earth county, and two children who died in infancy.
O E. .Muses attended the public schools of the village of Lake Crystal.
After completing the course he remained on the home place until he was
twenty-six years old. lie bought one hundred and twenty acres of land
adjoining his father's place and worked upon it at general farming for -
years In March, 1904, he and family moved to Otter Tail county, where
in [903, they had purchased three hundred and eleven acres of land in sec-
tion 35, Scambler township. This farm they still occupy today. \t the
time they bought the place, a log cabin was the only dwelling in evidence,
luit Mr. Moses has added improvements from year to year until the fan
one of the most up-to-date in that vicinity. In 1014. he erected a concrete
silo. He is a breeder of full-blood Jersey cattle and keeps fifteen milch
cows, lie handles eighty head of Yorkshire hogs annually.
Mr. Moses was the originator of the idea of the Farmers Co-operative
Creamery at 1'elican Rapids, where he served for three years :is director ol
the concern. In 1014, in partnership with L. C. Nicholson, he bought a
threshing outfit, which they -still operate. Although a member of the Demo-
cratic party when national issues are at stake, Mr. Moses votes independently
in local politics
The marriage of ( (liver E. Moses to May Q. Beebe, a native of Waupon,
Wisconsin, was solemnized on January 1. 1898. Mrs. Moses was born on
May 14. 1870, and is the daughter of Norman and Susan 1.. 1 Davis) Reebe.
who were among the early settlers of Blue Earth county.
Norman Beebe was a native of Cattaraugus county. New York, and
moved to Wisconsin during the pioneer days of that state, lie settled near
Waupon, where he became a successful farmer with large dairy interests
Seven children were horn, of whom all are living ami all married. They
are Bird \ '.. of Spa, California, a rancher; Leona Butterfield, of Los Angeles,
California; May Q. Moses, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota: Norman E., a
farmer of St. Tlilaire. Minnesota: Dr. lav I... of Miaheim. California, a
successful doctor and surgeon; Susie I). McAulay, of Fullerton, California;
and Roxy 1. I'errin. of Mansfield, Illinois. In [878 he moved to Blue
Earth countv, Minnesota, and boughl a four-hundrd-acre farm, lie kept
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 495
on an average, fifty cows, his daughter (now Mrs. Moses) making cheese
of the milk in the summer and butter in the winter, for ten years, having a
cheese factory on the farm. In 1895 Airs. Moses made cheese in a large
factory at Garden City, Minnesota, her brother, Norman, working as helper.
After selling tliis farm, the family lived in Lake Crystal, until iqoi, when
Mr. and Mrs. Beebe and two youngest daughters moved to Upland, Cali-
fornia, where he bought a twenty-acre orange ranch, where they lived until
he died in January, 1004. His wife, who is a native of Erie county, New
York, was seventy-five years old on January 8, 1916. She is living with
her daughter. Mrs. Susie McAulay. at Fullerton, California.
Five children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver E. Moses, Bernard
Earl, seventeen, who is a student in the State Agricultural College at Crooks-
ton, Minnesota; Jay Lind, sixteen; Bertha May, fifteen, who will also attend
the state school: Norman, seven, and Emerson, five years. They are all at
home and help on the farm when not in school.
MARTIN o. HALVORSEN.
Martin ( ). llalvorsen is one of four children horn to Ole and Agnete
1 Erland) Halvorsen, and his birth occurred on April 4. 1866, in the city of
Stavanger, Norway. He has not needed a leader to shape his destiny nor
a fortune with which to begin his business career hut, with the natural apti-
tude for his chosen vocation and keen foresight, he forged straight ahead,
until he has reached a position of prominence.
Martin O. Halvorsen immigrated to America in [884 and located
immediately in Dalton, Otter Tail count}, Minnesota, where his brother
llalver had preceded him the previous year. After the arrival of Halver
and Martin ( ).. the remaining members of the family followed in quick suc-
cession until, in [885, the last ones had taken up their abode in the great
West. Ole Halvorsen, father of Martin Halvorsen, was employed for
t \\ent\ -two years making "block and tackle," while a resident of his native
country and during the entire time was engaged by the same firm. After
his arrival in the United States he engaged in agriculture. To this union
were horn four children : Johanna, Ingehorg, Halver and Martin 0. The
paternal grandparents of Martin 0 Halvorsen were Halver and Ingeborg
Halvorsen, who immigrated to America in [880, locating near Dalton, Minne-
sota, where his death occurred at the age of eighty-two years. His wife
died at the age of ninety-two years. He was employed in the capacity of
cler!- For one of the liusiness linns in Norway. The maternal grandparents
of Martin ( ). Halvorsen were Morton and Elian Erland, who lived and died
in Stavanger, Norway. Morton Erland was a shoemaker by trade and fol-
lowed that vocation until his death. The paternal grandparents were ven
496 OTTER T.\l! COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
old when they immigrated to this country and spent their last days, with
their son, Halver.
Martin ( ). Halvorsen received his education in the schools of Norway
and after completing same, he was engaged in the rope-making trade, but
upon his arrival in America he became interested in farming, which occupa-
tion has claimed his energies until the present time. In iSqi he purchased
a ('arm and now owns one hundred and sixty acres, plus the one hundred
and sixty acres contained in the original place. He has put on all the
improvements and the buildings are far superior to those on the average
farm. lie makes a specialty of general farming and stock raising and
uses progressive methods in the production of his crops.
On November 18, 1888, Martin O. Halvorsen was united in marriage
to Hannah Sonmor, a native of Norway and daughter of Even Sonmor,
also a native of Norway. Hannah was born in that country, but emigrated
to America with her parents at the age of six months. To the union of
Martin O. and Hannah (Sonmor) Halvorsen, have been born three chil-
dren, namely, Carrie, Ole Alvin and Melvin Herman. Carrie became the
wife of Julius Madson. The two sons are at home. Martin O. Halvorsen
was supervisor for Town of Tumuli, covering a period of six years. He
and his wife are loyal supporters and active members of the Ten Mile Lake
Lutheran church. He is much respected and liked by those who know- him
best and he has many friends in the community in which he resides.
Gl ORGE WASHINGTON" SHELDON.
Born in the town of Lawrence. St. Lawrence county, New York. August
13, [839, George Washington Sheldon, a well-known retired resident of
Fergus balls. Minnesota, is the son of Nehemiah and Sarah 1 Lincoln 1 Shel-
don, the latter of whom died when George W. was a mere lad. leaving at
the time of her death four children. Mr. Sheldon's father was married,
secondly, to Nancy Smith, and to them was born one child, now Mrs. Clif-
ford. Mr. Sheldon has two brothers living, Gordon II., who lives near
Nicholville, New York, and Milo 1'.. who live- at Lawrence, New York.
Mrs. Nancy (Smith) Sheldon died a few years after her marriage to Nehe-
miah Sheldon and lie was married, thirdly, to Sarah Andrews, and to them
were born three children.
George \Y. Sheldon was reared on tin- home farm at Lawrence. New
York. and. after growing to manhood, purchased a farm adjoining that of
his father, where he carried 011 farming until 1872, when he and his wife
came west with a colony which had left Xew York state at that time. They
came to Minnesota and settled in (liter Tail county, locating in a town
which the colom called Western. Mr. Sheldon homesteaded one hundred
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 497
and sixty acres and bought enough more to make two hundred and fourteen
acres. He built a small frame house and later added to this house, spending
many years on this farm. After living on the farm until 1903, Mr. Sheldon
moved with his wife to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Previously he had been,
for six years, overseer of the county poor farm. Since moving to Fergus
Falls, Minnesota. Mr. Sheldon has been living retired.
George W. Sheldon has been twice married. He was married the first
time to Mary Dewey, a native of New York state, and, after her death, he
was married to his present wife, who. before her marriage, was Abbie
Giffin, a •.laughter of Calvin and Rhoda (Hewitt) Giffin, both natives of
Vermont, who later moved to New York; where they remained the rest of
their lives.
The Sheldons are highly respected citizens of this city and are well
known among the people of Fergus Falls and vicinity. Mr. Sheldon served
as supervisor in the town of Western.
PETER C. SVENDSRUD.
Peter C. Svendsrud is one of nine children born to the union of Chris-
tian and Ingeborg (Petersdatter) Svendsrud and his birth occurred in 1865,
in Norway, of which his parents were both natives. The names of the other
children follow: Nels, Cam, Mathia, Mathew, Carl, Julia, Marie and Otto.
Christian Svendsrud was a farmer and the home place was near the town of
Forburg, Norway, where Peter C. Svendsrud was born. Christian Svends-
rud died in Norway and his widow still lives in that country. The paternal
grandparents of Peter C. Svendsrud were Nels Nelson and Marie Svendsrud
who remained in Norway all their lives. Nels Nelson Svendsrud was a
farmer and followed that vocation until bis death. The maternal grand-
parents of Peter C. Svendsrud were also natives of Norway and farmers,
who lived and died in that country. Their names were Peter Horen and
Karen Petersdatter. Both families were members of the Lutheran church.
Peter C. Svendsrud is indebted to the schools of Norway for the edu-
cation which be received, following which he immigrated to America, in
[890, and came direct to Dalton, Otter Tail county, where he was employed
fur a period of seven years, in the service of K. H. Brandvold. After com-
pleting tins service, be rented the farm be now owns and cultivated it, for
vo years, at the end of which time he
inie hundred and sixty acres of land,
il county.
s united in marriage to [nger Nelson,
settler of Tumuli township. To the
the former owner.
for
a period of 1
purchased it. Tin
spl
ace 0 insists 0
located in Tumuli
towi
iship, ( 'tier T
In 1001. Pete
r < :.
Svendsrud w
laughter of Tulif
\\
flson, an earl'
(32b)
498 OTTER TAIL COUNTY., .MINNESOTA.
union of Peter C. Svendsrud and his wife have been horn four children
Chester, Mildred, Burghild and Evelyn. He has been an earnest worker
and his wife has been of material help to him in his effort to evolve a com-
fortable competency from his labors.
ALBERT KNUDSEN.
The sturdy Norwegian has played a conspicuous role and has had a
large part in the development of the great state of Minnesota. The seeds
of their thrift and energy, the sturdiness of their race and the fervor of their
religious belief, have been beneficially scattered broad-cast throughout this
great state, whose present growth and development are a marvel. The sub-
ject, whose name heads this sketch, is one of those sons of Norway who has
aided in the development of Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
Albert Knudsen was born in Bergen, Norway, on October _\ 1845, l,u'
son of Knud Larson and Ingeborg Jacobsen, both of whom were born, lived
and died in Norway. Knud Larson jacobsen was a farmer and landowner
in his native land and reared his children to manhood and womanhood on
his farm, instilling in them the love of husbandry. He was actively inter-
ested in the local politics of his county. Roth he and his beloved wife were
devoted members of the Lutheran church. Six children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Knud Larson Jacobsen, as follow : Lars, a farmer who lived and
died in Norway; Annie, the wife of Nels Muklebush, who remained in her
native land; Jacob, a farmer and stock dealer of Norway: Engeborg, the
wife of Jacob Skenlo, who lives in Norway, and Martha, the wife of a Mr.
Skenlo, who died early in life.
Albert Knudsen was educated in the public schools of Norway, follow-
ing the school as it was conducted from place to place. At an early age the
love of adventure, so characteristic of the race, asserted itself and he became
a sailor and fisherman, which occupations he followed until be was twenty-
three years of age. In the meantime he had also served at various times in
the army. In 1869 he left his native land and emigrated to America and.
upon his arrival in the United States, came directly to Minnesota, where he
worked on various farm- in Fillmore county. Later he ret
cousin ami was employed in the pine woods, near Black l\i\
later he returned to Fillmore county and then went to Duluth
employed in the lumber camps and on the lakes. Subsequent
to Superior and lived there for a time, but returned to Dulu
1S7S, he came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded forty a
section 34, I'.lult'lon towns
brush and had never been 1
the present barn, he began to clear the land and to break the soil. Several
\1
thai
time
the
land v
wo
ited
Ha
ving
erec
led a 1
Og
ir tl
le Ian
d an
d to
break
tlk
,ed t
0 Wis
Falls
here
he wa
he r
emove
Fin
iallv, i
s of
land i'
i\ ere
d wit'
OTTER TAT I. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 499
years later, he erected a small frame house and still later, in 1910, a modern
barn. Mr. Knudsen has always rented considerable land in his immediate
neighborhood as well as adding to his original tract. At the present time
he operates about two hundred acres. He is devoted to general farming and
has about eight milch cows on his farm.
In icS/3 Albert Knudsen was married in Fillmore county to Johanna
Gilbertson. also a native of Norway and the daughter of Gilbert Jacobson,
a pioneer settler in Fillmore county, who later moved to South Dakota, where
he died many years ago. To this happy union there have been born seven
children, as follow : Clara, who married Frank Potter, died in Wadena,
Minnesota; Josephine is a trained nurse and lives at home with her parents;
Louisa married Mark Greene and lives in North Dakota; Albert is a build-
ing contractor and an electrician of Wadena; Matilda married Elmer John-
son and lives in the state of Washington ; Julia, the twin of Albert, married
Charles Bradford and lives in Crete. North Dakota, where he is station
agent; Arthur lives at home with his parents.
Albert Knudsen is identified with the Republican party and much inter-
ested in local politics. He has served successfully and efficiently as super-
visor of Blurrton township, and as road boss has had much to do with road
buildine in this section of Minnesota.
vARL T. KOPPERUD.
Karl J. Kopperud is one of the successful agriculturists of Norwegian
Grove township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota and also is a leader in the
affairs of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which denomination he has
been choir leader for many years. He was born on January 1, 1859, in
Norway and is the son of Johanes O. and Anne Kopperud, both natives of
Norway. Johanes O. Kopperud was born in 1800 and his death occurred in
1884. Anne Kopperud was born in 1813, and died in 1905. Johanes O.
Kopperud was a farmer while a resident of his native country and immi-
grated to America in 1S71. traveling as far as St. Cloud, Minnesota, by rail
and finishing his journey to Norwegian Grove township, Otter Tail countv.
by ox-team conveyance. Upon his arrival in this locality, he purchased fortv
acres of land, under the homestead law, continuing to reside with his sous.
He was the father of seven children, whose names follow: Ole, Martin.
Randine, Andrew, Johanes (deceased), Mathia and Karl J.
Karl J. Kopperud is indebted to the schools of his native heath for the
education which lie received, following which he immigrated to America and
engaged in general farming on the place he now owns. This farm consists
of one hundred and twenty-six acres located in Norwegian Grove township.
Otter Tail county.
500 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In 1902, Karl Kopperud was united in marriage to Matilda Mikelson,
and to (hem have been horn four children, whose names follow: Calmer,
Esther, James and Nora. Karl Kopperud and his wife are earnest members
of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which denomination he has served as
treasurer for nearly nine years in Norwegian Grove church.
OLE HENRY.
In the days when homesteading was a popular occupation in Minne-
sota, many enterprising men were drawn to her prairies to work at clearing
the land of its timber and underbrush. Among those who have been most
successful at this employment are the members of the colony of Norwegians,
who hearing of the agricultural wealth of the state, crossed the Atlantic to
farm within its boundaries. Ole Henry is one of the pioneer farmers of
Otter Tail county, and owes his success to his ability to meet the demands
of a life in the wilderness, and to his method of removing obstacles inci-
dental to establishing a home in a primitive district.
On November 11, T854, Ole Henry was born, sixty miles north of
Christiania, Norway. He is the son of Henry Pederson and Caroline Maria
Olson, both natives of Norway. His father worked the greater part of his
life at the occupation of fanning. He was owner of a small tract of land
in his native country and for a time before his death was employed in a
saw-mill. After his death, which occurred in 1869, his widow and three
children came to the United States to join the eldest son, Martin, who was
living in Otter Tail county.
His mother was a woman of much force of character and sound wis-
dom. Left a widow when her children had not yet reached the age of inde-
pendence, she left her native land to brave the dangers of a life of toil in the
wilderness of a foreign land. Being a widow she was entitled to eighty
acres of homestead land, of which she held possession until her son Ole was
of age. Upon reaching manhood he, too. acquired eighty acres of land
which adjoined his mother's, and converted the whole tract into one farm
place. Mrs. Henry is the mother of the following children: Martin, a
farmer of Clitherall township: Christenaj the wife <>i" Peter Hanson, who is
living at I '.at tic Lake; Ole, the subject of this sketch, and Christian, who is
a farmer living in Clitherall township.
Ole Ilcnn received his elementary education in the public schools of
Norway and in 1870 came to Vmerica with his mother and family. They
began the homestead life upon their arrival in Minnesota. After clearing
roads and cutting large tracts of timber land, the family began to build a
small log house, which is -till standing on the present farm. It i- a rude
structure, twelve by fourteen feet and remains a memorial to the thoroi n
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 5OI
ness and simplicity which characterized the work of the earliest settlers in
that section. In relating his experiences in clearing the land, Mr. Henry
has many interesting stories to tell. For twelve years during his process
of making roads and cutting timber he used a team of oxen. Perham, the
nearest station, was often reached by the most tiresome and dangerous
journeys. Tribes of Indians still made their homes in the forests, but the
recollections of Mr. Henry regarding his intercourse with them are of the
most pleasant character.
The farm now occupied by Mr. Henry has been improved from time
to time, until now it represents everything new in modern improvements.
In 1908 he erected a barn of large proportions and he has also made a num-
ber of additions to the house.
In r8y5, Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Thea Ellwanger, the
daughter of Fred Ellwanger, one of the oldest settlers of Otter Tail county.
Mrs. Henry, who is a native of Clitherall township, is the mother of the
following children: Harold, who was born on September 21, 1897, and
Irvin, who was born on September 28, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are
members of the Synod congregation and contribute generously to its sup-
port. Xot content with giving close attention to his agricultural affairs.
Mr. Henry takes an active interest in politics and gives his loyal support
to the cause of the Republican party.
SEVER C. SORENSON.
Representing two generations of expert fanners, Sever C. Sorenson is
continuing the family name in a way which reflects credit upon those who
have gone before, and success has come as a reward for conscientious work.
Sever C. Sorenson was born on March 22, 1884, on the farm which is still
his home. His father, Christian Sorenson, came with his wife, Mary
(Hawkinson) Sorenson, to America from Norwav, their native country, in
1866.
The paternal grandfather of Sever C. Sorenson, died in Norway, where
the paternal grandparents. Ever and Ella Hawkinson were both born. After
Christian Sorenson and his wife landed in America, they journeyed to this
township and their early efforts and frugality enabled their son to acquire
his present home, a part of which consists of the old log cabin in which the
pioneer settlers lived. The elder Sorenson homesteaded one quarter section
of land, where he lived until his death on Januarv 2, 1913. Two years
previous to his death he homesteaded eighty acres in North Dakota and this
land his wife proved up after his death. She is still living with her son.
Sever Sorenson. The father spent only enough summers in Dakota to
legalize his claim. To tin'-; couple were born ten children, five of whom are
502 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
still living. These arc-, Paulina, Eliva, Gena, Sever and Hilda. The par-
ents identified themselves with the Lutheran denomination.
Sever C. Sorenson, who lives with his mother on the old home- farm.
attended the local country schools and interspersed his school-days with
farm work. He bought eighty acres of the home farm of his mother, and
having previously purchased forty acres which his father had added to the
original homestead, the property in his own name consisted of one hundred
and twenty acres. He was engaged in erecting a fine modern barn at the
time that his father was called away by death.
Mr. Sorenson is regarded as a man thoroughly conversant with the
science and practice of farming, but more than this he is a dutiful son and
has devoted himself to the care of his mother and the management of her
property. Mr. Sorenson is highly respected in this vicinity.
DANIEL A. PETERSOX.
The name of Daniel A. Peterson is a synonym for efficiency, thrift and
honesty, these three qualities having been dominant factors in the successful
issue of his many commercial and civil interests. Pie was born on Novem-
ber 28, 1869, in Sweden, and is the son of Andrew and Kazsa (Johnson)
Peterson, both natives of Sweden. Andrew Peterson immigrated to America
in 1869, effecting a temporary location in the city of Chicago, moving in
1874 to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he purchased a homestead in
Eagle Lake township and prepared for the arrival of his family. In Octo-
ber, 1874, Kazsa (Johnson) Peterson, immigrated to America, accompanied
by her children and, they immediately joined the husband on the farm in
Otter Tail county. The names of the children are as follow: Andrew.
John, Peter, Agnes and Daniel. One daughter died in Sweden. Andrew
is a fanner living in Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county: John passed
away while in Saskatchewan, Canada: Peter is proving on a homestead in
Canada; Agnes is deceased. The mother of these children is a widow, her
husband having died some years ago, and she resides with her son, Daniel.
She is eighty-three years of age.
Daniel A. Peterson received Ins education in Eagle Lake township and
has always resided on the old home place, which lie now owns. This place
contains two hundred and forty acres and is very well improved. On June
2, IOOI, Daniel A. Peterson was united in marriage to Olena Finkleson, a
native of Norway and a daughter of Ole Finkleson, also a native of Nor-
way. The Finkleson family immigrated to America in iSoo and located in
Eagle Pake township, Otter Tail county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Peterson have been born six children, Edith, Mabel. Ruth. Ida. Hazel and
1 ennard
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 503
Mr. Peterson has served in various capacities, in township offices, act-
ing as constable, school clerk and school treasurer. Commercially, he is a
director of the Midway Telephone Company; director of the Farmers' Ele-
vator Company at Melby, Minnesota, and is the president of the Melby
Potato Warehouse Association, of which he was organizer, and has been
president since 1912. He is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Melby,
Minnesota. Few men are more respected by their fellow citizens than is
Daniel A. Peterson, and the high regard in which he is held is a deserving
tribute to his life of service and activities.
KARL MERZ.
Among the men of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, whose sterling qual-
ities have made their imprint upon the business community, and without a
record of whom the history of Otter Tail county would be incomplete, is the
subject of this sketch. Mr. Merz is an agriculturist of exceptional qualifica-
tions and keen foresight, all of which have been of benefit in his financial
achievement.
Karl Merz. farmer, Elizabeth township, this county, was born on August
4, 1840. at Wittenberg, Germany, and is a son of Schaufer and Frances
Merz. He received a good education in his native country, and came to
America in 1863, at the age of twenty-three years, landing at New York
City, from where he went direct to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was employed
in a sash and door factory. After a short stay there he went to Michigan
and worked in the copper mines for seven years. In 1870 he came to Eliza-
beth township. Otter Tail county, where he acquired a homestead in section
22, Friberg township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he
farmed for a time and then sold out to Ferdinand Schmidt and then moved
to Elizabeth township, where he bought two hundred acres, the most of
which is under cultivation. Mr. Merz sold eighty acres of this tract to
William Kort, and bought one hundred and twenty acres, eighty acres of
which he gave to his step-son, Charles G. Wicker. He improved his farm
with a substantial barn, which was erected in 1895, a house, built in 1808, a
silo and two garages. Politically, Mr. Merz has always given his support
to the Republican party, while bis religious sympathies are witli the Catholic
church, to which be contributes liberally.
Schaufer Merz was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1770. His wife
was also a native of Wittenberg, where they both lived and died. Mr. \lcr>
followed the vocation of a farmer, and was a soldier in the Napoleonic
wars, serving in all twelve years, during which time he was never injured.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Merz were members of the Catholic church, lie died
in T867. This union was blest with six children: Joseph, Schaufer, John,
)C4
AIL COUNTY. MIXXl'.SOTA.
George, Karl and Anna, the last two of whom were the only ones to come
to America. Schaufer and George were soldiers in the army and never left
their native country.
Karl Merz was united in marriage, in 1880, with Mary Koch, daugh-
ter of John Koch, and widow of John Wicker, by whom she had one son.
Charles. She died on August 24, 1907, leaving one child, George, who was
horn on March v}o. 1882, and was married on November 10, K)o8. to Martha
Knackendoffel, daughter of Adolph and Marie Knackendoffel. Martha
Knackendoffel was horn on November 27. 1884. Her parents were natives
of Germany, and came to America about 1S75. To George Merz and his
wife, Martha Knackendoffel, have been horn five children: Lawrence.
Alvin, Kirov. Henry and a son who died in infancy. George Merz is living
on the home place with his father, and owns forty acres, which he bought
from his father in 1913.
Mr. Merz is a man of praiseworthy traits, and enjoys the good will
and confidence of the community in which he resides.
PEDER LIEN.
Few men in Otter Tail county have a wider acquaintance than former
Justice of the Peace Peder Lien, of Amor township, who is one of the best-
known citizens of the Richville neighborhood and who i- held in very high
esteem throughout that entire section of the county.
Peder Lien, who was born on April 21, 1873. is a brother of Joint Lien,
whose biographical sketch, presented elsewhere in this volume of biography,
carries further details of the genealogy of the well-known Lien family, to
which the reader is referred for additional information regarding that phase
of the biography of the subject of this sketch. Reared on the home farm.
receiving a common-school education, Peder Lien earl}' became a farmer
on his own account, having bought the farm on which he now lives in [899.
This is a tine farm of eight) acres and is under excellent cultivation, all the
improvements on the same having been made by the present owner, who
built the barn in iooi and his present house in 1903.
On May 3. [906, Peder Lieu was united in marriage to Hannah Hult,
who was born in otter Tail county, daughter of John Hult, and to this
union three children have been horn. Julia, llihna and Melvin. Mr. Lien
for years has taken an active interest in civic affair- in Amor township
and in the county at large and i- much concerned in matters relating to good
government. For eight years he served as constable for Amor township, in
which capacity lie performed excellent public service, and for four year- he
was a justice of the peace, hi- services in that connection having been of
much value to the community, his decisions upon such matter- of neighbor
OTTER TAIL CQJ XTY. MINNESOTA. 505
hood dispute as would conic before him for adjudication invariably being
accepted as final. .Mr. Lien is regarded as one of the leaders in the com-
munity in which he lives and is held in high respect throughout that part of
the countv.
NELS X. HOLT.
Successful as a fanner and business man in Inman township, Otter Tail
county, .Minnesota. Nels X. Holt was scarcely a year old when" he was
brought to America by his parents. Air. Holt was born in Norway, Febru-
ary <). [865, and is the son of Nels ( >. and Olena Holt, both of whom were
natives of Norway. Mr. Holt's father was born in 1831 and his mother in
the same year.
The Holt family came to America and settled in Trempealeau county,
Wisconsin, in [866. Two years later they emigrated to Dakota county,
Minnesota, purchasing eighty acres of land. Later they sold this first farm
and purchased one hundred acres, where Mr. Holt's father died in [910.
His mother died in January, 1805. They were the parents of ten children.
of whom Mary, Theodore. Theodore and Lena are deceased. The living
children are Ole, Otto, Reinhart, Martin. Nels X'. and Tina.
Nels X'. Holt, who was about one year old when the family came from
Norway to America, was six weeks on the ocean in the voyage from Xor-
wav to America. He was reared on a farm in Dakota county, Minnesota,
and. when old enough, took up farming on his own responsibility. Mr. Holt
purchased one hundred and forty acres in Scott county, Minnesota, and.
after living on the farm for four years, sold out and moved to Otter Tail
county in 1900. He settled in Inman township on a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in section 34, which he had purchased in [899. Mr. Holt
is a farmer and stockman. Some years ago he built a good house and barn,
the latter of which is thirty by forty-six feet. His buildings are all well
painted. His farm is well fenced and well drained and produces abundantly.
While a resident of Dakota county, in 1804. Xels X. Holt was
married to Sarah Seversen, who was born in Dakota county, Minnesota, on
the old homestead in i860. She is the daughter of Ellend and Gunhild
Seversen. early settlers of Dakota county. Minnesota. Mrs. Holt's father
served in the Civil War and is now deceased. Her mother, however, is
still living. Mr. and Mrs. Xels XT. Holt have been the parents of two chil-
dren, Mabel Otilia, and Mervel Netleton, who died in 1911, at the age of
eleven years.
Mr. Holt has served <>n the school board for fourteen years and has
served as supervisor of the township for three years and as assessor for
three vears. He has one more year to serve in the last named office. He has
506 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
always been prominent in local politics and prominent in the life of the
neighborhood where he has lived. Nels N. Holt is a man of most genial
temperament, who makes friends readily and who, by his upright and hon-
orable course in life, is able to hold the friends he makes.
JOHX E. BOEN.
John E. Boen, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township, this county,
who is the son of Erick T. and Ingeborg (Bjorgo) Boen, was born in Nor-
way, September 3, 1862. Mr. Boen's parents were natives of Norway. They
emigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail county, where they home-
steaded eighty acres of land. This farm is located in section 27, of Aurdal
township. Here Mr. Boen's father died in 1896 and his mother three years
previously, in 1893. They had nine children, of whom three sens and three
daughters are now living.
John E. Boen came with his parents to Otter Tail county in 1876. He
was educated in the public schools of Norway and also attended the public
schools of Aurdal township after moving to this county. Mr. Boen is a
farmer and owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in this township.
He is a general farmer and stockman and has been prominent in this town-
ship for a number of years.
In 1888 John E. Boen was married to Sigri Bergrud, who was born in
Norway in 1862, and who is the daughter of Andrew and Sigri Bergrud,
early settlers in ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota. Mrs. Boen's father is deceased
but her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Boen have been the
parents of four children, Edgar, who is deceased, fnga, Emil and Anne.
Mr. Boen has served on the school hoard of Aurdal township and for
ten or twelve years was supervisor of the township. He has also been chair-
man of the board of supervisors Mr. and Mrs. Boen and family are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church.
JOHN 11. JOHNSON.
John II. Johnson, who owns an especially fine farm in Compton town
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was horn on March 1 _\ iSSj. in Sweden.
and is the son of R. J. and Margarel (Person) Johnson, both of whom
were also horn in Sweden. Mr. Johnson's paternal grandfather was a native
of Sweden, a fanner by occupation and spent all of his life in his native
country. lie is now deceased. lie and his wife were members of the
Lutheran church.
Mr. Johnson's father, the late R. J. Johnson, was educated in Sweden
and. after his marriage came to \merica in 1882. Upon landing at Halifax
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. .=,07
he proceeded immediately to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Wadena, Min-
nesota. He lived in Wadena county until his removal to Compton town-
ship, Otter Tail county. Here the late R. J. Johnson purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in section 21. He lived on his farm until his death,
which occurred on January 3, 1909. His widow and her son, Carl, make
their home with the subject of this sketch. At the time of his death, the
late R. J. Johnson had one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, most of
which he had succeeded in clearing. He was a member of the Mission
church. Before he came to America he received military training in his
native country. Four children were born to R. J. Johnson and wife, Anna,
Carrie, John H. and Carl W. Of these children. Anna married Andrew
Noreene, and Carrie married Nels J. Noreene.
John H. and Carl W. Johnson, having been educated in the rural
schools of Compton township, lived at home with their parents on the farm
until the father's death and afterward had charge of the farm. They now
live on the home place, which comprises one hundred and seventy-five acres,
of which one hundred and fifteen acres belongs to the mother until her
death. The barn was built by Mr. Johnson in 1908 and the house was
built in iqoo.
On November 29. 19 12, John H. Johnson was married to Ella Jose-
phine Anderson, who was born in Compton township, this county, and who
has borne her husband one son, Kenneth E. Mr. Johnson is a successful
farmer, an enterprising and useful citizen and one who is well liked by all
of his neighbors.
BERNHARD A. SLETNER.
Born in Norway on March 17, 1868, Bernhard A. Sletner, a successful
farmer of Everts township, this county, is the son of Andreas O. and Karen
1 ■( ilson) Sletner.
Mr. Sletner's parents were native- of Norway, his father having been
born in 1832 and his mother in 1831. They came to Everts township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, in 1882, and purchased eighty acres of land, later
adding ten acres. Some years later he sold the ten acres to his son, Ole,
and later the eighty-acre farm to bis sou, Anton. Mr. Sletner's father is
now living retired at his home. His wife died on January 6, IQI3. To
them were born six children, of whom three, Anetta, Maren and Caroline
Augusta are deceased. The last named died in infancy. The living children
are Ole, Bernhard and Anton.
Bernhard A. Sletner was educated in the public schools "I" Norway
and in the public schools of Everts township, this county, which be attended
after coming with his parents to America. Mr. Sletner owns one hundred
508 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and sixty aero of land in section n, of Everts township and is engaged in
genera] farming and stock raising;
In [898 Bernhard A. Sletner was married to Anne Berg, who was born
in Norway in 1876, and who is the daughter of Anton and Anna Marea
(Glende) Berg, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Air. and Airs. Sletner
have mi children.
Mr. Sletner has made many valuable improvements upon the farm
where lie now lives, lie moved to the farm in [898 and now ha- good
buildings upon it. including a good house and a good barn. Rernhard Slet-
ner is a progressive farmer and citizen. He and hi- wife are members of
the 1'Yee Lutheran church.
OLOF PETERSON.
Farmer and stockman of Henning township, Otter Tail count}-, Minne-
sota, Olof Peterson was horn on July _'<)■ 1874, in Sweden. Mr. Peterson
i- the son of Peter and I'.lna Peterson, who were also natives of Sweden.
Mr. Peterson's father died in 1875 and his mother in 1913. They
were the parents of seven children, of whom four, Andrew, Daniel, Ellis
and Mary, are deceased. The living children are Martin. Peter and Olof.
Olof Peterson was educated in the public schools of his native land,
lie came to America and to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1802 and. for
a short time, worked on neighboring farms. In 1804. hi partnership with
his brother, Peter. Mr. Peterson purchased eighty acres of land in section
13, of Leaf Lake township. In iqoo they sold the farm and in the same
year moved to Henning township, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres
in section 35. In 1914 Air. Peterson purchased forty acres in section 35.
and now owns altogether one hundred and sixty acres. Several years ago.
111 100-, Mr Peterson buill a large barn, thirty by sixty-four feet. His farm
i- all very well improved. It is well drained, well fenced and has commod-
ious and substantial outbuildings, which are kept in a very high state of
repair. Air. Peterson is a general fanner and stockman.
In [900 Olof Peterson was married to Caroline Person, who was horn
in Clitherall township, near Eagle Lake church, in 1875. and who is the
daughter of \ndrew and Llna Person, natives of Sweden and pioneers in
Clitherall town-hip ! In \ homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of
land in [869 and were among the first members of Eagle Lake church. In
fact. Mrs. Peterson's father had charge of the church for many years. He
died in [910 and hi- wife in S, both living to advanced ages. Mr. and
Mr-. Peterson wen- married in Eagle lake Swedish Lutheran church by
Rev. lames Aloodv. Mr-. Peterson was one of five children horn to her
parents, being the youngest. The other children were Cecelia Eunice, Will
OTTER TAIL COUNTY., MINNESOTA. 509
iam, Matilda and Axel, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Olof Peterson have
five children, Erick. Alfreda. Cecelia, Carl and Elizabeth.
The Petersons are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. They
attend religious services regularly and take an active interest, not only in
religious matters, but in civic matters as well. The family is widely known
in Kenning township and very popular.
MICHAEL LONG.
Michael Long, a general fanner and stock raiser of Candor township.
Otter Tail county, and the proprietor of forty acres of land in Candor town-
ship, as well as forty acres in Becker county, Minnesota, was born on Febru-
ary 28, 1858, the son of Daniel and Mary (Gleason) Long, both natives of
Ireland. When about nineteen years of age, Daniel Long and Mary Glea-
son emigrated to the United States and settled in Onondaga county. New
York, where they were subsequently married. They spent their entire lives
on a farm near Pompey Hill, Onondaga county, and lived to attain the ripe
old ages of about seventy-five years, he passing away in 1904 and she in
J 003. To this happy union there were born seven children: John, Nora,
Michael, Edward, Mary. Thomas and Kate. Of these children. Nora alone
is deceased.
Reared to manhood in Onondaga county and educated in the public
schools of that county, Michael Long, upon reaching early manhood, began
driving mules from Buffalo to Syracuse on the Erie canal, continuing the
work for three summers. After working on the Great Lakes for several
years as a laborer, he went to Minneapolis, only to remove a short time
later to North Dakota, where he worked by the year as a farm laborer for
Sheriff Twitchel. After his marriage he continued in the employment of
Sheriff Twitchel on the Cass farm, near the Dalrumple farm. In 1900 he
removed from North Dakota and settled in Candor township, Otter Tail
county, buying forty acres in section 3, of that township. He also pur-
chased an additional forty acres situated in Becker county.
( )n \ugust jo. [897, Michael Long was united in marriage to Carolina
Bordseth, who was born in Norway. March 11, 1871, the daughter of Ole
and Bertha Arneson, both of whom were natives of Norway. The former
died in his native land in 1873, the father of but one child. Carolina, the
wile of Mr. Long. Bertha Arneson was married, secondly, to Peter Mik-
kelsen. to which union there were horn twelve children, seven of whom are
living. To Mr. and Mr-. Long there have been horn three children, all of
whom are living, as follow: Mary, horn on August o. [898; Arthur,
November 17. [900, and Mildred. Uigust 20. iooq.
IO OTTKR TAIL Ctil MY. MIXXF.snTA.
TOHN HENRY LARSON.
The second eldest living settler of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, is John Henry Larson, who had many Indians for neigh-
bors when he first came to this part of Minnesota. Bear and deer were also
plentiful during the period of his early residence in this county.
Mr. Larson was born at Lolland, Denmark.' September 21, 1841, and
is a son of Lars Christiansen and Annie Elizabeth Hendricksen, who spent
their entire lives in their native land. Mr. Larson's father was a fanner
and gardener. Both he and his wife were faithful and earnest members of
the Lutheran church. They were the parents of five children, of whom
Johanna, who married Hans Petersen, died in Denmark; Sophia, who mar-
ried Peter Olson, died in Copenhagen^ Denmark; Henry died in infancy, and
.M 111,1 died at the age of ten years; John Henry, the subject of this review,
is the youngest child.
Educated in the common schools of his native land and reared on his
father's farm. John Henry Larson enlisted in the Danish army in 1864, and
served eight months in the Danish-German War. He was taken prisoner
by the Germans and was confined in a prison camp for two months. Dur-
ing his service as a soldier he participated in the battle at Duble, and after
that battle was driven on to an island, where he was captured. He remained
m prison until the close of the war. As a result of his service in the Dan-
ish army he receives an honor gift every year.
After leaving the army, Mr. Larson returned to the farm in order to
earn money with which to come to America, and in 1868, while still unmar-
ried, he emigrated to America and settled in Waukesha county, Wisconsin,
about twenty miles west of Milwaukee, where he lived for one year. The
next year Mr. Larson emigrated to Minnesota, where he pre-empted one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township. He began life
in this new state by clearing the land and improving it in various ways.
From time to time he erected substantial buildings and has lived on the farm
where lie first settled ever since. In the meantime, however, he has added to
his original holdings and now owns two hundred and forty acres of splendid
land in cue tract. Mr. Larson is a general farmer and stockman, and has
met with pronounced success in his chosen calling. He is a director in the
creamery at Rattle Lake, and takes an active interest in all local affairs
which have for their object the betterment and development of his home
community.
\ fter living nine years a- a bachelor in America. Mr. Larson was
married, in 1878. to Carrie Amelia Robertson, a native of Denmark, and
the daughter of Hans Robertson, who died in bis native land Mrs. Larson.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 5II
with her mother and some of her brothers, later came to America. Mr.
and Mrs. Larson are the parents of ten children, as follow: Annie, the wife
of Christian Hilton, lives at Red Wing, Minnesota; Sophia, who died in
infancy; Dora, who also died while young; Sophia II is the wife of George
Newman, and lives in Nebraska; Hans Johan, living at home; Dora, the
wife of Emil Newman, a farmer of Elizabeth township; Mina, the wife of
Bernard Carson, also a farmer of Elizabeth township; Henry, who lives at
home; Julius, also living at home, and one who died in infancy.
John Henry Larson was identified with the Populist party. He served
as a member of the school hoard in this township for many years. Although
he was forty years a member of the Lutheran church, he is not now identi-
fied with any church. Mr. Larson is a very successful farmer, and a man
who enjoys the confidence of a host of friends in this community.
ERNEST FREDERICK WINTER.
Ernest Frederick Winter, a farmer of Buse township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, near the city of Fergus Falls, was horn near Aldenburg, Ger-
main, March 28, 1S76, a son of Ernest Henry and Helen (Hackenfrerisch)
Winter. The father was born at Minden, Prussia, and the mother near
Aldenburg, in a small village. At the time when the immediate subject of
this sketch was about four and one-half years of age, the parents emigrated
to America and came directly to this state, where the father had a brother,
William Winter, residing at Horseshoe lake. William Winter had come to
America prior to the Civil War and was a veteran of that struggle. After
the close of the war he came to Otter Tail county and was one of the earliest
settlers of this section.
In the winter of 1880-81 E. H. Winter purchased forty acres in Buse
township from William Ward and took his homestead right for another
forty, making his entire holdings eighty acres. There were no improve-
ments on the land at that time and no building but the small claim shanty,
but he set about making a home which came nearer to his ideal, and in time
had many acres under cultivation and a comfortable residence, as well as
suitable outbuildings. He later added another tract of forty acres and
there spenl the remainder of his life, his death occurring in [899. Mrs.
Helen Winter is -till living and makes her home with her son, John. Ernest
It. Winter became an ardent Republican and was known as a man who
took great interest in anything which made for the development of the com-
munity where he had chosen t<> make his home. Both he and hi- good wife
were devout members of the Lutheran church, in which faith they reared
their family. There were seven children, as follow: Diedrich. a retired
ranchman, living at Chinook, Montana; John, a farmer living near the old
512 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
homestead; Henry, who died in Seattle, Washington, where he had been a
railway conductor: Mattie, single; Gerhard, living near the old homestead;
Ernest Frederick, the sixth child in order of birth, and the youngest of the
j'ainil\- was Mary, who died when but sixteen years of age.
Ernest F. Winter, in his boyhood, received such education as the
of Buse township at that time afforded and from early boyhood was taught
to help the father with the work of the farm, which occupation he has
always followed. Since the death of the father, Ernest F. Winter has
managed the homestead, where he carries on general farming. Air. Winter
is a Republican in politics and both lie and bis wife are faithful members
of the Lutheran church.
.Mrs. Winter, before her marriage, was Martha Mavis, born in West-
ern township, Otter Tail county, and a daughter of William Mavis. There
are three children in the family, namely: Ernest. William and Martha.
Mr. Winter is an honorable and upright man. highly respected by friends
and neighbors.
KNUT WILHELM BONDY.
Xo citizen of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, has attained a greater de-
gree of prominence in Minnesota state politics and few men enjoyed a larger
measure of success than late Knut Wilhelm Bondy. a farmer by occupation
and a member of the state board of equalization, to which position he was
appointed both by Governor Nelson and Governor Klough. He also served
two terms in the Minnesota state Legislature and enjoyed a large success
a- a farmer.
Mr. Bondy was born at Vang, Valders, Norway. June 17, 1844, the
-on of Wilhelm Bonde, who spent his entire life in hi- native land. Mr.
Bondy's father was a farmer by occupation and owned land in his native
country. He lived a quiet and retired life.
The late Knut W. Bondy, whose name was changed from Bonde to
Bondy, after coming to America, on account of the confusion with other
people of the same name, was educated in the public schools of his native
land. When he was eighteen years old, he immigrated to America alone
and was the first of the family to leave Norway. Upon his arrival in
America, he joined friends in Wisconsin and lived with them for a time,
hut in icS66 moved to Rice county, Minnesota, where he was employed by O.
Osmundson, at Nerstrand. While living there he was married to Mr Os
mundson's niece and shortly after hi^ marriage moved to Granl county,
making the journey with an ox team in i860. There were many difficulties
to overcome in making this journey. The oxen were compelled to jump
KNl'T \V. BON'DY.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 513
from a ferry boat at Ft. Snelling, and some of his cattle were stolen by the
Indians.
After living in Grant county for several months, in 1870 Knut W.
Bondy came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres in Clitherall township. This farm was located in sections 17 and 18,
and was wild land, largely covered by timber. A Mr. Myhre, cousin of
Air. Bondy, lived nearby in a large log cabin, and there Mr. Bondy and his
family spent several months while he was erecting a house on his own land.
Mr. Finkelson, a carpenter, assisted Mr. Bondy in building the new home.
Subsequently, the farm was improved and sold to Andrew Rolandson, and
another farm consisting of two hundred and forty acres south of the original
place was purchased. There was only a log house on this second farm, but
Air. Bondy built a good house and barn and other substantial outbuildings.
He lived on the farm until his death, in the meantime having erected a good
house, which is still standing. He became one of the largest and most in-
fluential farmers in this community and was prominent in the educational
and religious affairs of the county.
The late Knut W. Bondy served two terms as a member of the state
board of equalization, having been appointed first by Governor Nelson and
later by Governor Klough. He resigned finally and was elected to the Legis-
lature in 1902, serving during the session of 1903. He was re-elected in
1904 and served during the session of 1905. In the Legislature he was
prominent in many lines, and his voice carried great weight in the party
councils. In his early life, he served at one time as a deputy sheriff. For
two terms he was president of the Battle Lake Wheat Association and was
also a director of the Sverdrup Insurance Company. At the time of his
death, November 15, 1908, he was a director in the Synod Lutheran church.
Knut W. Bondy was married on February 8, 1869, at Wheeling, Min-
nesota, to Anna Gurine Osmundson, a native of Nerstrand, Norway, where
she was born on September 13, 1850. Mrs. Bondy is the daughter of Gud-
mund Osmundson and came to America in 1854. She settled in Rice county,
Minnesota, where she and Mr. Bondy were married. Her father and mother
died in Grant county, Minnesota.
Mr. ami Mrs. Knut \Y. Bondy were the parents of nine children, as fol-
lows : Caroline, who married Andrew Rolandson and lives in Roland, Min-
nesota; Wilhelmina, who married Nels B. Thompson and lives in Dane
Prairie township; Ellen, who died at the age of eighteen; Wilhelm, who was
a traveling salesman, is now engaged in the real-estate business at Makoti,
North Dakota: Konnow, who conducts a general store at Roland, Minnesota;
Alfred, who is a graduate of the Park Region Lutheran College and who is
(33b)
514 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
a salesman at Battle Lake; Sophia, who was educated in the Park Region
Lutheran College and the Moorhead Normal School and taught school for
five years, married Oscar Henry and lives on the homestead farm with her
mother; Iver, who was married on November 15, 1915, resides at Roland.
Minnesota; Mejvin, who graduated from the Park Region Lutheran College,
is in the mercantile business at Roland and is postmaster at that place.
The late Knut W. Bondy was progressive by nature, public spirited and
devoted both to his public and private duties, lie was a prominent citizen,
charitable to a fault and generous to his friends. Lie gave liberally to re-
ligious enterprises and was a leader in the movement which resulted in the
construction of a new church, lie also contributed liberally to the support
of Park Region Lutheran College, at Fergus balls, where some of his chil-
dren were educated. He was a hard-working, conscientious man and a good
citizen, who lived to see his children all well educated and well started on
the highway of life.
NELS A. KNUDSON.
Agriculture has been an honored and fundamental vocation from ear-
liest times, and has attracted men of energy and ability. By its daily con-
tact with nature in out-of-door life, husbandry cultivates those traits of
character which contribute to real manhood, and lays the foundation for
success in alter life. The boy, therefore, who is born on a farm is fortunate,
especially if by reason of the ambition within him he makes the most of his
opportunities. A striking example of this is found in the biography of
Xels A. Knudson, a prosperous farmer of Elmo township, who was born in
Norway on October 4, 1863, the son of Knud \nderson and Johanna Nel-
son, both of whom were natives of Norway, where they lived and died.
Knud Anderson was born in Bergen, and his wife was born thirty
miles north of that town. There they were married, and he farmed on his
owm land. He passed away in 1889. After the death of his first wife,
who passed away in 1865, he again married. By his first marriage he had
five children. Annie. living 111 Norway; Lena, Martha, Xels, and John, wdio
died in infancy, of whom Xels was the fourth born. By the second mar-
riage, three children were born, these being Johanna. Christiane and Andrew.
Xels \. Knudson received a good common schools education in B
then for seven years he worked in a woolen factory, three of these years
doing farm labor in addition to hi- factor) work. \t the age of twenty-
nine lie came to America and found employment on a farm in this county.
The following year he boughl eighty acres of wild, uncultivated land in sec-
tion 11. of Elmo township, and built there his first home, a log cabin, the
material for which he himself cut and brought from the woods. This was
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 5I5
later replaced by a modern frame dwelling. He continued general farming
on this and eighty acres additional land which he bought, and subsequent
years not only brought success in agriculture but in business, for he became
a stockholder in the Almora Creamery Company.
The year 1886 saw the marriage of Nels A. Knudson and Eliza Ras-
mussen. Of their twelve children, eight still live to bless their declining
years. They are Knud, a street railway employee in Minneapolis; Nettie, a
resident of Chicago; Hannah, who is a teacher, educated in Henning and
Park Prairie; Annie, a student in the Henning high school; Amanda, who
lives at home; Ragny, Martin and Delia.
Mr. Knudson has been all his life an ardent Republican. Both he and
his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Knudson is
considered one of the progressive farmers of his locality, and deserves com-
mendation for the fact he is practically a self-made man. Mr. and Mrs.
Knudson have many friends in the community, where in liberality and spirit
they have given both means and time to their church and to the causes
which mean social uplift.
GEORGE A. MEIGS.
A well-known citizen, a successful farmer and a man who has demon-
strated to the township and to the county his value as a citizen, is George A.
Meigs, who as one esteemed and respected in the community and as a man
who has done no small part in the development of the locality and its
resources, as well as being one to whom the people of the township look for
leadership, in public matters, he is entitled to a leading place in the records
of prominent men of Otter Tail county.
George A. Meigs was born in Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, on July
11, 1870, the son of George Patterson and Martha (Warren) Meigs, the
father being born in the state of Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna river,
and the mother being born in the state of New York. Martha Warren was
the daughter of Decatur Warren and wife, Decatur Warren being a farmer
of the Empire state. The Meigs family were directly descended from a
general in the American Revolutionary War. George Patterson Meigs,
father of the subject of this sketch, following his youth in Pennsylvania,
enlisted with the Twenty-first Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, in
the year 1861, for service in the Civil War and served with that regiment
until the battle of Gettysburg, the third day of which, on July t,. 1863, He
was wounded in the shoulder and in the hip, resulting in his being confined
in the army hospital for two years. Following his recoverv. George P.
Meigs returned to the state of Pennsylvania, where he remained for a short
510 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
time and then went to the state of Wisconsin, locating in Trempealeau
county, and engaging in general farming on two hundred acres of land
which he acquired there.
After the death of his wife, Martha, during the year 1872, George Pat-
terson Meigs came to the state of Minnesota and located in Otter Tail
county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land in
Friberg township, on which he lived for three years. In the year 1882
George P. Meigs went to the state of Montana, where he conducted a sheep
ranch. George Patterson and Martha Meigs were the parents of four chil-
dren : Richard 1 deceased), Marvin, Geprge A., the subject of this sketch,
and a child who died in infancy. George P. Meigs was a prominent man in
the public life, both in Friberg township, Minnesota, where he served as
township clerk, and in the state of Montana, where his ability was recog-
nized and he was elected to various offices of his community. George Pat-
terson Meigs was a member of the Episcopal church.
George A. Meigs was educated in the common schools of Wisconsin,
the public schools of Otter Tail county, and at the high school of the town
of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, after which he taught school for a year in
Traverse county, Minnesota, and then took up a position as a traveling cigar
salesman for two years, then rented a farm in Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, where he now lives.
On April 27, 1914, George A. Meigs was married to Margaret Streeter,
and to this marriage has been born one son, George A., Jr. Margaret
( Streeter") Meigs is the daughter of John Marvin Streeter, who was born in
Goodhue county, Minnesota, August 4, 1856, he being the son of Mathias
and Sarah (LeesoiO Streeter, the father born in the state of Pennsylvania
and the mother born in Ireland. Mathias and Sarah Streeter located in
Goodhue county, Minnesota, in the year 1854, where they bought land and
where they lived until the Civil War, when Mathias Streeter enlisted as a
volunteer and was assigned to the quartermaster's department, while per-
forming the duties of which position he contracted disease and died. Fol-
lowing the death of her husband. Sarah Streeter moved to Otter Tail county
and lived with a daughter in Aastad township, dying some years later.
John Marvin Streeter, son of Mathias and Sarah Streeter, and father-
in-law of the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of
Goodhue county. Minnesota, after which he came to Otter Tail county in
the year 1870, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land.
later buying one hundred and six additional acres in Aastad township, land
which he improved and a place where bis wife now lives. John Marvin
Streeter was married during the year t 884 to Frances F. Carpenter, of
Otter Tail county, and to this marriage were born the following children :
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 517
John Marvin, Jr., Stella. Mathias, Margaret, Thomas Gates, Erminda and
Vernon. John Marvin Streeter was a devoted member of the Episcopal
church, as was his well-known and highly-respected family. John Marvin
Streeter died during the year 1906, mourned by a large circle of friends.
OLE KRON.
The life of Ole Kron has been and still is proof positive that obstacles
become mere stepping-stones to position and wealth, when visited upon the
child. With only three short months of schooling, Ole Kron has battled suc-
cessfully with the confronting handicaps of education and environment and
accomplished much that is worth while. His birth occurred on October 12,
1848, in Vermland, Sweden, and he is the son of P. O. and Stina Kron,
both natives of Sweden, who emigrated to America in 1867 and located in
Holmes City, Douglas county, Minnesota, bringing their son, Ole, with
them. P. O. Kron pre-empted a small farm, later selling it to Ole Kron
and his brother. Both P. O. and Stina Kron died while living in Evans-
ville, Minnesota.
Ole Kron received two months of schooling in Sweden, but upon reach-
ing this country he became desirous of being something more than a mere
spoke in the wheel of American industry, and began reading and thinking
on the many phases of life with which the worker has to cope and was soon
prepared to voice his opinion for the benefit of others. One month of
schooling, received at Alexandria, Minnesota, added to his two months in
his native land, comprises all the opportunities he ever had for acquiring an
education. Nevertheless, he has written thousands of newspaper articles on
national issues, such as the tariff, finance, education and temperance and
has edited several papers, one of which was the V esterlandet , published in
Stillwater, Minnesota, a Swedish paper. His newspaper work commenced
in 1888 and has continued ever since.
Tn 1874 Ole Kron entered the general mercantile business in Holmes
City, Minnesota, thence removing to Alexandria and later to Evansville. In
1906 he removed to Alel and became part owner and manager of the Eagle
Lake Mercantile Company, in which company he still occupies the same
position.
In 1875 0'e Kron was united in marriage to Caroline Myhr, a native
of Norway, and they are the parents of the following children: Louise
Alel. Minnie Stella. Jennie. John Kmil. Othelia, Irene, Ora and Gustave
Adolph.
While a resident of Rvansville, Minnesota, Ole Kron was elected as
postmaster of that town and served in that capacity for a period of eight
518 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
years, lie was a resident of Evansville at the time of its incorporation and
served as president of the lirst and second councils.
Among the different papers for which he has written are: Svenska
Tribunen Nyheter, Svenska Amerikanska Posten, Arvika Nyheter, a paper
published in Arvika, Sweden; the Park Region Echo, Minneapolis Daily
News, the Battle Lake Review, Fergus Falls Journal, and Reform, a Nor-
wegian paper published at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Truly, Ole Kron has not
hidden his talents under a bushel, nor has he forgotten the commands of his
Creator that he improve the talents bestowed upon him, that his storehouse
of knowledge -he constantly supplied with the things needful to his best
development.
ALFRED B. ROSENQUIST.
Alfred 1!. Rosenquist, farmer, Eagle Bend, Eastern township, this
county, was born on January 15, 1865, in Sweden, and is a son of Andrew
P. and Sissela Rosenquist. He came to America with his parents when
about one year old, and received his education at the public schools of Wis-
consin and Eastern township, Otter Tail county, and afterward attended
school at Alexandria, Minnesota, for one year. As a young man he learned
the carpenter's trade, which he followed for six years at St. Paul, Minne-
sota. In 189 1 he located on his present farm, in section 35, Eastern town-
ship, which he bought in 1885, and now owns one hundred and twenty
acres, on which he has put all the improvements, and where he follows
general farming and stock raising. Mr. Rosenquist makes a specialty of
blooded Jersey cattle, and keeps about fifteen head of dairy cows. His place
is equipped with a silo and a milking machine, which facilitates the labor.
Politically, he is an independent voter, and takes an active interest in the
public welfare of the community. He is at present serving his second term
on the school board. Religiously, he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran
church. Mr. Rosenquist possesses a good capacity for business, and in addi-
tion to his agricultural interests, is filling the office of president of the Rose
1 o-operative Creamery Company, in the township of Spruce Hill, Douglas
county.
Andrew P. Rosenquist was born on January 25, 1836, in Sweden, and
his wife, Sissela Rosenquist, was born on < >ctober r6, [838, in Sweden. Mr.
Rosenquist learned the carpenter's trade in his native country, and came to
America in [866, locating in Washington county. Minnesota, where he lived
on a farm for about six years, and from there he moved to Tierce county.
Wisconsin, and farmed for eight years. In May, 1881, he moved to East-
ern township, section 34, Otter Tail county, where lie spent the remainder
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 519
of his life, following agricultural pursuits. At the time of his death he
owned one hundred and forty acres of land. Seven children were born to
Andrew P. and Sissela Rosenquist: Alfred B., Lizzie (deceased), Anna E.,
Adolph C, Joseph, Nels T. and Matilda, all of whom became members of
the Swedish Lutheran church.
Alfred B. Rosenquist was united in marriage in 1893 witn Lydia John-
son, who was born on June 13, 1872, and died on March 14, 1900, leaving
surviving her husband and two children, Hilding B. and Edwin W.
Mr. Rosenquist is admirably filling his place in the rank and file of
agricultural enterprises, and is considered one of the leading men in his line
in Eastern township.
GEORGE E. TOMHAVE.
George E. Tomhave was born in Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, on April 21, 1883, and is one of the younger generation
who have chosen agriculture as his life work. He is die son of John Tom-
have and hi> wife, Anna H. (Mier) Tomhave, both natives of Germany.
John Tomhave was born on January 13, 1834, and died on February 9,
1907. His wife was born on August 4, 1839. They emigrated to America
in 1868 and effected a temporary location of two years in Fontenac, Wis-
consin, removing at that time to St. Paul, Minnesota, where they lived for
six months.
In 1870 they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the
homestead law. in Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county, and continued
to live on this place for six years. The place was then sold and another
farm was purchased in the same township, on which the family continued
to reside for fifteen years, and then sold to the son, Louis. John Tomhave
had a struggle in the early years of his residence in this township and fol-
lowed his trade of mason, as well as his agricultural operations. He built
the first brick block that was erected in Fergus Falls and did the first mason
work in Elizabeth, Mr. Mason splitting out the Ixxird? on which he plastered.
In 1889 he invested in the place on which his son, George, now lives, and in
tSq2 he erected the present buildings. To John Tomhave and his wife were
born the following children: John J., Henry A.. Louis. Catherine, who is
the wife of ('. J. Holzbauer; \nna. who is the wife of Ed Kemnitz; Peter
W. (deceased), Albert C, Carl (deceased), and George E. John Tomhave
was a member of the German Evangelical church and an officer of the same.
George E. Tomhave received his education in Fergus Falls, upon the
completion of which he assisted his father with the work of the home place.
In 1005 be purchased eighty acres of land, which be -till owns Tn 1006.
520 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
together with his brother, Albert, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres
in Carlisle township, which was sold in 1913. In 1910 they invested in one
hundred and sixty acres mure, which they divided equally, and this is devoted
to general farming and the breeding of Shorthorn cattle. In 1909 George
E. Tomhave was united in marriage to Alma Baumgart. and they are the
parents of two children, Beverly Muriel, who was bom on May 18, 1912,
and Dorothy Alma, who was born on December 2, 191 5. Alma (Baum-
gart) Tomhave was born on March 11. 1885, and is the daughter of G. J.
and Hettie (ScoveD Baumgart. She is a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church. In political matters, George E. Tomhave votes the Republican
ticket in national affairs, but votes independently on local questions. He is
a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
EDWARD T. LUND.
A prominent and well-known man of Otter Tail county and of the town
of Vining is Edward T. Lund, who as a man of business and as a citizen
interested in the public welfare has been of valuable aid to the community
in the development of its life and in the advancement of its measures.
Edward T. Lund is a member of one of the most noted ami highly-esteemed
families of the entire district and has demonstrated himself to lie a man
capable of handling the more important matters presenting themselves tot-
solution at the hands of the citizenship of the township and county.
Edward T. Lund was born at Lund, near Namsos, Norway, on May
11, 1853, and following his education in the public schools of his native land
he was engaged as a sailor and fisherman until 1889, when he came to
America and joined his brother. Andrew T. Lund, at Vining, Minnesota,
with whom he lived until the death of Andrew T. Lund, in 1908. Edward
T. Lund, following his emigration to this country, engaged in the business
of a carpenter and a contractor, which vocation lie has followed since.
Edward T. Lund, during- the early days of his residence in Otter Tail county,
bought a farm, which he later --old and moved to the state of North Dakota,
where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on
which he lived for some time and then sold his holdings and returned to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he invested in eighty acres of land m
Folden township, a place which In- now owns.
During tin- year [906 Edward T. Lund purchased a house and lot in
the town of Vining, where he now lives.
On luly 26, mi"), Edward T. Lund was married to Isabella Olson,
who was horn in Norway, and when three years of age came, with her
parents, Elaf Olson and wife, to America, where they settled in Folden
MR A.ND MRS EDWARD T. LUND
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 52I
township. Otter Tail county, where Elaf Olson now lives. To the marriage
of Edward T. and Isabella Lund was horn one daughter, Boletta Margar-
etta, whose birth occurred on October 15, 1910.
Edward T. Lund and his wife are members of the Lutheran church,
where they take a leading part in the activities of that congregation. Tn
political affiliation, Mr. Lund is a Republican.
By his pleasing ways and genial personality, Edward T. Lund has won
a host of friends in Vining, and he is conceded to be one of the leaders in
all moves for the betterment of life and general conditions in the locality.
He is a man of various and broad experience in life, and from the benefit
of these things he lends to the community a valuable element which is of
appreciable value.
JOSEPH OLSON.
Joseph Olson was born on February 24, 1865, in Sweden and he is the
son of Frederick and Christina (Erickson) Olson, both natives of Sweden.
Frederick Olson was a farmer and followed that vocation in Sweden until
his emigration to America. He was the owner of all the land which he culti-
vated in his native country, and after his arrival in this country, in 1871.
he became an employee of a railroad company, and followed this line of work
for several years, following which he located on an homestead in Eagle
Lake township, Otter Tail county, where he remained until his death. He
was the father of seven children.
Joseph Olson is indebted to the schools of Sweden and America for
the education which he received. After the completion of his student days,
he assisted his father in the work of the farm until the age of twentv-one,
when he rented a farm and began agricultural operations on an independent
basis, lie rented the farm in St. Olaf township for a period of five years
and in [893 purchased the present farm of one hundred and forty acres, to
which he has added until he now owns two hundred and fifteen acres in St.
Olaf township. Otter Tail county, and one hundred and sixty acres in Eagle
Lake township, same county. Both farms are devoted to general farming
and stock raising. He is also a breeder of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle.
A splendid barn was built in i<)i4, and adds very materially to the appear-
ance of the place.
On March 24, 1909. Joseph Olson was united 111 marriage to Sophie
NTycklemoe, and to their union have been born the following children:
Franz Joseph. Anna T.. Gustaf Frederick and Arnold Alexander. In bis
religious views, Joseph Olson favors the creed of the Norwegian Lutheran
church, and his political faith is in the Republican party.
522 OTTER TAIL COUNTY,, MINNESOTA.
BJORN ULSAKER.
Bjorn Ulsaker, prominent fanner, leading citizen and man of influence
in Amor township, ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Norway,
April 2, i860, the son of Nils and Ragnhild (Jordheim) Ulsaker, natives of
Norway, where the former was horn, August 22, 1827. Xils Ulsaker was
the son of Xils Ulsaker, a fanner of Norway, an occupation which Nils
Ulsaker followed his entire life, with the exception of the time he served as
a soldier of the Norwegian army, in the war with Sweden, during the years
[806-14. Nils Ulsaker was a well-to-do farmer of his native country, he
being the owner of one of the valued farms of his country, a place which
Mr. Ulsaker cultivated actively until his death, at the age of ninety years.
The elder Ulsaker was a prominent citizen of his community, being espe-
cially prominent in the work of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Nils Ulsaker. father of the subject of this sketch, received a good edu-
cation in the public schools of Norway, being especially well trained in mat-
ters of law. After the completion of his class studies. Xils Ulsaker became
a school teacher, following the duties of this profession, in his country, for
about eight years. Later. Xils Ulsaker took up the work of agricultural
life, being one of the successful farmers of his community. Mr. Ulsaker
remained in his native country the whole of bis life, be having been a man
of prominence and influence as well as having been a citizen who was the
occupant of various offices of his locality. Xils Ulsaker died during the
month of April. 1X1)4. survived by bis widow, who now lives with a son in
Norway, and by eight children. Nels, Marit. Einar, Gunvor, Ingeborg, Oline,
Bjorn and Endre.
Bjorn Ulsaker received his education in the common schools and in the
high school of bis native locality, and in the public schools near Kindrid.
North Dakota, a community to which be came from Norway when a young
man in the year [889. \fter some time with relatives near Kindrid. North
Dakota, Bjorn Ulsaker engaged in the duties of farm life for five years,
working generally on the farms of bis locality, after which be became a
salesman in a general store at Milnor, North Dakota. After one year in
business life, Bjorn Ulsaker, in 1004. homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Richland county. North Dakota, and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres from the Northern Pacific Railway Company, a place which
was located twelve miles from the town of W'vndmere. which was the nearest
trading point. In political affairs, Mr. Ulsaker was a free Republican and
was long a member of the Republican central committee. For live years
Mr. Ulsaker cultivated his farm in North Dakota, and then, in [909. lie
pi., ed to Otter Tail countv, Minnesota, and bouSfhl three hundred and fifty-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 523
five acres of land in Amor township, a place which Bjorn Ulsaker has
greatly improved and a farm on which Mr. Ulsaker is now successfully and
extensively engaged in general agricultural pursuits.
On December 8, 1903, Bjorn Ulsaker was married to Sarah Lockstad,
who was born near Dalton, Otter Tail county, the daughter of Peter Lock-
stad .and wife, well-known people of their locality. Bjorn and Sarah Ulsaker
are the parents of one child, Norah, who was born on January 5, 1005.
Sarah Lockstad received her education in the home and common school and
the Northwestern College, at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and in her girl days
was teaching school in Otter Tail county ami Richland county, North
Dakota. Sarah (Lockstad) Ulsaker is known to be a faithful and kind
teacher, an intelligent woman and true Christian.
Bjorn Ulsaker has taken an active part in public matters and in the
official life of the communities where he has been a resident. While a
citizen of Richland county, North Dakota. Mr. Ulsaker served as township
treasurer for twelve years, was assessor for three years, and during a period
of ten years he was president of the board- of education. He served as
Sunday school teacher while in Richland county, North Dakota. As a
citizen of Amor township, Otter Tail county. Bjorn Ulsaker has been a notable
participant in all movements and measures having for their object the
advancement of the community general interests, or the promotion of the
general welfare. In religious affiliation Mr. LTlsaker is a member of the
Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation in which he is an appreciated
and honored communicant for his part in the work' and worship of this
denomination.
CHRISTIAN A. HANSEL.
It is a difficult task to undertake to do justice to a prominent citizen in
a limited space. In briefly presenting the facts contained below, it is hoped
that a fair idea may be presented to the reader, concerning the gentleman
whose name initiates this sketch.
Christian A. Hansel, farmer. Dalton, Tumuli township. Otter Tail
county, was born on February 25, 1873, in the township where he still
resides, and is a son of Anders ( '. and Randi (Olson) Hansel. Anders
Hansel was born on February 3. T837. and died on August 15. [906. His
wife, Randi, was born on September r6, [836, ami died on \pril 1. 1895,
Christian A, Hansel was educated at the district schools of tin- township,
and as a young man be began farming for himself on the place which he
has owned since 1896, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, where he
follows general farming. Politically, Mr. Hansel has long been an indepen-
dent voter. In religion, he belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Anders and Randi (Olson) Hansel were born in Norway, where .Mr.
Hansel was a day laborer. They came to America in 1867, locating on the
farm now owned by Christian A., in Tumuli township. They had very little
■ if the goods of this world, and struggled hard to get a start, but through
industry and thrift they became quite prosperous. The children born to this
union were: Surianna, Christian A., Anna and Emma.
Christian A. Hansel was united in marriage in 1906 to Carrie Fossen.
daughter of Simon Fossen. which union has been blest with three children,
Arthur, born on December 15, 1^07 : Clara Bell, born on April 26, 1910,
and Mice, born on April 13, 1914.
Mr. Hansel and his wife have long enjoyed a deserved popularity in
the township where they reside. They are affable and genial in disposition
and have won ami retain the friendship of the entire community.
MRS. AUGUSTA (NORDBERG) SUNDBERG.
Mr-. Augusta ( Nordberg ) Sundberg is the widow of Olof Sundberg,
deceased, who was a prominent resident of Otter Tail county for over thirty-
five years. She C able to talk as an authority on the pioneer life in this
section of the state, having played a useful part in the early agricultural
development of the community in which she now resides. In a story of the
life of her whose name initiates this sketch, it is consistent to give a brief
account of Olof Sundberg. who was born in Sweden on the 4th of Decem-
ber. [842. He was the son of Matson Sundberg, a native of Sweden, who
spent his whole life in the country of his nativity. The Sundberg family has
always actively united with the affairs of the Lutheran church. Olof Sund-
berg was educated in the common schools of Sweden and came to America
in [866. He located first at Lake City, Minnesota, and for a short time fol-
lowed the occupation of tailor in Lake City. Three years after his arrival
in Minnesota he went to Fergus Falls, where he took a homestead claim of
one hundred and sixty acres, in Buse township. After six years of untiring
labor spent in developing this tract of land, which was in a wild state, Mr.
Sundberg traded the farm for eighty acres of land in Amor township, this
county, where his widow continues to reside.
On the 20th of February, [870. Augusta Nordberg became the bride of
Olof Sundberg. \ugusta Nordberg, who was born in Sweden on the 30th
of March 1S50. is the daughter of Lawrence Nordberg, who came to
America after the death of his wife in Sweden. Although natives of the
same country, Mr. ami Mr-. Sundberg never met until they were established
in residence in America. Mr-. Sundberg having come to this country alone
in [869 She became the mother of the following children: William,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 525
Alfred, Alfreda, Oscar; David, who married Christina Berglund, a native
of Sweden, and who is the father of one child, Gladys; Osea, Hgelmer,
Edward, Richard and Agnes.
Olof Sundberg passed away on the -23rd of June, 1904, and since his
death his sons, Osea and David, have assumed full management of the farm.
They have used every effort to make the farm stand for modern methods
of improvement and, in addition to a number of repairs, have erected on the
place a barn which is round in form and which stands as the only one of its
kind in that section of the county. The land extends over an area of two
hundred and seven acres, and is kept in an excellent state of cultivation.
In a brief summary of the life of Mrs. Sundberg only a few of her
many accomplishments as a mother and a friend can be mentioned; suffice it
to say that the influence she has had upon members of her family, as well
as upon the community at large, has not only been inspiring but lasting.
The rough ordeals of her life during the early pioneer days in this county,
when her husband fought the obstacles of a life in the wilderness, onlv
broadened her sympathy for human nature and strengthened her beauty of
character. Mrs. Sundberg has always been a consistent member of the
Baptist church and her husband before his death had membership in the
Mission church.
JONAS NELSON.
In Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, few men have
taken a more active part in general affairs and for the promotion of the
genera] welfare than has Jonas Nelson, successful farmer and extensive
stock raiser. Interested in these things which work for the material prog-
ress of the community and giving of his time and effort in church work for
(he advancement of the mora! life of the vicinity, and giving of his training
and experience towards the instruction of the youth in the locality, this
worthy citizen is one who has an important place in the social and official
affairs of Otter Tail county.
Jonas Nelson was born in Sweden on March 25, 1840, the son of Niels
Martinson and Anna Hokinsdalter, who were natives of Sweden, in which
country Nels Martinson was a farmer until his death, in 1873. In the
family of Nels Martinson and Anna Hokinsdalter were nine children, three
of whom came to America.
Jonas Nelson received his education in the public schools of Sweden, in
which schools he served for a time a- deputy schoolmaster. In i860 he
came to America, where he worked for about two years on the railroad- and
in the harvest fields, afterwards coming to Otter Tail county, in tin- vear
5_'(> OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
[870. in 1N71 he took a homestead of eighty acre- of land in Eagle Lake
township. With the aid of a brother and a yoke of oxen, which were their
joint possession, they broke up the soil, built a log house, twelve by four-
teen feet, where they lived and engaged in general farming, their efforts
meeting with success. Jonas Nelson prospered and he now is the owner of
two hundred acre- of well-tilled and well-improved land, on which he fol-
lows a general agricultural lite, together with dealings in live stock which he
raises 1 'ii his farm.
On December 31, r88o, Jonas Nelson was married to Celia Person, and
to this marriage have been horn the following children: Garfield (deceased 1.
Andrew S.. Paulina, Joseph, Elemor l harlotte, Victor. Hilda M. and Carl
Julius.
In church circle- Jonas Nelson is known as a leader and as an active
and successful worker in the Swedish Lutheran church, he having occupied
nearly all of the office- of this church, and for more than seven years has
been a popular and efficient teacher of the Sunday school. Politically and
officially, Mr. Nelson also is prominently affiliated. For ten years he served
satisfactorily and efficiently as justice of the peace, and for some year- he
has filled the office of township clerk-. He has also served his township as
assessor. In 1880 he was census enumerator; in 1890 he also filled the same
office. Wherever called upon, or in whatever capacity, Mr. Nelson has been
willing to serve, even to the point of sacrifice, as a result of which he has
won the esteem and gratitude of the township and county.
TOHN C. WILL.
John C. Will, prosperous and well-known farmer of Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where he has lived for many years and during that time has so
lived and served his locality as to win the respect and esteem, as well as the
appreciation of the community people, for the part that he has taken in the
works and activities of the township and county, was born in the state of
Wisconsin, July 11, 1872, the son of John and Albertine (Buss) Will, both
of whom were horn in Germany, where they lived until coming to America.
( )n reaching America John Will located in the state of Wisconsin, where he
worked in a saw-mill for some time. In the year 187S he came to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Western town-hip. later adding to his ]X)ssessions until he was the
owner of six hundred and fo I acn of land in this county. John Will.
Sr., now lives in retirement on the home place, which is now operated by his
-on. John Will. Jr., the subject of this sketch. Albertine. the wife of the
elder Will, died during the spring of the year 1915. To the marriage of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ^2y
John and Albertine Will were born four sons. Richard, August, John and
William.
John Will, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public
schools of Utter Tail county, after which he worked on the home farm of
his father, a place which he later acquired and where he is now engaged in
general farming pursuits and in the breeding of Percheron horses and Red
Polled cattle.
During the year 1901, John C. Will was married to Sophia Winter.
who was horn in Germany, the daughter of [-"red Winter and wife, natives
of Germany, who came to America and located in Orwell township, this
county. John ('. and Sophia Will are the parents of five children, Fred,
John. Ida. Emma and Elsie.
John C. Will and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church
in Western township, and are people who take an active and important part
in the work and worship of this congregation. Mr. Will has taken no
especial part in the public life of Otter Tail county, but has preferred to
serve well and dutifully as a common citizen of the community.
NILS HUSE.
Among the well-known farmers of Tumuli township, this county, who
have taken an active interest in the development of the community and its
resources, is Nils Huse, a man wdio, coming to America from a foreign
country, has made himself a strong and worthy part of the country of his
adoption, serving his township ami county as a good citizen, and standing
ready with his aid and effort in the movements and projects for a greater
community.
Nils Huse was born in Norway on August ig. 1861, the son of Christian
and [ngebor (Peterson) Huse, both of whom were born in Norway, where
the father was a fanner until his death and where the mother now lives.
Nils Christian received his education in the public schools of his native
land and afterward, when twenty-one years of age, he came to America,
going immediately to the neighborhood of Hillsboro, North Dakota, where
he was employed for some nine ami then came to Otter Tail county, where
he was engaged at general work, following which he. in the year [895,
bought two hundred acres of land in Tumuli township. Otter Tail county, a
farm which lie has improved and where he now makes his home, engaging
in general fanning pursuits.
On June 22. [895, Nils Huse was married to Mrs. Hannah Torwik.
who before her marriagt was Hannah Quinlog. To the marriage of Nils
and Hannah Huse were born five children. Clifford, Noble and Norah,
528 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
living, and two boys deceased Mrs. Huse by a former marriage is the
mother of one daughter, Mabel.
Xils Muse and his wife are members of Tumuli township Lutheran
church, being well-known and highly-respected people of the congregation.
Politically, Nils Huse has not been especially active, but has been a
citizen of whom the locality need not be ashamed, and one who has done
no small part in the making of Otter Tail county and Tumuli township a
habitable and desirable community.
THORWALD H. FROSLEE.
Few men in Otter Tail county have attained the prominence in business
life and in official and political circles as has Thorwald H. Froslee. A native
of Norway, who on coming to America, has mastered those things to which
he has applied himself and a man who in the conduct of his affairs and the
duties of public office has shown his capacity for the greater things of life,
he is among those citizens of real value to the community.
Thorwald 11. Froslee was born near Christiana, Norway, on October
30, 1865, the son of Hans and Ingeborg (Gjefsen) Froslee, both of whom
were born and lived in Norway their entire life. Hans Froslee was a
farmer and landowner of his native land and spent his days caring for his
interests until, at the age of sixty-eight years, he died on December 9,
1894, his wife. Ingeborg, surviving him until the year 1913, when she
died, at the age of seventy-seven years. Hans and Ingeborg Froslee were
the parents of the following children: Mons, who lives on the home place
in Norway; Anders, who lives on a farm, formerly owned by his father, in
Norway; Thorwald, the subject of this sketch; Michael, who is a merchant
at Vining, Minnesota; thins, who is a farmer at Regents, North Dakota;
and Carolina, who is a school teacher in Norway,
Thorwald 11. Froslee was educated in the "middle school" of Norway,
an institution similar to the academy found in this county. At the age of
nineteen years, Thorwald Froslee completed his schooling and helped his
father until the year [886, when, being twenty-one years of age, Mr. Fros-
lee came to America, landed at New York Cit) on July 11 and went to
Spring Grove. Minnesota, where lie worked for a time in the harvest fields
and later was employed at Threshing in Fillmore county, Minnesota, after
which he went to Des Moines, Iowa, and followed the business ^>i a clerk
until the spring of [887, when he came to Vining, Minnesota, in Otter Tail
county, and has lived here since, with the exception of three months' resi-
dence, in 1890, in the state of Montana. On coming to Vining, Minnesota.
Thorwald 11. Froslee engaged for some time in general employment with the
farmer- of the community, helping them in clearing and grubbing their land.
MB. ANH MRS. THORWALD II. IK'
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 529
Later, having received ;i sum of money from home, in 1888, he established
himself in the business of general merchandising with Mons G. Hoff, under
the firm name of Hoff & Froslee, a business in which he continued for one
and one-half years and then sold his interest to his partner, Mr. Hoff, and
went to the state of .Montana, where he lived for three months. In 1890
Thorwald H. Froslee became the wheat buyer for the Farmers Elevator
Company, at Vining, Minnesota, a position which he held until the year
[893, when he bought the interest of Mons G. Hoff, in his former general
store, and was the sole proprietor. In the spring of 1892 Michael, the
brother of Thorwald Froslee, came to America, and was taken as a partner
in the firm. During the year 1894, Thorwald H. Froslee returned to his
native country of Norway, leaving his brother in charge of the store. In
September, 1894, Mr. Froslee came back to Vining and continued in busi-
ness with his brother for the next eleven years. Thorwald H. Froslee, dur-
ing the year [899, erected the Froslee grain elevator, and conducted this
business, together with his general store, until 1.914, when he closed the
elevator and rented the Farmers elevator, which, for the next year, he con-
ducted and then returned to the management of the JToslee elevator, which
he now controls.
Thorwald II. Froslee has taken a conspicuous part in the conduct and
organization of the more important business and industrial interests of Otter
Tail county and of the town of Vining, Minnesota. Air. Froslee was one of
the organizers oi the Vining Co-operative Creamery Company, of which
corporation he is now tin manager and the secretary, and he has done much
in the promotion of business prosperity by the investment of sums of monev
in those ways which would he of general benefit to the locality. Thorwald
H. Froslee is a large owner of real estate in Canada and in Otter Tail
count}-, Minnesota, and has filled an important place in real-estate circles of
the districts in which his holdings are t<> he found. He was the owner of a
great part of the land on which the town of Vining has been built, and is
the owner of a well-cultivated farm bordering on the city.
In official and political life, Thorwald II. Froslee is no less conspicuous
than in business circles. Mr. Froslee, in [896, was honored by his election
to the high office of a member of the state Legislature, in which body he
served as a candidate of the People's' party. Mr. Froslee. in more local
affairs, has served with his characteristic efficiency in several offices, among
which was a seat in the Vining city council and the occupancy of the office
of city treasurer. No truer evidence of the position of Thorwald II. Fros-
lee in his communit) can be found than the appointment of this leading
citizen to the coveted office of postmaster, an office to which Mr. Froslee
(34b)
530 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
was appointed by President Wilson and Postmaster-General Burleson, on
December i i. 1914, and an office in which this worthy man 1- proving his
competency and his ability.
On November 7. [898, Thorwald 11. Froslee was married to Olena
Greftegreff, who was born near Christiana, Norway, the daughter of Ole
Greftegreff and wife, who lived and died in their native land of Norway.
Thorwald II. Froslee, on January 2, [913, suffered a great loss in the death
of his wife, who died while undergoing a surgical operation. To Thorwald
and Olena Froslee no children were horn.
Thorwald II. Froslee is a man of Otter Tail county, who at all times
has found satisfaction and pleasure 111 serving his community and a man
who in the unselfish conduct of his affairs has done no small part in making
the town of Vining, Minnesota, one of the most thriving of the smaller
towns to be found in the entire state. A man active in all movements having
for their aim the public goods ami a man who after the busy allairs of the
week finds time and disposition to serve well and conscientiously the United
Lutheran church, of which he is a member, In- is today a citizen whose posi-
tion is second to none in Otter Tail county.
ERIK WILHELM ERICKSON.
Among the farmers who have taken an interest in the development of
Otter Tail county, and in the promotion of its life and its activities to a more
advanced and progressive position, and a man who from his busy life has
found time to serve his township in public office and as a leader in political
and community lite, is Erik Wilhelm Erickson, who was born in Sweden,
on April 6, J <S 7 5 , the son of Erik and Matilda Anderson, both of whom were
horn in Sweden, where Erik Anderson now lives, his wife having died some
years ago. Erik Anderson is the son of Andres Orinson and wife, Andres
Orinson being a farmer in his native country. Matilda Anderson was the
daughter of Joh.m and Ellen Johnson, Johan Johnson being a farmer and
landowner of Sweden, in which country he was horn. Erik Anderson,
father of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer, and was the father of
two children, Sarah, who lived and died in Sweden, and Erik Wilhelm.
Ink Wilhelm Erickson was educated in the public schools of Sweden.
after which, at the age of eighteen years, he came to \111crica. and went to
the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, near where he secured employment for
the next four years on farms in the forests, and also worked on the rail-
roads of the districl In the year 1X08. Erik Erickson bought a farm in
section 11. W'ilken county, Minnesota, where he lived for four years and
then came to Otter Tail county, where he purchased two hundred acres of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 53I
land in Western township, where lie has since lived, after placing on his
land various improvements and buildings.
In 1900. Erik Wilhelm Erickson was married to Hilda Steen, who was
horn in Norway, the daughter of Berthus and Youndena Orstand, the mother
being deceased and the father now living in Norway. Berthus Orstand is
the son of Donald and Johanna Berterson. who were farmers and fishers in
Norway, where they died. Youndena Orstand was the daughter of Joha
and Ellen Johnson, who were landowners and extensive farmers of Norway,
where they lived their entire lives.
Erik and Hilda Erickson are the parents of six children, Ellnora
Charlotta, Blanche Joy, Lloyd Ezra, Allan Jeralcl. Ella Hazel and Willy
Milton.
In church and religious affiliation Erick Erickson and his family are
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and take an active part in the
work and worship of this congregation. Erik Erickson has served his town-
ship in several important school offices, filling the positions in an efficient
and business-like manner.
WINFIELD W. GOULD.
In a state like Minnesota, where the greater part of the land is used for
agricultural purposes, the man who can successfully meet the great competi-
tion in his field of endeavor and bring returns of substantial profit from the
soil, deserves a place in the annals of the county in which he lives. Such a
man is Winiield \Y. Gould, who has been a resident of Otter Tail county for
a period of over forty years, and who by his noble attributes of character
and his ability to enter upon all affairs that go to uplift the community in
which he lives, has attained a position of influence and prominence.
Winiield W. Gould was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, on
August 2(), 1852. He is the son of George and Eleanor (Sherman) Gould,
who are numbered among the early settlers of the West. The mother of
Winiield Gould was the daughter of Jacob and Rhoda Sherman, the former
of whom was a native of England. Upon his arrival in this country, Jacob
Sherman settled in New York, in Herkimer county. His first move to the
\\\->t brought him to Fillmore county. Minnesota. In iSoo. Mr. Sherman
came to Otter Tail county and settled in Everts township, where he experi-
enced the dangers and the hardships of early pioneer life. His love of
simplicity and plain methods of living, however, offered him a means of con-
tentment in his later days and he died in Otter Tail county, not unhappy
that he had chosen a vocation of toil. His wife spent her last days in the
town of Maine. Otter Tail county, with a son. where she passed away. The
5J2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
father of George Gould was a native of England who came to America and
settled m New York. He was returning to the British Isles on a business
trip when he lust his life at sea. His wife remained in New York where
she died.
George Gould, the father of Winfield Gould, -was born in the state of
New York on January 18, 1819, and Eleanor Sherman Gould, who later
Ijecame his wife on December 25, 1844, was a native of the same state, hav-
ing been born there on August 5, 1821. In 1848 they moved to Washing-
ton county, Wisconsin, bought and cleared up a timber farm which he sold
111 1857 aiK' came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they lived until 1868.
The last change of residence made by Mr. and Mrs. Gould was in 1868,
when they came to Otter Tail county, where they lived to enjoy the pros-
perity of well-directed lives. The trip to the county where they spent the
last days of their lives was picturesque. In those days the scanty furniture
with a few provisions and household necessities were placed in a covered
wagon and hauled by a team of oxen. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county
Mr. Gould began at once the task of homesteading one hundred and sixty
acres of land which he gained possession of. The land was part prairie and
part timber. He first built a log cabin and later a frame house and culti-
vated the farm until his death, which occurred on April 14. 1895; his wife
survived him until September 17, 1898. Mr. Gould was a popular member
of the Republican party, and held a number of township offices, where he
served the part}' of which he was a member, earnestly and conscientiously.
Mr. Gould was also deeply solicitous regarding religious affairs, especially
in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The first
marriage of Mr. Gould was contracted on December 31, 1840, with Amanda
Williams, who became the mother of two children: George, who lived
with Winfield Gould until his death, which occurred on March 11. ion.
and Jane, the widow of Thomas Crane, who lives in Independence. Mis-
souri. By his second marriage Mr. Gould became the father of the follow-
ing children: Roseltha, the widow of William Corliss; she later married
Orris Albertson, and is living at Battle Lake: Clayton, who is living a
retired life in Independence, Missouri; Winfield, the subject of this sketch;
Eleanor, who is the wife of Lurett Whiting and who lives in Clitherall
village. Otter Tail county, and Emma, who married William Oakes. and is
now living in Canada.
From early childhood Winfield Gould was prepared for a life on the
farm and was educated in the public schools. At an early age he entered
upon the task of homesteading in Everts township, where he had come into
possession of eighty acres of prairie land. Hie occupation required more
than an ordinary amount of physical Strength and mental ability, and Mr.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 533
Gould grappled with the obstacles and conquered the primeval conditions in
the midst of which he toiled. In 1901 Mr. Gould sold this tract, consisting
of eighty acres, and bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 1, Clith-
erall township, which touches the shores of Battle Lake as well as Clitherall
lake. Since the time of his purchase, Mr. Gould has erected a residence,
barn and a number of smaller buildings on the farm land. He has been
occupied with no special line of agriculture, but devotes his time to general
farming.
In his political relations, W infield Gould has followed the example of
his father, who was a prominent Republican. Mr. Gould works with
untiring energy for the good of the party of which he is a member and as a
reward has held a number of offices. He has not only served as supervisor
and assessor in Everts township but he has also held the position of treas-
urer of the school board in the same township. Mr. Gould is a member of
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
On July 7, 1875, Mr- Gould was united in mariage to Ella Whiting, the
daughter of Lewis Whiting, who was widely known as one of the early
settlers in Otter Tail county. To this union the following children have
been born: Leon, who is a farmer residing at Bemidji, Minnesota; Win-
field, who died when he had reached the age of manhood; Maude, the wife
of I'. \. Sherman, who is now living in Independence, Missouri; Hallie.
Ivu and Gladys, who are teachers in Clitherall township; Ethel, the wife of
Frank Tucker, who resides at Dear Creek, and Nina, the wife of Orrison E.
Tucker, of Clitherall.
WILLIAM MORROW.
William Morrow, born in Ireland, August 8, 1846, was the son of
Thomas and Mary (Lackey) Morrow, both natives of Ireland. William
Morrow was named for his grandfather, William Morrow, a farmer of
northern Ireland. The Morrows were members of the Presbyterian church
and very active in its affairs. The elder William Morrow never came to
America. Thomas Morrow, father of the subject of this sketch, received
his education in the common schools of his native country. After his mar
riage he and his wife rented a piece of ground which they tilled for a num-
ber of years. In the year 1853 they decided to try. their fortunes in the New-
World. After reaching New York City they proceeded to Wisconsin
Owing to the lack of funds the son, William, was left with an uncle in New
York. The Morrows located near the town of Troy, Wisconsin, where the
father worked by the day. Thomas Morrow was the father of the follow-
ing children: Mary Jane, [sabelle (deceased), William, Kslher and Joseph.
\11 hut William live in Wisconsin. The father died in t866 and the mother
in 1894.
534 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
William Morrow received most of his education in New Yurk City
while staying with his uncle, James Morrow. William Morrow enlisted as
a soldier in the Civil War, where he fought for eleven months with Com-
pany L, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. At the time of the assassination
of President Lincoln he was stationed at Arlington Heights. On the night
of the fatal shooting he was mounted on a horse and given instructions to
shool anyone he met in the road without warning, as he was carrying dis-
patches to headquarters.
William Morrow sent home to his father in Wisconsin some four hun-
dred dollars saved from his pay in the army. With this money his father
purchased a little home of four acres near the town of Troy. Wisconsin.
After some time William joined the family at Troy. He worked on a farm
to the time of his marriage to Caroline Rawson. May 29, 1873. Airs. .Mor-
row is the daughter of Lorenzo and Sallie (Folensbee) Rawson, the former
of whom was a native of the state of Vermont and the latter a native of
New York. Lorenzo Rawson was twice married. His first wife was Mar)
King and to this union the following children were born: Helen, Lorenzo,
John, Carlos and Flora. Of these children, John and Lorenzo were veterans
of the Civil War. John having served four years and Lorenzo one hundred
days. The children of Lorenzo and Sallie (Folensbee) Rawson are:
1 aniline, wife of William Morrow, Emma and Jennie. Lorenzo Rawson,
the father of Mrs. William Morrow, was an active member of the Methodist
Fpiscopal church and always took an active part in the song service. He
was born on May 22, 1810, and died on October 16. 1907.
William Morrow, after his marriage, rented and farmed his father-in-
law's farm of two hundred and twenty acres, for seven years. Me then
removed to Mower county, Minnesota, near the town of Austin. In [88]
lie came to < Uter Tail county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 24, Otter Tail township. He later added to his first
purchase until he had four hundred and sixty acres, but he later sold one
hundred and sixty acres. The land was all purchased 111 the undeveloped
stage and 1>\ hard work and industry he has made it into a well-cultivated
farm. He has placed all the improvements on the farm, the house he built
in the year 1004. The barn he had built some five years before. Mr. Mor-
row and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Morrow has been president of the town hoard for years, lie was secretary
and treasurer of the school district and is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Minnie. Vernon, Lorenzo, Frank, Olive and Clayton.
Minnie and Frank are deceased.
OTTER FAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 535
JENS P. BERGER.
One of the best known farmers of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail
county. .Minnesota, and one of the most successful farmers in this part of
the county is Jens P. Berger, a native of Norway, born at Aamodt, Oster-
dalen, on December 27, 1861.
Jens P. Berger is a son of Peter Jensen and Eline (Olson) Berger,
both of whom were also natives of Aamodt, Osterdalen, Norway, the for-
mer on June 9, 1833, and the latter on June 6, 1830. They grew up in
the neighborhood of Osterdalen, and were married there. Peter Berger
was a farmer by occupation, who. in 1883, emigrated to America, and
located at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He spent his last days, however, at the
home of his son, Jens P., the subject of this review, passing away, July 4,
189c. His good wife died less than a year later, on May I, 1891. In Nor-
wa\. Peter Berger had been a soldier in the Norwegian army before coming
to America. There were four children in the Berger family, of whom two
died in infancy. Those who survived were Jens P. and Ole, a miner by
occupation, who died in Michigan about T895.
Jens P. Berger received his education in the schools of his native land
and was reared on his father's farm. He came to America alone in 1880,
and after arriving in Fergus Falls on June 5, 18S0, began work on neigh-
boring farms, at which he continued for five years. After his marriage,
Mr. Berger rented a farm for three years in Dane Prairie township, and in
1887 purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 1. of Dane
Prairie township. About twenty acres of the farm was cleared, and there
was a small house and a log barn on the farm. At the present time there
are one hundred and ten acres of the farm under cultivation. In 1915 Mr
Berger built a magnificent new barn, thirty-two by sixty-four feet, and a
win- sixteen by twenty feet. The barn is thirty-eight feet high and has a
hip-roof. The foundation is made of concrete and the barn is painted red.
There is room in it for nine horses and twenty-six head of cattle, and
seventy-five tons of hay and fifteen hundred bushels of oats can be stored in
this commodious barn.
Some live years after coming to America, Mr. Berger was married to
Olga Everson, a native of Norway, who was born at Frederickshald. Mrs.
Berger is a daughter of Ok- Everson, who died in Norway. Mr. and Mrs.
Berger are the parents of six children: Peter ( >.. a merchant of Mission
Mill, South Dakota; Ole Edward, who died at the age of twent) one wars:
Plise Marie. George O. and Magna Constance are living al home with
their parents, while Arthur R. died al the age of eight years.
Jens P. Berger had been prominent in the educational, political and
civic hfe of his township since coming to this country, lie served twelve
536 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
years as treasurer of school district No. 43, and for two years was presi-
dent of the Underwood Co-operative Creamery. Politically, he is identified
with the Prohibition party. The family arc all members of the Free Luth-
eran church, of Tordenskjold township.
IRA }. BROWN.
Among the pioneers from older communities who have contributed to
the best citizenship of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is Tra J. Brown, who as a
representative of the highest type of the reliable, industrious and intelligent
settler has passed many busy and productive years. A man, in all things
upright, he has never lacked the largest measure of popular confidence and
trust. His career has been studded with all the dramatic events found in
the life of a soldier and a pioneer. There is not a phase of early American
life in the West with which he is not familiar and cannot recall with the
keenest memory and accuracy. And aside from this, he has a fund of war
experiences, the stories of which even the greatest adventurer could not tail
to be interested in.
Ira Brown, who is now living a retired life as a farmer, was born on
March 5, 1844. in Ffopkinton, St. Lawrence county. New York, the son of
Harvey J. and Harriett (Gould") Brown. He was reared on a farm, where
he received his first lessons in building those traits of character which
served him so well in later years. When a young man, scarcely nineteen,
he showed his patriotism by tendering his services in defense of the Union.
I11 December, 1863, he enlisted in Company I. Seventh Heavy Artillery,
United States Army, and in the year [864 left for the front. During his
term of setwice his experiences were varied and thrilling. Mr. Brown was
taken prisoner in front of Petersburg, and fur three months he was held in
the \ndersonville prison, during the fore part of his captivity, and two
months in the Milieu prison. He was finally paroled and was discharged,
and came North in June, 1865.
In 1871, when many citizens were migrating to different parts of the
We^t. Mr. Brown joined a colon}- that went out to Western township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. There were over thirty people in the company and
the caravan consisted of horses, cows and wagons. Most of the members
of tin- party upon their arrival began at once the task of homesteading. Mr.
Brown built a shanty, twelve by sixteen feet in dimensions, where he and
his family lived for four years. The next building erected by him was a
frame house, which remained the famiK residence for thirtv-four years.
Upon bis retirement from the active duties ,,f farm life, Mr. Brown moved
rgus Falls, which was in the \ear 1005. and in this community he con-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 537
tinues to reside as a respected, honored and worthy citizen, lie now lives at
722 Union avenue, south.
On November J5. [865, Ira J. Brown was married, to Rhoda M.
Drurey, who was born on July 11. [844. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the
parent-, of the following children: Eli \Y. and Mattie M.. who were horn
in New York; 1 J attic- M.: Harvey J. and Jeanette R., who were horn in
Western township. Eli, who lives in Grant count)-, married Miss Godwars,
and has four children. Mattie, who married E. M. Johnson, has five chil-
dren and is living in Tacoma, Washington. Eattie is the wife of W. S.
Tombs, and lives in Glenwood, Minnesota, and has four children. Harvey
J. lives on the home place in Western township, and is married to Gertrude
Toombs; they are the parents of six children. Jeanette married 11. J. Berry
and lives with her husband and four children in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Mr. Brown has been intrusted with man}- public offices. For a number
oi" years he served as justice of the peace and as a member of the town
school board. In religious affairs he lias always exemplified the deepest
Christian faith and charity. lie has throughout his life taken an active
interest in the affairs of the Presbyterian church. He was superintendent
of the Sunday school for twenty-two years and also served as an elder in
the church. In 1896 he was honored with the appointment to serve as com-
missioner to the Presbyterian general assembly. Following the reward that
has come to bim after years of patient toil and cheerful giving, Mr. Brown
is now enjovimr the happiness which comes to those who have li\ed useful
LARS IV OLSEN.
Among the successful citizens of a past generation in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, was the late Lars 1'. Olsen, who was born at Sjelland, Den-
mark, March 9, 1847. the son of Ole Peterson ami Margaret Nelson, both
of whom were born and who lived and died in Denmark. Mr. Olsen's
father was a stone mason by trade, and had a family of six children: Nils,
who died in Denmark: Lars 1'.. the subject of this review ; Peter, a retired
citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; \ndrew , a fanner living in Canada;
Johanna, unmarried, lives in Denmark; Stina. the wife of Anton Nelson,
The late Lars 1'. Olsen was educated in the public schools of bis native
land, and when a young man took up farming. In [869 he came alone to
the United States, and settled first at Winona, Minnesota, where he worked
for farmers in that neighborhood, and also on tin- railroad then being con-
structed through that country. Two years later be removed 10 Otter Tail
COUllt\ and worked near Crockston. lie afterwards homesteaded one bun
53° OTTER TAI] COl NTY, MINNESOTA.
dred and forty-nine acres of land in Tordenskjold township, clearing the
land and putting it under cultivation, as well as erecting buildings on the
farm and improving n in many ways. In 1879 he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres in Tordenskjold township, where he erected magnificent
modern farm buildings. Later he bought eighty acres more. Here his
death occurred on May 14. 1910.
In 1874 the late Lars P. Olsen was married to Stina Margerita Olsen.
who was born on December 27, [854, and who is a sister of Hans P. ( >lsen,
mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The marriage took place on January
7, 1874. Mrs. Olsen came to America with her brother in i860, and after
a stop at Winona. Minnesota, for two years, they came to Otter Tail county,
where she lived until her marriage. Airs. Olsen's mother also came to
America and died here in 1903. Lars P. Olsen and wife were the parents
of eleven children, as follow: Emma, the wife of Jens P. Tohansen. and
they live in Tordenskjold township; Peter George, who is conducting the
home farm and lives with his mother; Alice, the wife of Anton Jensen,
and they live in Minneapolis; ( )tto, living in Montana, where he is a fanner;
Thea, deceased' William, a farmer living in this township; Henry, a farmer
living in Montana; Lily, who died young; Eddie, a farmer in Montana:
Daisy, deceased, and Benjamin, also deceased.
The Late Lars I'. Olsen was chairman .if Tordenskjold township for
many years, and served efficiently as a member of the school board of his
township. He was a member of the Free Lutheran church, as is his widow.
The family is well known and highly respected in this part of Otter Tail
county, where thev lived for so many years.
MICK EBERSVILLER.
Nick Ebersviller was born in Germany on December J 1 . [854, the son
of (laud and Susanah 1 Schneider 1 Ebersviller, both of whom were natives
of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ebersviller, with their family, came to the
United Slates and at once settled in Carver county, where they bought fifty-
seven acres of land. Ibis they made their home until their death, (laud
Ebersviller died in 1882 ami Mrs. Ebersviller five years before, in 1877.
They were (be parents of the following children: iVIargaret, Peter, John
and (laud, all of whom are dead: Nick, Lena and Mary.
Nick Ebersviller received his education in his native country, where he
remained until he was nineteen years of age. On coming to America he
settled in Carver count) in the spring of 1874, where be remained until
[884, when he came to Candor township, this county, where he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in section 22. To the original farm Mr.
Ebersviller added until be owned four hundred and sixty-eight acres. The
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 539
land has been highly improved, good buildings erected, until toda) it is one
of the best farms in the township. Air. Ebersviller remained on the farm
until 1914. at which time he retired to Vergas, where he owns a substantial
home.
He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and always
worked for the public good. Ik- was a member and director of the school
board for twelve years and was treasurer for many years. He was also
chairman of the board of supervisors for twelve years, and is at present
village assessor.
Nick Ebersviller was married in 1883 to Mary Krosche, who was born
in Germany, June 21. 1858, and was the daughter of Joseph and Theresa
Krusche. The father died in 1864 and the widow came to Candor town-
ship in 1887, where she died in 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Ebersviller are the parents of the following children :
Louisa. Adolph. Anna. Arthur. Peter, William, Alma and Clara, all of
whom are living.
Before his retirement from active life, Mr. Ebersviller sold all his
land, excepting one hundred and sixty acres in North Dakota. He is a stock-
holder in the Farmers Creamery Company and was the treasurer for some
years. His life has been a successful and an active one and he has the
respect of all who know him.
CARL ANDERSON.
Carl Anderson, a farmer of Exerts township, who owns a splendid
farm in section 16. three mile^ from Battle Lake. Minnesota, is a native of
Norway, where his birth occurred on December 31, 1857.
Mr. Anderson is a son of Andreas Sakkariasen and Gunhild Marie
Sakkariasen, both of whom were natives of Norway, and spent their entire
L es in that country.
Car] Anderson received his education in the public schools of his native
land, and after leaving school came to America and settled in Minnesota
in 1881, working for the Northern Pacific Railway Company until iSS;
In the latter year Mr. Anderson returned to Norway, hut came back to the
United States in iooj. and in [908 purchased the farm which he now owns.
This farm consists of eighty acres, and here Mr. Anderson carries mi a
general system of farming and Mock raising, in which he has nut with com-
mendable success.
In 1SS6 Carl Anderson was married to Gertie Christenson, a native of
Norway, where her birth occurred in [853, and to this union have been born
four children. Conrad Arthur. Bertha Marie, Thora Mathilde and John
Henry
540 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
.Mr. Anderson has made practically all of the improvements which are
now 'in his farm, and within recent years has built a new house. For ten
years he rented land and after buying his farm in 1908 still continued to
rent land for three years, lie moved to his own farm in 1913.
.Mr. and Mrs. Carl Anderson and family are active and devoted mem-
bers of the Lutheran church of Everts township, and take an active interest
in the affairs of that congregation. Air. Anderson is one of the foremost
advocates in Everts township of public improvements. He has a host of
friends in the township and community where he lives.
M \KTIX EVANDER.
Martin Evander is the son of Nels Martinson and Bengta ^Andresdatter)
Evander, both natives of Sweden, where their entire lives were spent. Xels
Martinson Evander was a village schoolmaster in his native land.
Martin Evander was horn on December 31, 1839, in Stora Keopinge,
Harrestad Narad, Malmo Huslan, Skane, Sweden, and received his educa-
tion in that country. After seven years as an apprentice to a cabinet-maker
and carpenter in Ystad, he engaged in that vocation for some years, both in
Sweden and Denmark. On December jo, 1865, the marriage of Martin
Evander and Elna I 'ehrsdatter was solemnized, the ceremony being per-
formed in Ystad. Sweden. Elna Pehrsdatter was born on November 19,
JN41 in Tostrbp, Ingelstad Harad, Kristianstad-lan, Skane, Sweden, and is
the daughter of 1'ehr Pehrson and Maria Klemens, both natives of Sweden.
Pehr Pehrson was employed as a groomsman for Lord Albert Aransvard,
of the Swedish nobility. Pehr E'ehrson always lived in his native land where
his death occurred.
Martin Evander immigrated to America in i860, and immediately
located in Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where he
homesteaded a farm on which he now resides. One year after his arrival
in ibis country he was joined by his wife and two sons. Martin Evander
was the first carpenter to take up his abode in this community, and most
of the buildings of the early days were erected by him, including the church.
in which services are still held. lie erected all of the buildings on his own
farm, and constructed most of bis household furniture, as well. He has
continued to increase his holdings, until he now owns two hundred and sixty
acres of well-improved land, winch has been more than ample for the provi-
sion of tin- family, and a liberal education for each of the children. Martin
Evander has been a modest man. and has never sought office. To the union
of Martin Evander, and Elna Pehrsdatter. seven children have been born,
and their names follow: Gustave, Alfred. Erick, lluldah. Ida. Samuel and
Foseoh. With the exception of lluldah, the fourth child, all reside in vari
OTTER I 'AIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 54 1
ous parts of the United States, she only remaining at home. For the past
twenty years Huldah Evander has been a teacher in the schools of Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. Her education was received in the public schools
and at the State Normal school.
Gustave Evander married Lucy Klemack and they reside in Wheaton,
Minnesota, where he has been a druggist for the past twenty years. They
are the parents of three children. Amy, Edwin and Elna. Alfred Evander
married Anna Eaddock, and they reside on a farm near Diamond, South
Dakota, and are the parents of seven children: Daniel, who married Muriel
Lindqtlist and has one child. William; Dorothy, Ada, Alfred, Robert, Martin
am! I oyd; 1 ".rick Evander married Caroline Slocum, and they are residents
of Seattle, Washington, where he is engaged as a taxidermist. They have
one child. Martin Bruce. Caroline (Slocum) Evander is a descendant of
Genera] Slocum. Ida Evander became the wife of John Erickson. of
Menahga. Minnesota, where he was engaged in the hardware business. They
are the parents of one child, Elsa. Samuel Evander married Maud Pottenger,
of Maddock, North Dakota, where he is engaged as a druggist, and is also
interested in agricultural pursuits. Joseph Evander is also a druggist, and
is engaged in that business in Underwood, North Dakota. He married
Emma Fredrickson, and they are the parents of one child, Percy.
Martin Evander and his wife. Elna ( Pehrsdatter ) Evander have reared
a lovely family and are rounding out a life of unselfish service, both to the
community in which they have resided, and to their family. On December
26, 1915, tliev celebrated their golden wedding in the presence of all their
children, grandchildren, relatives, neighbors and old-time friends.
ALFRED NILSSON.
Born in Sweden. October 24. 1864, Alfred Nilsson, who is a self-made
man. and who has succeeded in a large measure as a farmer in his adopted
country, is a son of Nils Peter Jagnuson and Johanna (Gurston) Nelson.
both of whom were born in Sweden, and who died in their native land.
Alfred Nilsson was educated in the common schools of Sweden, and
in [892, when he was twenty-eight years old, came to America and settled
in Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota. In 1895 he purchased
one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he has since added four-
teen acres, making a total of one hundred and thirty-four acres which he
now owns and operates. Mr. Nilsson is a general fanner and stockman,
and has been very successful in this county.
On May 29, 1886, six years before coming to America, Alfred Nilsson
was married in Sweden to \nna Lata, who was horn in thai country in
f8qc. To this union have been horn eight children, as follow : John G.,
542 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Anna Alfreda, Carl Fritz, Oscar Alexander, Hugo II., August K., Henry,
and Otto Samuel, deceased.
.Mr. Nilsson has cleared all his land since settling in this county, and
has made many and various improvements on his place, and he now has
one of the most productive farms to he found in Sverdrup township, where
he is well known as a valuable citizen.
OLE A. AARNESS.
A man who boldly faced the responsibilities of life and who by deter-
mined and untiring energy has won for himself a place of honorable success
is Ole A. Aarness, the subject of this sketch. By a straightforward and
commendable course he made his way to that point where now he is of
valuable aid and benefit to the community and to a place of esteem and
respect in the eyes of his fellow citizens and among his associates.
( »le \. Aarness was born near the city of Kristianstind, Trondhjem.
Norway, January 24, 1857, the son of Anders and Ingebor (Olsdatter)
Aarness. The father and mother of Ole A. Aarness were born near Krist-
iansund, and there grew to maturity and were married and lived the remain-
der of their days in that locality. Anders Aarness was the owner of a small
farm in his native land, a place which he cultivated until his death. To
Anders and Ingebor Aarness were born the following children: Alary, who
married < He Vaagen, and who died in Norway, was the mother of two
children, Ingebor and Olena, the latter of whom lives in America; Ole, the
subject of this sketch; Frederick, who came to this country on the sug-
gestion of his brother, < >le, and who worked on a railroad for his first sum-
mer and then went to St. Paul, Minnesota, later to the state of Oklahoma,
after which time he was lost to the knowledge of his family: Anna, who
married < He Swinweg, and lives at Kristiansund. Norway.
( He A. Aarness was educated in the public schools of his native coun-
try, after which he came to America, making the journey alone, and located
at Fergus Falls, where during the year iSSi he took up work with the Great
Northern railroad, following this trade in the summer and in the winter
working in the northern woods. After a time Ole Aarness accepted employ-
ment with Martin Gillespie, al the New York Mills, and worked there for
two years, leaving on account of receiving no pay for his services Ole
Aarness then went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and worked a- a farm har-
vester lor >ome time and then was employed on what is now the Hans Ryen
place for the next three years, during the winters of which time Ole Aarness
attended school, and then later returned to the employment on the Great
Northern railroad, where he worked for some time. In the meantime he
OTTER I Ml. rut XTY, MINNESOTA. 543
had purchased a half interest, with ECnut Aasgaard, in a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in section 26, of Dane Prairie township.
During the year [88'cj Ole A. Aarness was married, on April 23, to
Randi Torvig, a native of Norway, and the daughter of Martenus Torvig,
who came to America and lived lure about twenty years. After his mar-
riage, Ole A. Aarness and his wife moved to the farm of Air. Aarness,
which they improved and to which later Ole Aarness added the interest held
by Knut Aasgaard, his partner. Today the farm of Ole A. Aarness is one
of the most modern and picturesque places to be found in the entire com-
munity. Mr. Aarness has erected a beautiful house, not far back from the
road, reached by a well-designed driveway bordered with trees. Mr. Aar-
ness and his family are members of the Lutheran church and take an active
and appreciated part in the work of that congregation. In political affiliation
Ole A. Aarness is a Republican. To < Me and Randi Aarness have been horn
one son.
Ole A. Aarness, his wife and his son are among the highly respected
and esteemed people of the county ami township. Their interest in. and their
efforts towards, all movements for the betterment of the community are
well known and they are among the appreciated residents of the locality.
JONAS GUSTAV JOHNSON.
Jonas Gustav Johnson, well-known farmer of Erhards Grove town-
ship, this county, was horn in Sweden, October 26. 1857. the son of John
and Gustava Person, natives of Sweden, where they lived their entire life,
John and Gustava Person were the parents of eight children, Peter. John,
Jonas Gustav, Carl. Mary f deceased 1. Andrew. Xels and Prick.
Jonas Gustav Johnson received his education in the public schools of
his native country, after which he came, in the year 1882, to .America and
located in Otter Tail county, where he bought forty acres of land in Pida
township. After two years on his farm, in Pida township. Air. Johnson
d^po^d of his land and then bought seventy acres of land in Erhards
Grove township, a place to which he later added twenty acres of the best
land in the community, which Jonas Gustav Johnson owns, [bnas < I. John-
son now engages in general farming and stock raising on his well improved
and modernly equipped farm.
Jonas GustaA Johnson is a prominent member of the Swedish Lutheran
church at Pelican Rapids. Although Mr. Johnson is a man of public spirit
and is a citizen interested in the development and promotion of the welfare
of his community, he has preferred nol to serve in public office but to give of
his efforts as a private citizen.
COUNTY. MINNESO
MARTIN II. HEXUM.
Wise is the man who takes advantage of an opportunity when it is
presented to him. Air. Hexum, whose name heads this sketch, has pos-
sessed the foresight to accept the business chances in his career, in the order
in which they were presented to him, believing this to be far more advantag-
eous than to wait for mure desirable things, all of which has resulted in his
permanent financial benefit.
.Martin II. Hexum was born on February 26, [837, at Toten, Norway,
and is the sun of Hans and Elena 1 Rusven) Hexum. He was educated at
die public schools of Norway, and after completing his studies he started
to farm for himself in his native country. In October, [866, he came to
America and traveled to Chicago, where he spenl two week-, and from there
he went to Lockport, Illinois, for three months, at the end of which time he
moved to Houston county. Minnesota, and worked at the trade- of carpenter
and blacksmith. In 1N71 he came to Carlisle, fitter Tail county, where he
took up a homestead consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, bringing
with him an ox team and his family. There was nothing on the place but a
shanty. Mr. Hexum improved the farm and has continued to prosper until
he is now the possessor of a splendid estate of six hundred acres. He has
put all the improvements on his place, including a commodious residence,
erected in 1894, and a good barn, erected in 1912. Politically, he is a stanch
Republican, while his religious belief is with the Norwegian Lutheran
church. He is a large stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at
Carlisle, Otter Tail county.
Hans, father of the subject of this sketch, was horn at Toten. Norway,
and died while still a young man. He was united in marriage with Miss
Elena Rusven, both of whom lived and died in Norway.
Martin II. Hexum was united in marriage. April -'7. [863, with Karine
Nestrud, who was horn in 1X40, and died in 1867, in Houston county, Min-
nesota. To this union were horn two children: Johanna Mary, who is
living in Carlisle: and Helmer. who is a farmer in Otter d'ail county. Mr.
Hexum was married, secondly, January 0. 1N-0. to Marit Grotte, who died
on May 31, 1893. Their children are: Carl, unmarried: Lena, who became
the wife of Lars Krogstad; Ella, who was married to Leo Peterson; Ole,
who. was united in marriage with Matilda I. inner: Henry, deceased: and
Ubert, wdio was married to Olga Sethre. \lhert Hexum attended the Park
Region Luther College at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, graduating later from
the ('aton College at Minneapolis, since which time he has remained 011 the
farm with his brother, Carl, where they cultivate five hundred and sixty
acres, owning in partnership one hundred and sixty acres. Albert is a stock
holder and director in the Farmers elevator at Carlisle, Minnesota. d'o
^^^
I
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MARTIN II HEXUM.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 545
Uberl and Olga (Sethre) Hexum have been born two children, Mabel and
Eunice.
Martin H. Hexum is one of the prominent citizens of Carlisle, Minne-
sota, where lie is noted for his scrupulous honesty and charitable disposition
inwards his fellow man.
KITTEL OLSON.
\ pioneer of Otter Tail county, who came to the locality when it was
yet unbroken and uncultivated, and by his determined and persevering nature
was able to do those things which today gives him one of the best farms of
the township and a man who by his good citizenship and unselfish interest in
the community and its welfare has won the rank of a leading resident and
a valued citizen, the name of Kittel Olson and a review of his life are a
suitable part of this work.
Kittel Olson was burn in the central part of Norway, on January 27,
[852, he being the son of Ole Kittleson and Berit Ellefson, who were born
in Norway, married there, and in the year 1882 came to America, to join
their son, Kittel Olson, who had preceded them. On reaching America, ( )le
Kittleson and Berit Ellefson went to A'ining. near where Ole Kittleson was
employed on farms for some years, later living in retirement with his son,
Kittel. until the death of the elder Kittleson, in the year 1899. Ole Kittle-
son was survived by his wife. Berit, who now lives near Yining, being
eighty-three years of age. To the marriage of Ole Kittleson and Berit
Ellefson were born the following children: Kittel, the subject of this sketch;
Ellef, a farmer who lives one and one-half miles east of the town of Vin-
ing; Knut, a farmer living one-half mile north of the town of Vining; Tom,
who was a fanner and railroad worker, now deceased; Ole C, who is the
manager of a grain elevator at the town of Underwood; Knut, who is a
fanner of the state of North Dakota; and Rev. Adw. Olson, who is pastor
at Morns. Minnesota.
Kittel Olson was educated in the public schools of Norway, and when
twenty-eight years of age he came to America and settled in St. Olaf town-
ship, where he engaged in general farm work for sometime and then, in the
year f883, In- came to Folden township and bought a farm of one hundred
and twenty acres in section 27, land which being covered with unbroken
timber, he proceeded to clear and to prepare for cultivation, at the same
time building a log house in which to live. After some years effort and
with tin- addition of many improvements, among which are a new house of
modern construction, ami a new barn, together with other necessary build-
ings, the farm of Mr. Olson is among the best equipped, for general agricul-
< ,sbl
5-|/> OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
tural purposes, of the locality. Kittel Olson engages in general farming,
each year producing excellent crops and raising first-class cattle for the
market and for dairy purposes.
During the year 1S80 Kittel Olson was married to Oletta Peterson,
who was horn in Norway, the daughter of Peder Peterson and wife. Kittel
and Oletta Olson are the parents of the following children: Bella, who was
born on April 13, 1881, and who married Theodore Bjerke, and now lives
at Ruso, North Dakota: Olavus, November 3, 1882, who is a barber at
Vining, Minnesota; Peter. February 21, 1885, who died on February 27,
1885; Matilda, July 10, [886, who died on September 11. 1889, and Clar-
ence, October 16, 1888, who married Hilda Rakstad.
Kittel Olson has been a well-known man in the public life of Folden
township. Otter Tail county, having served credibly in the office of school
director and having been township supervisor, hi politics. Air. Olson 1- an
ardent Republican. Kittel Olson and his wife are members of the Lutheran
church, in which congregation they are faithful and conscientious workers.
CHRISTEN NATTESTAD.
Christen Nattestad, prominent farmer of Erhards Grove township.
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Norway. January 20, 1848, the
son of Ole and Bertha Nattestad. both of whom were natives of Norway.
in which country they lived their entire life.
( 'hristen Nattestad received his education in the public schools of Nor-
way, after which he came to America and located in Fillmore count}-. Min-
nesota, where he lived for four years. In 1872 he came to Otter Tail county,
where he homesteaded sixty-eight acres of land. After some time Mr.
Nattestad sold his first farm and bought one hundred and fifty acres of
land in section 6, Erhards Grove township, a place which he improved and
to which lie added land until now he owns two hundred and seventy acres
of the best farm land in the community. Following an active and successful
life as a fanner, (hristen Xattestad is now retired from the duties of
agricultural life.
During the year 1870 ('hristen Nattestad was married to Mathea H.
Weik, a native of Norway, who was born in 1847, the daughter of Hans
and Kare Weik, natives of Norway, who came to America and lived in
Otter Tail county for the remainder of their days. To the marriage of
Christen and Mathea Nattestad have been born the following children:
Bethse, Karolene, Karl Alfred. Hilda and Martha, who are deceased: and
Edwin, Christena, Mena, Ole and Elmer Oscar, who are living, Mathea.
the wife of (hristen Xattestad. died 011 September 20, 1912.
Christen Nattestad has been prominent in public matter- and official
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 547
life of Erhards Grove township, not only having served well and efficiently
as treasurer of the school board, but in all movements having for their
object the betterment of life and conditions in the community, Mr. Xattes-
tad is interested and active. He is one of the respected citizens of the
locality.
fAMES NESBITT.
James Xesbitt, well known in the commercial and real-estate circles of
\ ergas, ( >tter Tail county, .Minnesota, has had a great part in the commer-
cial activities of bis community. Originally a farmer in Blue Earth county,
Minnesota, but subsequently entering into a business career, he has suc-
cessively engaged in mercantile and real-estate pursuits at St. Clair, and in
the mercantile, lumber, implement and real-estate business at Vergas. Dur-
ing his successful career as a real-estate dealer, he has dealt extensively in
land situated throughout various portions of western and central Minne-
sota and has, as a recompense for his earnest labors, become possessor of
various large tracts of land situated in Otter Tail as well as adjoining coun-
ties. He is one of the owners of "Highland Stock Farm," situated in Otter
Tail township; owner of four hundred and eighty acres in section 27, one
hundred and twenty-five acres in section 31, one hundred and twelve acres in
section 3, in Candor township; and one hundred and sixty-two acres, known
as the "Lake Sybil Farm," in Hobart township, and several other tracts.
His interests in Vergas are also of a marked nature and characteristic of
his power and influence in his community. As one of the stockholders in
the Farmers State Bank of Vergus, for two years the president of the coun-
cil of Vergas, as a member of the school board when the new school build-
ing was constructed, at present the treasurer of the school board and presi-
dent of the Vergas Telephone ( Company, he has exerted much influence and
controlled large interests in Vergas.
James Nesbitt was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, January 1, 1868,
the son of Andrew and Jane (Jordenson) Nesbitt, both natives of Canada.
The parents of Andrew Xesbitt were early pioneer settlers to Dane county,
and both lived and died in that county. Andrew and Jane (Jordenson)
Xesbitt were married in Dane county and soon afterward removed to Fari-
bault county. Minnesota, where for four years they were engaged in farm-
ing, at the expiration of which time they removed to Waseca county, Min-
nesota, where, and in Blue Earth county, they lived until 1003. Tn 1903
they moved to North Dakota, where Mrs. Xesbitt died in [909. \ fier the
death of his wife. Andrew Xesbitt spent his remaining years with his chil-
dren, William. James, Amy, Anna and Isabel, all of whom are still living.
James Xesbitt. the second child born to his parents, was reared in
548 OTTEK I HI i mi \rv, MINNESOTA.
Minnesota and educated in the public schools of that state. When twenty
years of age he began farming in Blue Earth county and farmed there until
■-.hen he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at St.
Clair for three years. In the meantime he had become actively engaged in
the real-estate business, and while engaging in this business, bought and
sold extensive tracts of land in western and central Minnesota. In 1905,
however, he removed to Vergas, where for a time he engaged in the mer-
cantile, lumber and real-estate business and where he formed a business
association with C. A. Peterson, which association continued until 1910, or
until he sold his mercantile interests and entered into the implement business.
Subsequently, on September 14. 1915, Mr. Nesbitt sold out his implement
business and devoted his attention strictly to his large real-estate interests,
only, however, after having constructed a modern business building, fifty
by one hundred and forty feet, made necessary because of his large business
interests.
In 1890 James Nesbitt was united in marriage to Etta M. Dunsmore.
who was born on February 16, 1871, in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, the
daughter of Randall and Caroline Dunsmore, both of whom were pioneer
settlers of Blue Earth county and who spent their last days in Forest Grove,
Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. James Nesbitt there have been horn five chil-
dren, Lilah, Lura, Fern, Florence, and one that died in infancy. Of these
children, Lilah is the wife of A. G. Schwarzrock, cashier of the First
National Bank of Perham, Minnesota.
JOHN G. RIEM \X
John G. Rienian, one of the prominent and successful business men of
Vergas, was born on April 5, 1874, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, being the
son of William and Frederrika (Schlievert) Rieman, both of whom were
natives of Germany, the father being born in 1841 and the mother in 1847.
The parents came to Wisconsin from their native country in early manhood
and womanhood, settling in Dodge county, where they were married some
time after coming to their now home. They were the parents of eleven
children, as follow: Herman F., August (deceased), William F., John G.,
Bertha, Albert. Emma, Ida, Frank, Lydia and Lawrence.
John G. Rieman was educated in the common schools of Dodge county.
Wisconsin, and as a boy and young man worked on a dairy farm. He came
with his parents to Otter Tail county in [891 and made his home with them
until he was twenty-seven years of age. During this time he was engaged
in the cultivation and developmenl of a farm in Otto township, adjoining
that of his father. The father owned two hundred and forty-seven acres of
land here, which he purchased when he came to the county and here he
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 54Q
resided until 1012, when he removed to Otter Tail, where he now lives a
retired life. The family are members of the German Evangelical church.
The maternal grandparents of John G. Rieman emigrated to Dodge
county, Wisconsin, where they died some years ago. His paternal grand-
parents lived and died in Germany ; they both died while the father of John
G. was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War.
In 1903 John G. Rieman established himself in the grain business in
Vergas and in 1913 added lumber to his growing business. Today he has
one of the substantial business enterprises of his home town. He is secre-
tary for the Co-operative Creamery Company and has served as a member
of the town council.
John G. Rieman was married in 1902 to Milda McAteer, who was born
in Watertowu, Wisconsin, in 18S1, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon
.Me \tecr. Mr. McAteer was an early settler in Girard township, where he
took up a homestead and where Mrs. McAteer died. Mr. McAteer lived a
retired life at Fergus Falls until his death, some years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Reiman are the parents of two children. Hazel and
Cedric.
ANTON KOPPERUD.
Anton Kopperud was born on April 5, 1850, in Norway, and is the son
of Andrew and Johannah (Bugsted) Kopperud, both natives of Norway.
The family, together with Anton, emigrated to America in 1870- and located
in Illinois for one year, removing to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1871,
where the)- established a home in Norwegian Grove township.
Anton Kopperud is one of seven children born to his parents and his
education was received in the schools of his native land. While still a resi-
dent of Norway he was employed as a farm hand. Upon his arrival in
Norwegian Grove township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, he purchased
one hundred and ten acres of land, under the homestead law, and has increased
his holdings until he now owns one hundred and twenty-five acres. This
well-improved farm is devoted to general agricultural pursuits and stock
raising. Politically, he is a Republican and has served as township assessor
for twenty-eight years, lie has also served on the school board for many
years and has been a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church for thirty-
five years.
In [879 \nton Kopperud was married to b.lise Hill, a native of Nor-
wav. She was born on December 11. 1854, and is the daughter of John E,
and Anne (Amundson) Hill, both natives of Norway. To the union of
\nton Kopperud and Elise illilli Kopperud no children have been horn,
but they have adopted two girls, Olea, who married Ed Krare, and
550 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Maria. John E. Hill, father of Elise (Hill) Kopperud, was born on Octo-
ber 17, 1831, and was married to Anne Amundson in 1854. She was born
on March 23, t8_'<). They emigrated to America in 1870 and located for
eighteen months in Iowa, removing to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in
1872. Here they purchased one hundred and fifty-three acres of land in
Sverdrup township, which they improved and on which they lived until
1909. Since that time they have resided with Anton Kopperud. To them
were born these children: Elise, Carl, Edward, Anna and Otelie.
HENRY CARL DEIDRICH OTTO. M. D.
Successful m the practice of his profession as well as dutiful to the
public life and welfare of Yergas is surely evidence by the large and lucra-
tive practice as well as the faithful public service of Dr. Henry Carl Deid-
rich Otto. Having served as president of Vergas during 1910 and at other
times as chairman of the school board and as president of the village coun-
cil, he is justly entitled to the respect and success which have attended both
his professional and public efforts.
Henry Carl Deidrich Otto was born in Nicollet county, Minnesota,
August 15, 1885, the son of Frederick L. and Emily (Netzke) Otto, both
natives of Prussia, Germany, the former born on November 28. 1842. and
the latter in 1847. The paternal grandfather, Christopher Edmond Otto,
emigrated from the Fatherland to America in 1856 and settled in Cook
county, Illinois. Having received an excellent education in Cosline Univer-
sity, Germany, and having experienced teaching in the schools of his native
land, upon his arrival to America he began teaching school and for a period
of twenty-five years followed the teaching profession in the schools of Illi-
nois and Minnesota. He died in Nicollet county in 1890, two years after
the death of his wife. In politics, he was a Republican.
Frederick L. Otto came to Nicollet county when a lad of sixteen years
of age, preceding his parents two years. Having formerly received his
education in Germany, he took up farming in Nicollet county and home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, as did also his father. At
that time there were lint few white settlers in this section of the country
and tin- region was exceedingly wild. During the rest of his life, Frederick
L. Otto lived on this homestead, passing away in 1899. He was a Democrat
and a member of A. EC Skaro Tost No. 47. Grand Army of the Republic.
His widow survives and is living at Lakefield, Jackson county, Minnesota.
To this union there were born eleven children, namely: Fred, Emil. 'Will-
iam, Herman and Henry Carl Deidrich, Madtie, Minnie, Helen. Mary, Ber-
tha, and Olga, deceased.
Henry < '. I), Otto was reared on the farm until fourteen years of age,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 55I
at which time he removed to Elysian, LeSueur county, Minnesota, and still
later to Lake-field, Jackson county, Minnesota. Having received his ele-
mentary education in the public and parochial schools of Nicollet county
and pursued his secondary education in the Elysian high school he entered
Ansgar College, at Hutchinson, Minnesota, from which he was graduated in
the commercial and academic departments. Desirous of entering the medi-
cal profession, he entered the Hospital College of Medicine, Louisville,
Kentucky, and was graduated' from the Louisville and Hospital College of
Medicine in 1908. After serving an interneship in a private hospital of
Louisville, he located at Perham with a Doctor Brabec, but in the fall of
1908 removed to Vergas, where he has followed his profession ever since.
On June 10. 1914, Dr. Henry C. D. Otto was united in marriage to
Alice A. Norgren, a native of Otter Tail county, born near Fergus Falls,
the daughter of Andrew Norgren. To this happy union there has been
horn one child, Kermit Lahreath.
Doctor Otto has taken a great interest in the medical circles and is a
member of the County, State and American Medical Associations.
TACOB LARSON.
Jacob Larson, who is a successful farmer of Tordenskjold township.
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is a native of Seeland, Denmark, where he
was bom on March 13, 1862. Mr. Larson is the son of Lars Petersen and
Kirstine Larson.
Mr. Larson's parents were born in Denmark. His father, who is
deceased, spent his entire life in his native land. His mother, however, is
still living. Lars Petersen was a soldier in the Danish army and a laborer.
He was a member of the Lutheran church, as is also his widow. They were
tlie parents of seven children, of whom Jacob was the fourth. The others
were: Karen, who married Mads Larson, and lives in Denmark ; Christena,
who married Anders Gregeson, and lives in Denmark; Christian, who lives
retired in Underwood; Sophia, who is the widow of Peter Peterson, and
lives in Tordenskjold township; Peter, who fixes in the state of Washing-
ton, and Wilhelmina, who married Christ Jeppesen, and lives in Denmark.
lacob Larson was educated in the public scfiools of his native land and
in iSS ; emigrated to America, settling in Otter Tail county after fiis arrival
in America, fie worked oil various farms in this state and also in the state
of Dakota until about [886, when fie purchased eighty acres of land in
Tordenskjold township. This farm was poorly improved at the time, but
Mr. Larson replaced the old buildings with substantial and modern frame
structures. Onh about twenty-five acres of the farm was cleared when fie
purchased the land. Subsequently, fie purchased thirty-four acres from the
552 OTTER TAD COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
railroad and later sixty-four acres more in Clitherall township. Mr. Lar-
son has made a splendid success as a general farmer and stockman.
hi [886, just a few years after coming to America. Jacob Larson was
married to Karen Olson, a native of Denmark and the sister of H. P. ( Hson,
referred to elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Larson have
eight children: Louisa, who married Joe Schiller, and lives in Fergus balls;
Albina, Erwin, Henry. Dora, Carl, Amelia and Esther, all of whom live at
home with their parents.
Jacob Larson is identified with the Democratic party and, as a Demo-
crat, has served as school treasurer of district No. 2^~, a position which he
filled most creditably. He is highly respected in the community where he
lives and where he is well known.
OLE T. LANGEN.
This country can hardly ever repay the debt it owes to its pioneers, to
those rugged and enterprising citizens who carved out homes on our western
frontier, who have cleared the forests ami who have made the soil, once a
barren waste, teem with growing crops and fruitful with the good things of
this earth. Among these venerable pioneer citizens of Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is Ole T. Langen, who is living retired at Battle Lake, Minnesota.
Mr. Langen is a native of Raroaas. Norway, where he was born on
January 30, 1N44. Mr. Langen is the son of Tron O. and Bertha Louisa
(Larson) Langen.
Ole T. Langen's parents were natives of Norway. His father was
born in r822 and his mother in [821. They grew up in their native land
and were married about 1843. Tn 1852 they came by sailing vessel to
Canada and by boat to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they fitted out a prairie
schooner and drove to Winneshiek county, Iowa, locating about two miles
southeast of where the town of llesper now stands. Their nearest neigh-
bors at the time were two miles away. This land was not in the market
until 1853. when it sold for one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. The
late Tron O. Langen was able to buy, in all, about two hundred and forty
acres. He lived upon the farm until his death, in 1889, of pneumonia. His
wife died a few months later. The) were active in all local affairs in their
township and count) and were prominent in the Lutheran church.
Ole T. Langen is the eldest of six children bom to his parents, the
others being Nellie, \nnic. bars. Peter band Peter lb Nellie married G. A.
Hauge and died in Albert lea. Minnesota. Annie is the wife of E. J. I.ein
and lives in Faribault county, near Delevan. Minnesota. Lars. who. when
he was twenty years old, attended Si. Olaf College ami then the Decora
Lutheran College, became a school superintendent and died when still a young
Oi,K T. LANGEN.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 553
man. Peter I died in infancy. Peter II passed away in Faribault county,
Minnesota.
Ole T. Langen enjoyed little opportunity to obtain an education. His
education has been acquired largely by home study, and he is today a well-
informed man, conversant with all current topics of general interest and a
most interesting conversationalist. Air. Langen was reared on a farm and
was engaged in farming with his parents until 1867, when he journeyed to
Douglass, Grant and Otter Tail counties, Minnesota, on a prospecting trip
in a wagon. The only improvements which he saw on this whole trip
through Otter Tail county were in Tumuli township, west of Ten Mile lake.
Tlie Mormons were then at Clitheralr, hut could not he seen because the lakes
and woods were impassable. Mr. Langen bought the west half of section
10, in Dane Prairie township. Me spent the harvest of 1867 with his
father, and in 1868, with two other men and their wives, moved by ox team
to Otter Tail county, coming by St. Peter and Sauk ("enter, in Stearns
county. The trip took twenty-two days. These early pioneers settled in the
southeastern part of St. Olaf township, in sections u. 13 and 14. Mr.
Langen's two friends settled on nearby land. There were few settlers in the
township at that time, hut the following year they began to come very
rapidly. Mr. Langen pre-empted prairie land ami began to build a log bouse.
In the early months of their residence in this county, the three families lived
together until 1869, when Mr. Langen built on his own land. He was com-
pelled to go to Otter Tail city to get the lumber for the doors and the floors.
Mr. Langen employed others to erect his buildings and, in the meantime,
was able to put out a crop of sixty-five acres. He raised a great deal of
wheat and was compelled to pay a very high price for threshing. As late as
1870 he had to haul the grain to Otter Tail city. There were only a few-
Indians in the township at that time.
As time passed Mr. Langen added barns and granaries to his farm and
lived upon it until 1882. In 1807 Ik- had bought a farm of three hundred
and twenty acres in Dane Prairie township; he paid ninety-five dollars for
one hundred and sixty acres of this place. Although he has never lived upon
that farm he still owns it. In i88_> he moved to Battle Lake, but the previous
year had established a lumber yard near the railroad track of the newly-
huilt Northern Pacific railway, lie continued in the lumber business until
rgoo, having added a line of farm machinery in the meantime. In [900 he
had begun to sell out his interests in preparation for retirement ami. in the
meantime, had purchased land in Saskatchewan, Canada.
In February, 1N70. < >le T. Langen was married to Thurid |. I. arson, a
native of Winneshiek county, Iowa. She was born near Hesper in i8^_».
.Mrs. Langen is the daughter of Halgren Larson, who came to Iowa in [852
5rl OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
from Wisconsin. He was a Norwegian by birth. Mr. and Mrs. Langen
have keen tilt- parents of seven children, namely: Louise married John A.
W'edum, of Alexandria. Minnesota; 'Iron and Amanda died of diphtheria,
at the ages of four and seven years, respectively; Agnes died at the age of
eighteen; Leonard lives in Kensiqgton, Minnesota, where he is a lumber
dealer: Bert P. is employed in a hank at Glasgow, Montana: and Lenora,
who lives at home, is a student at the Stout Institute at Menominee, Wis-
consin.
Mr. Langen has always been interested in the history of his county and
state, especially in local history. He has always been active in local affairs
from the time of the organization of St. Olaf township, in i86q, until he
left the township. He was a member of the hoard of supervisors, and part
of the time was chariman of the hoard. He was also school director of dis-
trict Xo. 2, and. for man\' years, was the school treasurer. lie also served
as road overseer for a time. Mr, and Mrs. Langen are members of the
Lutheran church, although they were formerly members of the Synod Luth-
eran church while living in St. Olaf township.
OLE T. FRANZE.
( fie J. Franze, who is a well-known fanner of Tordenskjold township.
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born twelve miles northwest of Chris-
tiania. Norway, December 7, [852, and is a son of John and Inga (Olson)
Franze, also natives of near Christiania, Norway, where they grew to matur-
ity and were married. In 1866 the family came to America and settled
seven miles from Red Wing, Minnesota. The father was ill during the first
summer after coming to Minnesota, and the family suffered many hard-
ships. Mr. Franze worked on neighboring farms for four years, and in the
fall of 1X70 emigrated to Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres of land.
Of the farm which John Franze homesteaded on coming to Otter Tail
county there was a log cabin standing and only four acres of the land had
been cleared and put under cultivation. Mr Franze put new floors and
doors in the cabin, and lived in this house for some tune. In 1897 Mr. am!
Mrs. Franze removed to a small farm in ('litherall township, where he is
still living, at the advanced age of ninety-two years Mis good wife died in
1908, at the age of eighty-seven. They were the parents of five children.
of whom Ole J. is the eldest; Joseph died when a small box: John is a
farmer in ('litherall township: Peter lives with his father and is unmarried:
Mary lives at home with her father.
( lie f. Franze was thirteen years old when he accompanied his parents
to America, lie attended die common schools in his native land. After
Ml COUNTY, MINNI
reaching manhood he worked on farms in the neighborhood of his home
until 1N77, when lie homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Grant county. Minnesota. After living in the latter county for twenty-
years, Mr. Franze sold out and removed to Otter Tail county and purchased
the farm his father had homesteaded in this county. This farm is now well
improved and is devoted to general farming and stock raising.
On April 1, [884, Ole J. Franze was married to Maria Storstad, a
native of Norway, and a daughter of Peter Storstad. Mrs. Franze came to
America at the age of twenty-two years. She died on March 28, [914.
leaving her husband and eight children, as follow : Joseph, who is a cook
by trade, lives at home; Hilda, Ida. Amanda, Peter, Oscar, Arthur and
Agnes also live at home.
Mr. Franze is identified with the Republican party. He served as
supervisor in Grant count}', and also as a member of the school hoard. Tie
is a member of the Synodical Norwegian Lutheran church, as was his good
wife also at the time of her death.
CARL KLUG.
Carl King is one of seven children horn to the union of Carl and
Rachel i Bomgard) King, and his birth occurred on September 22, 1857, in
West Prussia. Flis parents were also natives of Prussia and their marriage
was solemnized in that part of Germany. After the birth of their third
child they emigrated to America in a sailing ship, and were eight weeks
en route. Their arrival was in 1857 and they immediately located in Car-
ver county. Minnesota. Carl King, Sr., was employed by a Mr. liite to
clear twenty acre-- of land and in remuneration was given twenty acres of
land. This was soon cleared and eighty acres more were purchased, and this
farm became the home of the family until the father's death, in 1910. The
mother is still living, at the age of eighty-four years. Carl King. Sr.. and
his wife were members of the Lutheran church, and the names of their chil-
dren follow: Herman is a retired farmer living in Fergus Falls; Fred
resides in Fargo, North Dakota; Carl; Amelia married Carl Bamke, and
they live in Dora township; Augusta married Otto I'aske, and their home
is in East Grand Forks, Minnesota; Eugene lives on the old home place in
1 'arver county, and Rudolph, who was a blacksmith, died at the age of thirty,
in ( arver county.
Carl EClug received his education in the public schools of Carver county,
Minnesota, in Waconia township, and remained on the home place until
twenty-one years of age, at which time be became employed as a farm hand
on the surrounding farms. In [878 he removed to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and forty-one acres of land, tinder
556 OTTER I Ml imi \iv, MINNESOTA.
the homestead law, in section [4, Dora township, range 41. This land was
unimproved, but a log cabin was creeled and the place was soon under cul-
tivation. In [914 the farm was sold and Carl Klug retired to the town of
Vergas, where he purchased a residence and thirteen acres of land within
the village corporation, on which he still lives. Politically, he is a Republi-
can and has served as a member of the school hoard for fifteen years.
On February 15. r88i, Carl Klug was united in marriage to Matilda
Schimmelfenig, and they are the parents of four children, whose names fol-
low: Helma is the wife of Julius Milke, and they live in White Earth
Reservation; Luella is the widow of Ernest Barker, and lives in Tacoma,
Washington; Herbert is a barber living in San Francisco. California, and
Amber is employed as a bookkeeper in the land office at Larimore. North
Dakota. Matilda 1 Schimmelfenig ) Klug is the daughter of John Schim-
melfenig, a pioneer of Carver county. Minnesota.
HERBERT A. PUTNAM.
Herbert A. Putnam, successful farmer, prominent citizen and leader in
the affairs of Amor township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in
Sherburne county, Minnesota. October 1, 1865, the son of Henry T. and
Caroline ( Newton) Putnam, the former born at Sutton, the latter at Auburn.
Massachusetts. Henry T. Putnam was the son of Tyler Putnam, a farmer
and prominent man of the Congregational church in the state of Massachu-
setts.
Henry T. Putnam was educated in the common schools of his native
town, after which he left Massachusetts, in 1855. and moved to Sherburne
county, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm on which he lived for some
time, and then, disposing of his farm, Henry T. Putnam conducted a general
supply store for two years, in Stearns county. Minnesota. I.ater, having
sold his goods to one of the Whitings, merchants of Clitherajl. he home-
steaded, in 1870. one hundred and forty acres of land in Amor township,
and pre-empted .me hundred ami forty additional acres, a place which
Henry T. Putnam improved and cultivated, and a farm to which he added
nil. re land until, at the time of his death, on February 2, 1892, be was the
owner of four hundred and eighty acres of choice land in Amor township.
(liter Tail county. During In- later life, Henry Putnam was a member of
the Presbyterian church, he taking no especial part in the political life of the
community. Henry T. and ('aroline Putnam were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Mary, Newton, Henry. Herbert and Tyler.
Herbert A. Putnam received his early education in the common schools
of Maine township, after which he attended the Si. ("loud Normal School
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA. 557
for three years and then became a school teacher, teaching for one term near
Pelican Rapids, for two term- in the schools of Battle Lake, Minnesota, and
for some time in district No. 69, of Amor township. Mr. Putnam now
lives on the home farm and engages in general agricultural pursuits.
On December 31, 1891, Herbert A. Putnam was married to Celia J.
Oakes, a native of Wright county, Minnesota, and the daughter of A. E.
Oakes, and wife, well-known people of their community. To the marriage
of Herbert A. and Celia Putnam have been born the following children:
Henry, Helen, Carrie, Everett, Alfred and Kenneth, all of whom live at
home. Mr. Putnam and his family are members of the Presbyterian church
of Maine.
Herbert A. Putnam is perhaps best known in Otter Tail county as a
representative of the people in the Minnesota Legislature, Mr. Putnam for
four terms having served the people of Otter Tail county in that body. He
has also served his township as chairman of the town board, an office which
he occupied most efficiently for several years. In politics, Herbert A. Put-
nam was a Republican for many years, but at heart is a Prohibitionist. As
a fraternal man, Mr. Putnam is a leading member of the Modern Woodmen
of America, and also a member of the Royal Neighbors.
OTTO MARTINSON.
Otto Martinson is one of ten children born to the union of Martin
Christianson and Olenia Halverson, both natives of Norway, who married
in that country and emigrated to America in 1869. Martin Christianson
immediately located on the homestead, which is now in the possession of
his son, Otto, and where both he and his wife passed to their eternal rest.
The original farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. Martin Christ-
ianson and his wife, Olenia (Halverson) Christianson, were both members
of the Lutheran church in Clitherall, Minnesota.
Otto Martinson is indebted to the public schools of Eagle Lake. I >tter
Tail county, Minnesota, for his education, following which he engaged in
agricultural pursuits. lie has always resided under the parental rooftree
and assisted in the cultivation of the home place. In 1896 he purchased
some land, under the homestead law. and has since added eighty acres
more, which has been improved with new buildings and other things neces-
sary to the successful cultivation of a farm. He has erected a large granary
and built an addition to the barn.
In [898 <>tto Martinson was married to Lena Herness. To their union
have been born eight children, namely: Mildred. Myron. Oris, Lane. Ray-
mond, Raymond, Helen and Earlin. Lena (Herness) Martinson was born
558
o-
n E
agle Lake towi
lshi
if I.
ars 1 ferness, ;
: n.-i
Tail county, Minnesota, and is the daughtei
Norway, and the first settler in Eagle Lake
W. F. LADWIG
w.
F. Ladwig
Vergas,
( liter Tad
ment oi
the ci unmi
Williair
Ferdinand
Septeml
ler i, 1884,
Ladwig
was Chrisl
lived an
(1 died in hi
erick, a
soldier in tl
and All
iert. Albert
Wi
lliam Ferdii
is i.ne mi' the representative and respected citizens of
ounty, Minnesota, who is identified with the advance-
ity. he 1- one of four children born to the union of
nd Rosa (Hensel) Ladwig, and his birth occurred on
1 Sac City, Iowa. The paternal grandfather of W. F.
in Ladwig, a stock dealer of Pomern, Prussia, who
native land, lie was the father of three sons: Fred-
Franco-Prussian War. who died in Germany; William
ives in Ball, Prussia, and is a stock dealer of that town,
ind Ladwig was born in Germany and when a young
man emigrated to America, lie was a farmer and stock raiser and followed
that vocation until 1SS7. in Iowa, where he located upon his arrival in the
United Stales. In [887 he removed to Jackson county. Minnesota, remain-
in- there until ro.OO, ai which time he removed to Wilkin county. Minne-
sota, where he purchased eight hundred acres of land in Tanberg township.
This land was virgin soil, hut is now; improved with modern buildings and a
specialty is made of breeding and raising high grade Shorthorn cattle. Pie
is a stockholder in the farmers Co-operative Elevator Company, at Lawn-
dale. Minnesota. Politically, he is a Republican and very active in local
matters. William Ferdinand Ladwig is a member of the German Lutheran
church and the father of four children, whose names follow: Frank is a
farmer and stock raiser, and lives near P.arnsville. Minnesota: W. F., the
subject of this sketch: Paul is a fanner living six miles north of Barnsville,
and Walter, who lives on the home place.
The maternal grandfather of W. F. Ladwig was Gotlob Hensel, a native
of Swedensburg, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1868, accompanied
by his wife and five children, leaving a married son in Germany. This son
was a soldier. The names of the children follow ; bred (deceased) remained
in Germany; William is a farmer living near Auburn, Iowa: Ernest is a
farmer living near Lake City, Iowa; Bertha is the widow of John Cray, and
lives ill Auburn, Iowa; Rosa; Pauline is a missionary of the Methodist
Episcopal faith, and resides in Los Vngeles, California. Gotlob Hensel
located in Auburn, Iowa, and remained there until his death, in April, 1913.
lie followed the vocation of farmer during his entire life. Rosa Hensel
was horn in Swedenburg. Germany, and emigrated, with her parents, to
America in t868. Her marriage to William Ferdinand Ladwig was solem-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 559
nized in Iowa, where her parents had settled. Her death occurred on March
9, [895, in Jackson count)', Minnesota. She was a member of the German
Lutheran church.
W. F. Ladwig received his preliminary education in the common schools
lit Jackson county and Fergus Falls, .'Minnesota, completing his education in
the Park Region Lutheran College, from which he was graduated with the
class of 11)07. He also took a course in Aaker's Business College, after which
he accepted a position with the First State Bank in Mercer, North Dakota.
as assistant cashier, lie served in this capacity from 1909 until 1913. In
.March. 1913, he became cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Vergas,
which position he still holds. This hank was originally owned by William
Galvin, and operated as a private institution. In 1905 it was incorporated as
a -tatc hank, and the officers who were elected are: L. YV. Oberhauser,
president, who lives in Frazee; Charles W. Higley, vice-president, who lives
in Chicago, and W. F. Ladwig, cashier. W. F. Ladwig is a notary public
and srr\es his community as city treasurer. Politically, he is a Republican
and a member of the German Lutheran church.
On November 29, 1911, W. F. Ladwig was united in marriage to
Louise Guslander, a native of Kensal, North Dakota, and they are the par-
ents of one daughter. Carol Lose, who was horn on December 24, 11)14.
Louise ("Guslander") Ladwig is the daughter of William Guslander.
WALTER S. FISK
Walter S. Fisk, successful fanner and well-known citizen of Maine
township. Otter Tail county, was horn in Vermont, September 12. [869, the
son of ( irvil T. and Salome ( Bickford) Fisk, the former a native of Ver-
mont. After his marriage in his native state, Orvil T. Fisk came to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Maine
township, a place which the elder Fisk improved and a farm on which he
followed general agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his days.
The elder Fisk was notably successful as a fanner, having acquired at the
time of his death one hundred and sixty acres of the most desirable land of
the community. Orvil T. Fisk was a veteran of the Civil War. having
served with the colors tor three years, during which time he had a pari in
the battle of Gettysburg, as well as in many other conflicts. Orvil and
Salome Fisk were the parents of six children: Alice L, Walter S., May,
Julia, fennie. and Milo (deceased) Orvil T. Fisk and his wife were mem-
bers and active workers of the Presbyterian church in their community.
Walter S. Fisk received his education in the common schools of district
No. 22, Maine township, after which he became a fanner, mi a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, which he secured in Maine township. Mr. Fisk
560 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
is now successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his well-
improved and modernly-equipped farm.
During the year npi Walter S. Fisk was married to Louretta Brown,
who was horn at River Falls. Wisconsin, the daughter of E. A. Brown,
well-known people of that community. To the marriage of Walter S. and
Louretta Fisk have been horn two children. Edwin and Dorris.
Walter S. Fisk has taken many parts in the public and official life of
Maine township and is ready to do his part in the advancement of the
localitv and its various interests. He has served on the town hoard of
Maine township for ten years; also has served in other offices in the town,
besides being a member of the school board in district No. 22.
MAGNUS STROBFCK.
Magnus Strobeck, who is one of the well-known retired citizens of
Clitherall and who is a native of Sweden, where he was born on February
20, 1841, is the son of Bengt and Eleanor Strobeck.
Mr. Strobeck's parents were both natives of Sweden. His father was
horn in 1804 and died in 1898 in Leaf Mountain township, Otter Tail
county, and his mother was horn in 18 14 and died on July 4, 1869, in Wash-
ington county, Minnesota. The Strobecks emigrated to Washington county,
Minnesota. May 7, [869, and it was here that the mother died two months
later. In iNji the family moved to Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and took a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres.
Mr. Strobeck's brother, Xels. also took a homestead of one hundred and
sixty acres in Leaf Mountain township. Bengl Strobeck gradually improved
his farm and shortly after acquiring the homestead erected a log house. He
died on this farm in 1898. There were four children in the family, of
whom Peter and Oscar, the eldest and youngest, are deceased. The living
children are: Mangus, the subject of this sketch, and Xels.
Magnus Strobeck was educated in the public schools of his native land.
In [869 he came with his parents to America and settled with them in Wash-
ington county. Minnesota. Two years later he moved with the family to
Leaf Mountain township .ami himself took a homestead of one hundred and
twenty acres in Nidaros township. In the beginning he hail three oxen.
with which to perform the work of the farm, but his claim was eventually
lost. Mr. Strobe
ck's wife, hi
wvever, had a homeste
ad. which she had
received from her
first husband.
Fred Brown. Mr. and
Mrs. Strobeck lived
on this farm until
[905, when
the) came (0 Clitherall.
Mr. Strobeck now
lives retired.
On Januarv
26, 1S-7, M;
ignus Strobeck was ma
Tried to Mrs. Fred
Brown, whose ma
iden name wa
s Mary Peterson. She
was born in Sweden
MR. AND MRS. MACNTS STROliKi K
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 561
in 1836. After the death of her parents, she came to Moline, Illinois, in
1869, and two years later emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. To
her first union there were horn four children. Ilulda Amelia, Florentine
Elizabeth, Helena Josephine and Henry. By her marriage to Mr. Strobeck
then was born one child, Godfred Leojiard, who married Emily Okenson,
and has one child. Evelyn Jalelin Evangeline, who was born on August 9,
[909. Mr. and Mrs. Godfred Leonard Stroheck live at Cogswell, North
Dakota, where he is vice-president of the Cogswell State Bank and is inter-
ested in other banks of the state. He is also a dealer in real estate and has
been very successful in business.
From the fruits of his early labors Magnus Strobeck has accumulated
a substantial competence, by which he is able to live in comfort during his
declining years. Ik- lias been successful in husiness and is a highly valued
citizen of this great countv.
I. EMIL NELSON.
A successful farmer and a man who by the quality of his life has made
a host of friends and has won for himself a place of respect and esteem
in Otter Tail county is J. Emil Nelson, who was horn in Meeker county,
Minnesota. September 19, 1886, the son of Hans and Anna (Johnson) Nel-
son, both of whom were horn in Sweden, where they lived until the year
1880. and then came to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, from which
they went to the state of Minnesota and located near the town of Litchfield,
where Hans Nelson was employed in the town of Litchfield ten years, until
his death, in the year i8qo. Following the death of her husband Anna
(Johnson) Nelson, with her family, continued to live near Litchfield, where
she purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which
the family lived for ten years, after which they disposed of their land in
that locality and moved to Wadena count}-, Minnesota, there buying one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Leaf River township, a place where
Anna (Johnson) Nelson and her family lived for three vears, and then
disposing of this land they came to Otter Tail count}-. Minnesota, and bought
a farm 111 sections 26, 27 and 34, in Compton township, where they now
live. To the marriage of Hans and \nna (Johnson) Nelson were horn the
following children: Nels Alfred. John Emil and Fritz Edwin, all of whom
are married.
J. Emil Nelson was educated in the common schools of Meeker county,
Minnesota, after which he. with his brothers, helped in the farming of the
home farm, later J. Emil taking possession of the home place, where he now
engages in general agricultural pursuits. Mr. Nelson now cultivates two
(36b)
562 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
hundred acre- of land, on which he produces good crops and where he has a
well improved and modern farm.
On September 20, 101 1, J. Emil Nelson was married to Tova Lauritzen,
who is a native of Denmark, and to this marriage have been born two chil-
dren, Kenneth Raymond and Lesley Emil.
J. Emil Nelson is a man who, though having taken no special part in
the political or public life of the community, has been a good and capable
citizen of the county, and is a man whose interest in the welfare of the life
and activity of the community is unquestioned.
CHRIST 1. HANSEL.
Successful farmer, public man and official, and one of the best-known
men of Otter Tail county, where he has lived his entire life, Christ Hensel
is one who, because of his life and his works for the general welfare of the
community, has a rightful place in a work of this kind.
Christ J. Hansel was Lorn on the Hansel homestead in Tumuli town-
ship. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on June 15, [875, the son of John and
Goro I Brekken) Hansel, both of whom were born in Norway. John Han-
sel was the son of Christ and Sigrid Hansel, who lived and died in Norway,
where Christ Hansel was a farmer: and Goro Hansel was the daughter of
Ole and Mali Brekken, who lived their entire lives in Norway, where Ole
Brekken was engaged in general farming. John Hansel and wife came to
America during the month of May, in the year 1S70. and settled in Tumuli
township, Otter Tail county Minnesota, where he homesteaded a claim of
one hundred and eighty-nine acres of land, a place which this pioneer farmer
improved extensively and where he and bis wife spent the remainder of
their days. |ohn and Goro Hansel were the parents of the following chil-
dren. Ole, living in Canada, \nna, deceased: Christ, the subject of this
sketch, and two deceased children who bore the name of Christ. The elder
Hansel and bis wife were devout members of the Parkdale Norwegian Luth-
eran church, a congregation in which they were honored and highly respected
communicants.
I hrist 1. Hansel received his education in the local schools of Tumuli
township. Otter Tail county, after which lie aided his father "ii the home
farm for sC,me years and then went to Renville county. Minnesota, where
he homesteaded a farm .in which he lived for three years, then returned to
( )tier Tail county and boughl the home farm of his father, a place where he
now lives, after having added thirty-three acres of land adjoining. Christ
|. Hansel has one of the best unproved and most modernly equipped farms
of the county, where be now engaged in general agricultural pursuits.
During the year [807, Christ J. Hansel was married to Mary Johnson.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ^63
who was born in Norway, and to this marriage five children were born,
namely: Gelena, Hilmer, Alma. Roy and Clarence.
Christ J. Hansel in political circles and in public life is well known,
having- served the township for tour years as assessor, at one time having
been elected to a seat on the township school board, and he is now the occu-
pant of the office of road overseer.
HENRY E. SIEBELS.
( hie of the most progressive and enterprising young fanners of Gorman
township, this county, is Henry E. Siebels, who was born on the farm on
which he still makes his home, on July 18, 1876, son of Edward and Angeline
(Shulta) Siebels, both natives of Oldenburg, Germany, the former of whom
was horn on August 14. 1833, and the latter. February 2, 1848, who home-
steaded a place in this county in 1874.
Edward Siebels, who was the son of Henry Siebels, a farmer in Olden-
burg, first came to America in 1868, leaving his first wife, who was Mar-
garet Sears before her marriage, and their small daughter, Rose, at home
while he was making arrangements for the creation of a new home on this
side of the Atlantic. For two years he worked with a railroad construction
force and then returned to Germany for his wife and daughter, with the
expectation of bringing them to America. Before their preparations for
departure were completed, however, Mrs. Siebels, while crossing the river
Alba, broke through the ice and the shock induced a fatal illness. Some
time after her death. Mr. Siebels married, secondly, Angeline Shulta, and
in [872 returned to America, bringing his wife and his daughter, Rose.
From New York, the Siebels came to Minnesota and for a year lived at
Duluth. Mr. Siebels then resumed his former work with a railroad con-
struction crew and helped to build the first railroad through this county.
Becoming impressed with the possibilities of the region hereabout.
Edward Siebels homesteaded eighty acres of land in Gorman township, in
1874. and made his home there, the remainder of his life being spent on the
homestead farm, his death occurring on March 20, 191 1. To him and his
second wife six children were born: Margaret. Henry F... Regina. Anna
(deceased), Edward (deceased) and Edward. His widow is now making
her home with her eldest son, the immediate subject of this -sketch, who is
managing the old home place. Edward Siebels bad prospered during his
life in this county and at the time of his death was the owner of three hun-
dred and twenty acres surrounding the original homestead in section _»_'. of
Gorman township. He had made substantial improvements to the same
■ and was regarded as one of the leading farmers thereabout. lie and his
wife were devout members "f the Catholic church and their children were
564 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
reared in that faith, the family being one of the leaders in the various good
works of the parish.
Henry E. Siebels received his education in the excellent school of dis-
trict \To. 14 and was reared to the life of the farm, becoming in time one
of the most progressive young farmers in that part of the county. He is
now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well-tilled land surround-
ing the old home place and forty acres over the line in Becker county. Mr.
Siebels takes an active interest in community affairs and gives his faithful
and intelligent attention to all movements having to do with the betterment
of conditions in the vicinity of his home. He long lias taken a warm inter-
est in educational matters thereabout and for thirteen years has been the
treasurer of the school board. He is one of the leading stockholders in the
farmers store and creamery at Perham; a shareholder in the local telephone
company and is actively connected with the farmers insurance association.
In his farming operations he gives much attention to stock raising and his
Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs are of the best.
On June 6, 1890, Henry E. Siebels was united in marriage to Christine
Banner, who was born in Stevens count}', this state, and to this union eleven
children have been born; Angeline. Joseph, Adaline. Frances. Henry
(deceased), Rosie, Leona, Regina, Magdaline, Alord ami Mary. .Mr. and
Mrs. Siebels are earnest members of the Catholic church ami are looked
upon as among the most useful and influential members of the parish to
which they are attached, they and their family being held in the highest
esteem throughout that entire section of the county.
WILUAM BECK,
William Beck, a well-to-do farmer of Oak Valley township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is a native of Bremer count}-, Iowa, where he was born
on September 28, 1870.
Mr. Beck is the son of Reter and Emma ( Runyan) Heck, the former
of whom was born in Alsace-Lorraine in 1833, and the latter born in Bremer
county, Iowa, in 1847. She was the daughter of John and Lavina ( Thayer 1
Runyan, who immigrated from New York state to Michigan and later from
Michigan to Bremer county, Iowa, with an o\ team. John Runyan and
wife died in Bremer count}. Iowa. The parents of Peter Heck were natives
of France, who settled in the state of Illinois as early as 184^ and both
died in that state. Peter Beck was only eleven years old when he settled
with bis parents in the state of Illinois. He had come to America from
France with his parents. He attended school at Evanston, Illinois, and. for
a time, was a student at Northwestern University. Later he moved to
Bremer county, Iowa, and in [860 was married. Shortly after his marriage
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 565
he immigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, purchasing one hundred and
twenty acres of land, which his son. William, now owns and which is located
in section 14, of Oak Valley township. Here he died in 1894, but his widow
is still living and resides at Verndale, Minnesota. Peter Beck was chairman
of the township board and also server] on the school board and as township
treasurer at one time. There were three children in the family: Harry,
deceased; Grace and William, the subject of this sketch. Grace is the wife
of H. J. Ormsby, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
William Beck was educated in Bremer county, Iowa, in the public
schools, but came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, when eleven years old.
He also attended the public schools of this county, and the Wadena high
school. After finishing his education, Mr. Beck taught school for twenty-
five years in Otter Tail county in connection with farming. He owns one
hundred and twenty acres of land in sections 14 and 23, of Oak Valley town-
ship, and is a general farmer and stockman.
On November 29, 1900, William Beck was married to Winona Rode,
who was born on April 9, 1878, in the state of Illinois, and who is the daugh-
ter of Christian Rode, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and
Mrs. William Beck have two children, Harry Lesley, born on October 11,
1005. and Valora Eileen, born on October 27, 1909.
In political affairs. Mr. Beck is identified with the Republican party.
He is now clerk of Oak Valley township and has served in other positions
of trust and responsibility within the gift of bis neighbors and friends, whose
confidence he has enjoyed during his long residence in this locality.
JOHN E. MURRAY.
John E. Murray is one of the business men of Parkers Prairie, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, who are worthy of the respect accorded them by an
admiring public. He is the son of John and Louise (Monson) Murray,
natives of Scotland and Sweden, respectively. John Murray immigrated to
America in i860, and chose Elmo township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
as his residence. He secured one hundred and sixty acres of land under
the homestead law and continued to live there for a period of sixteen years,
removing thence to the village of Parkers Prairie, where he remained until
his death. He established a general merchandise store which he operated
for nearly eight years, after which he engaged in farming for many years.
In [910 he retired to the town of Parkers Prairie.
John E. Murray was bom 011 August 7, 1871). in Elmo township, Otter
Tail coUntj Minnesota, and received bis education in the schools of Parkers
Prairie township and in the Park Region College at Fergus Falls, Minne-
sota. \ftcr completing bis education he was employed as a clerk in the
566 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
mercantile business which position he held for four years. Me then engaged
111 the lumber business in 1903, being employed by the Dower Lumber ( om-
pany, of Parkers Prairie, and in 1913 he became the general manager of
the Wilcox Lumber Company, also of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. This
company supplies all kinds of building material. Fraternally, John E. Mur-
ray is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern
Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
On September 2, 1907, John E. Murray was united in marriage to
Millie Nelson and they are the parents of three children whose names fol-
low : Harold, Mildred and Erenstine. Millie (Nelson) Murray is a mem-
ber of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
ANDREW LEVRING.
A successful farmer and stock raiser and a man who is a good citizen,
is the record of Andrew Levring, the subject of this sketch. Industrious,
intelligently applying his thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and
one who in the conduct of life has shown himself to be tactful and resource-
ful, he is a man with a host of friends and one whom the township and
county value as a worthy citizen.
Andrew Levring was born in Vardalen Trondhjem, Amt, Norway,
September 23, [879, being the son of Peter Melby and Karene Levring, who
were also born at that place The mother of Andrew Levring lived in her
native land until about the year 1893, when she died. The father, Peter
Melby Levring, came to America and settled at Glenwood, Minnesota, where
he is now engaged in the carpenter's trade. Peter Melby and Karene Levring
were the parents of one son, Andrew, the subject of this sketch.
Andrew Levring received his education in the public schools of his
native country, after finishing which, he came, during the year 1003. to
America and following Ids landing at New York City he went to ^.shby,
Minnesota, and followed the carpenter's trade at that town and at the town
'if Wapeton, North Dakota, for about five years. I luring the year [908 he
came to Nidaros township, where he invested in eighty acres of land. 111 sec-
tioii 14, a place on which a house was lnu It. but lacking other necessary
buildings. Since taking possession of In- farm Mr. Levring has greatly
improved his place, building a good barn and a silo set on a six-foot con-
crete foundation. Andrew Levring follows lus vocation as a general farmer
and also engages in the dairj business, he keeping on his farm ten first-class
cows, together with other cattle, making a herd of seventeen head of cattle.
Andrew Levring, in addition In Ins own holdings, rents adjoining land to
the acreage of one hundred and sixty acres on which he engage- extensively
in the raising of corn, oats and wheat
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ?(<J
On December 31, [908, Andrew Levring and Anna Stene were married,
she being a native of Nidaros township, and the daughter of Ole E. and
Caroline Stene. Ole E. Stene was one of the pioneer settlers of the locality,
having come from Vardalen, Norway, to Nidaros township, where he bought
one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived until his death on
October 28, 1908. Caroline, the wife of Ole Stene, survives her husband
and is now a resident of the town of Vining. To the marriage of Andrew
and Anna Stene were born two children. Mercedes, who was born on Decem-
ber 5, iqii, ami Orrin, who was burn on February 20, 1914.
Andrew Levring and wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church at Vining, where they take an active part in the work' and worship
of that church. In politics. Mr. Levring is an ardent Republican.
Andrew Levring has not been an occupant of the local political offices,
preferring rather to serve his place well and conscientiously, in the ranks of
his party and as one of the true citizens in the country of his adoption. Mr.
Levring has been active in all matters for community advancement and has
given liberally of his time for the advance of those things having as an
object the betterment of the county and the township.
ARTHUR W. NELSON.
The subject of the following sketch was born and has spent his entire
life in Parkers Prairie township, where he has become a potent factor in the
business progress, handling a full line of the most approved agricultural
implements, and doing a prosperous business, all of which is the result of
his upright dealings and affable manner in the treatment of his many cus-
tomers.
Arthur W. Nelson, implement merchant, Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail
county, was born on October [6, [876, in Parkers Prairie township, and is
a son of Carl G. and Christina Nelson. He was educated at the public
schools of Parkers Prairie, and as a young man followed farming on the
old homestead in partnership with his brother, Alec, for about ten years.
In 1908, he went into the general farm implement business for himself,
which he still follows, doing a remunerative business, in addition to which
lie owns a forty-acre farm on the outskirts of the village, where lie now
resides. Politically, Mr. Nelson is an independent voter, and in religion
he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church.
Carl G. and Christina Nelson were both born in Sweden, where they
followed farming, coming to America about 1861. making their first resi-
dence in Washington county, Minnesota, ami locating later at Parker's
Prairie, Otter Tail comity. .Minnesota, in 1S70. Here they took up a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, where Mr. Nelson followed agriculture
568 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
for the remainder of his active life. During the latter part of his life he
spent three years in Florida and Kansas. He was one of the hard-struggling
pioneers, and was always a public-spirited man. Carl G. and Christina Nel-
son were the parents of seven children: Peter, John, Ida and Cronnett, all
deceased: and Alexander. Edward and Arthur W. Mr. Nelson was a mem-
ber of the Swedish Lutheran church at Parkers Prairie, of which he was one
of the builders.
Arthur W. Nelson was united in marriage on December 22, 1903, with
Mabel Hawkinson, daughter of John Hawkinson, whose life history is pre-
sented elsewhere in this volume. One child has been born to this marriage.
Everett Nelson.
Air. Nelson is one of the public-spirited young men of the community,
and has earned the high regard in which be is held by all who know him.
CHARLES MANSKE.
The biography of almost every person is interesting and instructive, but
particularly interesting is that narration of a life which reveals a struggle
for existence, the overcoming of the hardships incident to a pioneer home,
the struggle from a mediocre position to one of prominence, or the adapting
of one"s self to conditions in a new country, where faces are strange, where
customs are different and where language is unintelligible. The story of the
life of Charles Manske, a farmer of Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, falls in that class of biography which entertains as well
as instructs, for its subject braved, with bis parents, the long voyage across
the Atlantic and adapted himself to the new conditions in a new land.
Especially is the story of Charles Manske interesting, because, in spite of the
hindrances and trials, he has commanded success and at the same time holds
the respect and admiration of his many friends.
Charles Manske was born on April 20, 1869, in Germany, the son of
Ludwig and Minnie ( Ladwig) Manske, both natives of Germany, the former
born on November 4. [838, and the latter on January 1. [835. Ludwig
Manske was educated in the common schools of his native land, and later
learned the distiller's trade, at which trade he worked until he came to
America. 111 the spring of [882. Upon bis arrival in America, he emigrated
to Minnesota and located on the border line between Otter Tail and Wilkin
counties, in the township of Andrea. He homesteaded one hundred and
sixt) acre- in that township and lived upon bis possessions until 1S07, when
lie -.1,1 his farm to bis son. Charles. After selling the land, lie moved to
Fergus Falls.
fcudwig Manske bad about -ne thousand dollars when be landed in
MR. AMI MRS. CHARLES MAXSJ
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 569
America, but business conditions being in a depressed state and reacting
unfavorably on the farmer, the one thousand dollars quickly was gone and
the family found themselves in critical circumstances. Conditions became
more and more depressed and. finally, Mr. Manske was forced to leave his
wife and children and to seek employment wherever it could be found. He
contracted as a teamster, but the contract was broken and Mr. Manske was
unremunerated for his services. In the meantime his wife and children,
whom he had been forced to leave in the wilderness, were penniless ami
struggling- bravely and hard to gel enough to eat. At last, however, brighter
times came and the silver lining of the darkened cloud displayed itself. .Mr.
and Mrs. Ludwig Manske lived to attain ripe old ages, the former passing
away on August 12, 1912, and the latter still living at an advanced age.
To Ludwig and Minnie (Ladwig) Manske were horn three children.
Paul H.. Anna M. and Charles, the subject of this sketch. Paul H. was
educated in Germany. Accompanying his parents to America, he learned
several languages until he was aisle to speak seven different tongues. He
was possessed of keen business ability and. pursuing his, natural bent, emi-
grated to Oregon and engaged in business with his father. lie went to
Oregon in March, [888, hut was taken sick with typhoid fever and suc-
cumbed to the dreaded disease on August 3, 1888. His remains were buried
at Portland, Oregon. Anna M. married G. F. Bureau, and lives at Under-
wood, and for a time, when a girl, she was employed in the home of Mr.
Mason, the editor of this history.
Charles Manske was educated in the common schools of Germany and.
upon arriving in America, pursued his schooling for six months longer in
Wilkin county, Minnesota, lie early assisted his father on the farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, which had been homesteaded, and in 1897 bought
the holding from his father. He farmed in Wilkin county until 1904, at
which time he sold the land, lie then bought a farm in Fergus Falls town-
ship, Otter Tail county, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. After
purchasing the farm in Fergus Falls township, he began to improve it and
has continued the process of improvement until he now has a highly-
improved farm. He has a substantial home, which he built in 1905, besides
a commodious barn and silo, which he later erected. Mr. Manske engages
in general farming and stock raising, keeping a high grade of stock. lie
specializes m Shorthorn cattle and maintains a dairy.
On June 20, 1895, Charles Manske was married to Lena Trenne, a
daughter of Fritz and Charlotte (Graeschke) Trenne, both of whom are
natives of Germany, tin- former horn on June 27, 1841. and the latter on
November 6. 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Trenne were married in Germany on
April 1 1. 1 872. and. immediately after their marriage, emigrated to America,
570 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
locating in Oscar township, Otter Tail county, Fritz Trenne bought a farm
of one hundred and sixty aero, and added to this one hundred and sixty
acres, until he owned an enure section. hike other emigrants to a new
country, Air. and Airs.' Trenne endured many hardships, but were liberally
repaid by their subsequent success. In 1908 Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Trenne
retired from active farming and moved to Fergus Falls. Mrs. Manske's
father spent the last few years of his life as an invalid, having been afflicted
with rheumatism. He passed away on October 22, 1913. Mrs. Fritz Trenne
survives her husband, and. at the present time is living with her two daugh-
ters in a pleasant little heme in Fergus Falls. She here her husband the
following children: Paul, Lena. William, Eliza, August, Otelia, who died
at the age of twenty-six, leaving two children; Emily, Martin, who died at
the age of nineteen; Frances, Minnie, and Malvina.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Manske have been horn four children: Paul
FT., born on April 30, 1896; Frederick William, who died in infancy; Flsie
!•'.. horn on December 15, [899. and Wilnia R., born on August 12, [911.
.Mr. and Mrs. Manske are members of the German Lutheran church
and take a lively interest in the affairs of the church. Mr. Manske is a
Democrat. Those who come into contact with Mr. Manske know him as an
honorable, progressive and intelligent farmer, a man interested in the affairs
of his community and a man who commands the confidence and respect of
his fellow citizens.
HERMAN A. PROEHL, D. D. S.
I )r. Herman A. Proehl is one of the enterprising young professional
men of Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who have been inter-
ested in the progress of their community. He was born in Effington town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on August 29, [884. He is one of ten
children born to Caston and Wilhelmina (Grosnick) Proehl, natives of Han-
over, Germany, and Pommern, Germany, respectively. Caston Proehl was
born nil December 3, [840, and is the son of Johan Henry and Elizabeth
(Kostenl Proehl, both natives of Hanover. Elizabeth (Kosten) Proehl
died in her native land, and soon afterward her husband immigrated to
America and joined his only surviving child. Caston, who had preceded
him. He arrived in this country in [868 and immediately settled on one
hundred and sixty acres of government land that had not yet been surveyed.
and both son and father were residents of their land for three wars before
they received a clear title to the same. Their farms adjoined on the south
and the father died before his iWc^l to the propert) was received and Caston
Henry Proehl had to prove up "as heir."
Caston Henrv Proehl immigrated to America in [867, locating in St.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ^71
Paul for two years and then removing to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
where his land was purchased and where he has since remained. He owns
two hundred acres of land, but has been retired from active operations for
some years. lie was married to Wilhelmina Grosnick in 1869. She is
the daughter of Johan Grosnick, who immigrated to America in [864, and
is one of six children born to his union: Alary, Fritz, Carl, Augusta, Wil-
helmina and Hannah. To the union of Caston Henry I'roehl and his wife
were horn these children: Carl, Ida, Henry, Bertha, Frederick, Mary, Min-
nie, William, Ella and Herman A. Caston Henry Proehl has served in the
capacity of township supervisor for fifteen years, having been appointed to
that office during the first year of the organization of Effington township.
Herman A. Proehl received his preliminary education in the common
schools of Effington township and later became a student in the Southern
.Minnesota Normal School, located at Austin, Minnesota. He also attended
St. Paul's College, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1907 entered the Chicago
College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated in 1910. The
first year of his practice was spent in Bucharest, Roumania, but he returned
to Minneapolis. Minnesota, in [912, and remained there for one year. In
1013 he removed to Parkers Prairie, where he has established a permanent
business.
1 in April 20. 1913, Dr. Herman A. Proehl was united in marriage to
Catherine Hazen and they are the parents of one child, Carman S. Fra-
ternally. Herman A. Proehl is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and is also a member of the Minnesota State Dental Society and of
the National Dental Societv.
li >TI\" A. HAWKINS* >N.
John A. Hawkinson was burn on May 11. [853, in Sweden, the son
of Gustav and Johanna (Jonason) Hawkinson, both natives of Sweden.
The paternal grandfather of John A. Hawkinson. was Hokan Larson, who
lived all his life 111 Sweden and died in that country, lie engaged in tailor-
ing during the early part of his life, but in the later part followed farming.
The maternal grandfather of John A. Hawkinson was also a native of
Sweden and remained in that country all his life. He was engaged in farm-
ing until his death.
Gustav Hawkinson, father of John \. Plawkinson. was married twice
and his first wife, mother of John A., lived and died in her native land
Following her death, Custa\ Hawkinson married Carolina Jonason, her
sister, and immigrated to America in [869. To his first union were born
three s.ms and to bis second union seven sons, there being no (laughters born
-,JJ OTTER "I All. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of either marriage. His first wife died in April, 1864. After his arrival in
America he located in Franconia township, Chisago county, Minnesota,
where he purchased one hundred and ten acres of land, later increasing his
holdings to two hundred and thirty acres. He was born in September. [826,
and his death occurred in February, [902. The names of his children fol-
low: John A., Charles, \ltred, David, Frank, Joseph. Samuel, fsrael, Jacob
and Theodore. Moth Gustav and Johanna Eiawkinson were member'- of the
Swedish Lutheran church.
[ohn A. Hawkinson was educated in the common schools of bis native
land and he attended, for a short time, the district schools of Franconia
township, Chisago county, .Minnesota, where bis father had made a perman-
ent home. In 1874, at the aye of twenty-one years, he began independent
operations in the agricultural line by investing in a homestead located in sec-
tion s, just two and one-half miles northwest of the village of Parkers
Prairie, and this land was cultivated until 1913. The homestead was pur-
chased of Jason Newel. As soon as he was established in Minnesota he
became a dominant factor in the affairs of the township in which he resided
and the first office bestowed upon him was so efficiently tilled that he was
elected to other offices of trust ami be has held every office in the township.
Besides his other duties, he was appointed postmaster and served in this
capacity until 1895. having been appointed to the office in December, 1889.
He continued to reside on the farm until 1896 but finding that be could
render better service to his fellow citizens by a residence in town, he removed
to Parkers Prairie, where be was again appointed to serve as postmaster. 111
iQO.5-
In 187(1 |ohn A. Hawkinson was united in marriage to Judith Nelson.
daughter of Andrew P. Nelson, a native of Sweden, whose wife, Jobannah
( '. Nelson, was also a native of Sweden. Judith Nelson was born in i860,
in Chisago county, Minnesota. To the union of John A. and Judith Hawk-
inson have "been born nine children: Mabel, Mary. W'infred, Adela. Alvina,
Elred, Constance, Ruth and Rudolph. While engaged in agricultural pur-
suits |ohn A. Hawkinson was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of
land, two hundred acres of this being under cultivation. The products of
the farm consisted in grain and the raising and breeding of purebred Short-
horn cattle. Poland China hogs and Norman horses. The building which
was used for the former -tore was razed after his business increased beyond
the capacity of the structure, and in [904 the present store of brick was
erected. fohn A. Hawkinson occupies a place of high regard in the hearts
of his many friends and acquaintances, and that he is worthy of this respeel
1- evidenced by the manv positions of confidence, which have been tokens of
honor and love.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 573
STEVE L. PERKINS.
The name of Steve L. Perkins is mentioned with respect and admira-
tion as one who has worked for the furtherance of all matters pertaining
to the betterment of community life, and his active service in this respect has
been of great benefit to his fellow citizens. He was born on February 25.
1875, in Parkers Prairie. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and is the son of
George W. and Mary E. (Hower) Perkins. George W. Perkins was the
son of Christopher Perkins, both natives of Maine.
The maternal grandparents of Steve L. Perkins were Levi and .Margaret
( Wool) Hower, both natives of Indiana, from which state they removed
in 1871 and located in St. ("loud, Minnesota, removing thence to Parkers
Prairie, where his death occurred. Margaret (Wool) Hower, widow of
Levi Hower, is still living and resides with her daughter, Mary E. (Hower)
Perkins, in Alexandria. Minnesota. Her husband was a veteran of the Civil
War, as was also George W. Perkins, who enlisted in the Fifteenth Regi-
ment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. George W. Perkins was promoted from
private to corporal ami was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Seek-
ing broader fields for his energy and ambition, he became the arbiter of his
destiny at the age of fifteen years, removing to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where
he worked and attended school for some time. He resided with an aunt
at Kimball Prairie until coming to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. They
bad no conveyance and he was compelled to transport their provisions of
flour, etc.. upon bis back, from Melrose. In 1871 he purchased a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, in Parkers Prairie township, which
be cultivated until three years before his death. He removed to the town
of Parkers Prairie where he retired and where his death occurred. He
served as count)' supervisor and school clerk for a number of years. His
religious affiliations were with the Baptist church, which denomination
received his earnest and active support. He was also a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic. He was the father of two children, namely. Will-
iam U. and Steve 1 ..
Steve L. Perkins received bis education in the public schools of Parkers
Prairie. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and also attended Sauk Center busi-
ness college, where he graduated from the bookkeeping department, immedi-
atelv entering the general mercantile business with his brother-in-law, M. W.
A. Murray, in Parkers Prairie. He was later engaged with the Piano Har-
vester Company as salesman and collector for a period of three years, later
engaging with the Hennepin Lumber Company, in Clarissa, Minnesota. In
i()o_> be connected with the Dower Lumber Company; of Parkers Prairie.
Minnesota, as manager of the business.
On [anuary ;. [QOO, Steve L. Perkins was united in marriage to Jennie
574
Ml ml XI V, M1XXKSOTA.
Mnrra\ ami to this union have been born three children: Clarence, Louise
and Russell.
In connection with his other interests Steve L. Perkins is the owner of
a two-hundred-acre farm adjoining Parkers Prairie, on which he specializes
in the breeding of Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs. He has served,
at various tunes, as a member of the village council and holds fraternal
affiliations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. .Modern Woodmen
of America, and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Ilis religious affilia-
tions are with the Baptist church, of which denomination he is a supporter.
That he is progressive along business and civil lines, is plainly to be seen
■and the sincere regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens is but a
fitting tribute to his unselfish interests in their behalf.
LEEMAN LOOP.
l.eeman Loop, retired farmer and well-known man of Dent, Edna town-
ship. ( >tter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in St. Lawrence county. New
York, September _»_>, [S40. the son of Van Rensler and Clarissa (Callester)
Loop, both of whom were natives of St. Lawrence county. Van Rensler
Loop, who was the son of David Loop and wife, natives of Germany, who
came to America and settled in St Lawrence county, received his education
m the schools of his native county, after which he learned the blacksmith's
trade, following this work, together with that of a locksmith, for some
years and then he became a farmer 011 three hundred acres of land in St.
Lawrence county, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days.
Wan Rensler and 1 "larissa Loop were the parents of nine children: Spellman.
l.eeman, Stillman, Delilah. Sarah, Almond, Henry, Leighman and Isabel.
Van Rensler Loop was a prominent man of his community, serving in vari-
ous school offices and as justice of the peace.
Leeman Loop was educated in the schools of St. Lawrence county, after
which he enlisted on August 11. 1862, for service in the Civil War with
Company K, One Hundred 'and Sixth Regiment. New York Volunteer
Infantry, a command with which he served until the end of the war, during
that time having main- narrow escapes from death. Air. Loop was twice
wounded while engaged in battle. lie had a part in the siege of Peters-
burg and was present at the surrender of General Lee. Following his dis-
charge from military service, on July 14, 1865, at Ogdensburg, New York,
Leeman Loop moved to the town of Le Roy, Mower county, Minnesota.
near where he was employed as a farm helper for some years and then he
learned the stone-mason's trade which he followed for a number of years
( >u October 8. iN-S. Leeman Loop went to Star Lake and homesteaded
eiglrh acres of laud, which he cleared and improved with a good house and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 575
where he lived until 1913. when he sold his place to his son, Lucian Loop.
Since taking possession of his original land, he added seventy-seven acres.
Mr. Loop now lives a retired life at Dent, Minnesota.
In the month of January, 1867, Leenian Loop was married to Lucinda
S. Monson, a native of the state of Wisconsin, and to this marriage were
horn the following children : Miles A., who lives near Campbell, Minne-
sota; Clara, who is now Mrs. 1'ehl, of near Campbell; William, who met a
tragic death in a railway accident : Duard, who was drowned in Dead Lake,
and Lucian, who now cultivates the home farm.
Leeman Loop has Idled an important place in the public and official life
of Star Lake township, having served as a supervisor, as a member of the
school board and as a constable. In politics, Mr. Loop is a Republican.
THORBJORN 11. KVILEKVAL.
The late Thorbjorn 11. Kvilekval, who was a prosperous farmer of
( )tter Tad county, Minnesota, was connected with a distinguished Nor-
wegian family, llis sister was the mother of the Hon. Knut Nelson,
United States senator from Minnesota. The late Thorbjorn H. Kvilekval,
died on April 26, 100(1, after having lived a most active and interesting life
in the country of his adoption.
Thorbjorn fi. Kvilekval was born in Voss, Norway, December 6, 1825,
and was the son of Haldor and I'.rita Kvilekval. The parents never came
to America. Mr. Kvilekval's father was a farmer and, by his marriage to
I'.rita Kvilekval, had two sons and three daughters.
Thorbjorn H. Kvilekval was educated in the public schools of Nor-
way and reared on a farm. In 1K70 he was married and, two years later,
came to America by steamship. He first settled in Chicago, where he lived
for two years, until 1874, when he came to Otter Tail county, purchasing
a farm of one hundred and sixtv acres in Clitherall township. Although
there was a log house standing on the farm and in use at the time, the soil
had never been cultivated and was principally made up of wild land. About
twenty acres of the land, however, had been cleared. Mr. Kvilekval began
immediatelv to clear the land and to this end used a yoke of oxen. About
IQOO he built his present home, which is a commodious and comfortable
farm residence.
()n June 26, 1870. two years before coming to America, the late
Thorbjorn II. Kvilekval was married to Brita Nilson Stene, a native of
Norway and the daughter of Nils Herlangson. Mrs. Kvilekval'- parents
-pent their entire lives in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Kvilekval had no chil-
dren. She is still living on the old home farm and is a mosl interesting,
cultured and refined lady. She is a member of the Clitherall village I. nth-
(ITTKR TAIL foTNTY, M I.N N KSOTA.
eran church, as was also her husband. Mr. Kvilekval was an ardent Repub-
lican, but was never an aspirant for office and was newer particularly active
in political affairs.
WILLIAM A. WOODHALL.
William A. Woodhall, farmer and horseman, of Buse township, I ftter
Tail county. Minnesota, is a native of Canada, born at Ailsa Craig, province
of Ontario, on December i >.. [864, eldest son of John and Jane (Johnson)
W lhall. the former horn in England and the latter in Canada.
John Woodhall was horn on March 4, [838, son <>i Ambrose and Eliza-
beth (Sewell) Woodhall, natives of Cornwall, England, and as a hoy was
brought to Canada by his parents some time early in the forties. They
lived for a time near Ottawa and later moved to Ailsa Craig, in Middlesex
county. Ambrose Woodhall was a stone and brick mason by trade and so
thorough ami painstaking was his work that there are still standing in that
pari of Ontario in which he lived many houses erected by his hand. lie
turned to farming in later life, but continued to work more or less at his
trade. Both he and his wife died and are buried at Ailsa Craig. They
were the parents of ten children, of whom the first five or six were born in
England and the others in America, but most of the members of that family
are now- dead. Both Ambrose Woodhall and his wife were devout members
.if tin- Church of England.
Jane (Johnson) Woodhall. mother of the subject of this sketch, was a
daughter of John I), and Jane ( Dunn ) Johnson and was born at Ailsa
Craig, province of Ontario, Canada, on April 1. 1843. Her parents were
born in Glasgow. Scotland, and upon coming to America, settled in Canada
at the point above mentioned. Her parents were strict Scotch Presbyterians
and the father was a weaver by trade, although after locating in Canada he
gave his entire time to farming. Both passed their closing days at Ailsa
< xaig, and lie buried there. There were eight children in their family, six
of whom are still living.
Mr. Woodhall's parent- grew up at ^.ilso Craig and were married, living
there for one year thereafter, engaged in farming. In 18(15 they came to
the states and located in Wisconsin, where they remained but a year, and in
[866 homesteaded a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Watonwan
county, Minnesota. The) returned to friends in Wisconsin for the winter,
ami in the spring id [867 came ami took possession of their laud. This was
mostly prairie land, and John Woodhall set about breaking it for cultivation
and making other improvements, lie was progressing nicely with his under-
taking when the pesl of grasshoppers of 1S7J arrived ami completely
destroyed ever) growing thing on his farm. Disheartened, he returned to
WILLIAM A.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 577
Canada, where he remained for a year and a half, having disposed of his
land. However, he returned to Watonwan county and purchased another
farm, where lie lived for three or four years. That farm he also sold ami
bought a place in Blue Earth county, this state, where he lived from 1881
to 1910, when he sold his farm interests and took up his residence in Madelia,
this state, where he and his wife are still living in quiet retirement after the
strenuous years spent in acquiring a competency. John Woodhall, for many
years, took an active interest in local politics. His sympathies were with the
I (emocratic party and at his home in Blue Earth county he at different times
tilled the various township offices and was also county commissioner. Mrs.
Woodhall has for many years been a devout member of the Presbyterian
church and a most exemplary woman in every respect.
William A. Woodhall is one of a family of eight children, the others
being John, a stationary engineer for a mining company in California; Isa-
belle, single and with the parents; Mary, wife of Thomas Thompson, of
Mankato. this state: Elizabeth, wife of Oliver Ashley, and residing at
Madelia, this state: Ambrose, a carpenter, living at Grand Forks, this state,
whose wife was Clara Nobles; Charles, dealer in hardware and automobiles
at Waldorf, this state, and Myron E., a graduate of Valparaiso law school,
and residing on a farm near Mankato.
William A. Woodhall received his education in the common schools
near his home, later attending the IVIapleton high school and early in life
chose farming as his vocation. For ten years he operated his father-in-
law's farm in Blue Earth county, this farm containing six hundred and forty
acres of excellent land. Then for a time he lived near Madelia, this state,
where he engaged in farming and stock feeding. On April 16, 1913, Mr.
Woodhall came to Otter Tail county and purchased two hundred and eighty
acres in Fergus Falls township, adjoining the grounds of the state insane
hospital. On that farm Mr. Woodhall lived until December, 1913, when
he came to Buse township and purchased his present farm of three hundred
.nid twenty acres.
Mr. Woodhall has for many years been interested in tine horses and for
several years has been breeding standard-bred American trotting horses. He
has nine head in his stables, of which eight are mares. In 1012 Mr. Wood-
hall made a circuit of the state fairs of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, as
well as at Milwaukee and at the latter point he made a record with "Zantee
VtcGregor" of _>-t_".|. winning first money. That year he won six races.
losing onh "lie heat. In early life Mr. Woodhall endorsed the principles
of the Democratic partv and took an active part in various debating s. icieties.
lie finally became a Populist and is today an independent voter. While
(37b)
5j8 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
always interested in political matters, Mr. Woodhall has never aspired to
public office. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, being one of the prominent members
of both orders.
William A. Woodhall was married on November 14. 1892, to llettic
Ashley, born in Beaver Dam county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Oliver
and Mary (Harris) Ashley. < (liver Ashley was a prominent politician and
for several terms was a member of the Wisconsin state Legislature. He
also conducted extensive nurseries and at one time was prominently engaged
in the mercantile business at Beaver Dam. His beautiful country home was
located just on the edge of Beaver Dam and there the family lived for many
years. Mr. Ashley was a native of the state of New York, born of English
parentage and came from old fighting stock, I lis ancestors in this country
were veterans of the Revolutionary war and at the original home in Eng-
land, various forbears had won renown on the battlefield. Mr. Ashley was
in his day prominent in military circles and was an enrolling officer in Wis-
consin during' the Civil War. He was held in high esteem by both constitu-
ents and personal friends and was eminently worthy of such regard. His
death occurred at Madelia, this state, where his widow still resides.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodhall have a family of four children, as follow:
Kenneth. James and Katherine Tsabelle. all at home, while Fordyce, the
youngest of the family, died at the age of two and one-half years. As one
of the leading citizens of Otter Tail county, Mr. Woodhall is eminently
entitled to special mention in a volume of the character of the one in hand.
Mrs. Woodhall is eligible to membership in the Daughters of the American
Revolution from both sides.
BERNPTARD STANGENES.
Bernhard Stangenes has been a dominant factor in the progress ol
Candor township-, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and has earnestly worked
for the advancement of his community. He is the son of Peter and Caroline
(Korsand) Stangenes and his birth occurred on February 17, 1^74. in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. His paternal grandfather was Botolf Stangenes.
who lived near Molda, Norway, and died in that place.
Peter Stangenes was a native of Norway and his birth occurred on
fanuarj 1. [847. lie grew to maturity and was married in that country.
I lis wife. Caroline 1 Korsand) Stangenes. was a native of Norway and was
horn in [848. \fter their marriage they immigrated to America, arriving
in [872, and liiev almosl immediately located in Minneapolis. Minnesota,
where Mr. Stangenes worked in the pine woods of that section. For two
years he was a member of the North Star Cooperage Company, of Minne-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 579
apolis, but in 1878 lie removed to Lac qui Parle county, Minnesota, and pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land, in Arena township, on which he
remained until 1903. He and his wife were members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church and were the parents of three children: Bernhard, Elise,
who is the wife of S. A. Stromme, of Lanesboro, Minnesota, and Alfred,
who is engaged in the grocery business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Caro-
line i Korsand ) Stangenes died in 1882, and her husband then married Anna
Buck, and to this union two children were born: Beate, who married Henry
Skalrud and is living at Minneapolis, and Paul, who is engaged in the
grocery business in Minneapolis. The father of these children is a Repub-
lican in politics.
Bernhard Stangenes was reared on his father's farm and received his
education in the public schools of Lac qui Parle county. Minnesota. He
remained at home until nearly thirty years of age, assisting with the work on
the farm. In 1904 he removed to Vergas, Otter Tail county. Minnesota,
and opened the first hardware store in the town. The original building was
very small, but the present store is twenty-four by eighty feet in dimensions.
In 191] a partnership was formed with Peter Meyer and the firm is known
as Stangenes & Meyer. In 0)04 Bernhard Stangenes was appointed as post-
master ..f Vergas and has continued in that capacity until the present time.
For eight vears he represented the Wilcox Lumber Company, of Vergas,
and has served as a member of the school board, for the last eight years.
He acted as village treasurer for several years.
On April 16, 1904, Bernhard Stangenes was united in marriage to Ida
Herting and they are the parents of six children, whose names follow:
Alfred. Wilhelmina, Edna. Dorothy, Eleanor and Harold. Both husband
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Ida ( Herting 1
Stangenes is a native of Carver county and a daughter of Henry Herting.
an old settler of Dunn township.
l.oriS DePOCHEE.
A farmer who has made a thorough success of his agricultural life, one
who not only has had an important pari in the development of the resources
of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, but a citizen who in the public life of the
community has taken a conspicuous pari as an office holder and director .if
public movement, as well as being a man who because of the nature of In-
life lias won a host of friends, Louis DePochee, the subject of tins sketch,
is a man a review of whose life is worthy of record in this volume.
Louis DePochee was born near Montreal. Canada, on 1 (ctoher 1 2, (841,
the son of Louis DePochee and wife, both of whom were born in Canada,
5&0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
where they spent their entire lives, Louis DePochee, Sr., being a farmer in
his native country.
Louis DePochee, who was one of five children, received his education in
the common schools of Canada, after which he went, in the year 1861, to the
state of Ohio, where about one year later he enlisted for service in the Fed-
eral army, with the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, serving in Company C of this regiment for two years, his
duty during this time being as a member of the guard force used at the army
prison on Johnson's Island, across the bay from Sandusky, Ohio. During
the year 1865, following the Civil War, he went to the state of Wisconsin,
there being employed as a lumberman for about five years, after which he
came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded one hundred
and thirty-six acres of land located in Lida township, a farm which he
improved with the first house built in Lida township, one made of sod and
logs, this primitive house serving as a home for this pioneer farmer until,
at a later time, he erected a modern home, in which he now lives, as a gen-
eral farmer and stock raiser.
During the year 1877, Louis DePochee was married to Mary Cole, who
was born at Troy, New York, the daughter of Levi Cole and wife, people
who moved from their New York state home and settled in Pelican township,
of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in the year 1871. To the marriage of
Louis and Mary DePochee was born one son. Ross, who lives on the home
place with his father, this son having been born on August 2, 1878, and fol-
lowing bis education in the country schools of Lida township, Otter Tail
county, he became a farmer working in connection with his father. In the
year 1908 Ross DePochee was married to Fern Prawning, who was born
at Union City, Pennsylvania, and to this marriage have been born three
daughters, Blanche, Mary Lois and Donecta. During the year 1906 he
homesteaded eighty acres of land near Roosevelt. Minnesota, being the first
man to locate across the divide in that region. This enterprising farmer
lias now "proved" on this claim, which he cares for in addition to the farm
on which he makes his home in Lida township, of Otter Tail county.
In fraternal circles Louis DePochee is well known, being a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America lodge at Pelican Rapids, a- well as l>eing
a man who is interested and willing to aid in the work of all organizations
where he can serve to the advantage of the community. Louis DePochee,
his son, Ross, and the families of these men are among the most highly
respected and esteemed people of the neighborhood and community, they
being known as people whose part in (he development of the activities and
life of the township has been notable and of great good in the efforts for
the advancement id' Lida township among the other townships of the county.
OTTER 1A1I, COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 581
ISAAC K. MAKI.
Isaac K. Maki was born in Finland, May 26, 1876, the son of John and
Lydia t Ruhomaki) Maki, who were also born in Finland, both in the year
184(1. John Maki was a fanner and landowner in his native land, where he
grew to maturity and was married. In the year 1882, with his family pro-
vided for, he came to America alone, where he lived for five years and then
sent for his family, who joined him in Otter Tail county. On reaching
America John Maki went to the state of Wyoming where he worked for
some years as a coal miner and then, in the year 1887, he came to Otter Tail
count v, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, and
where he bought forty acres of land in Newton township, a place where he
has since lived, he now being sixty-nine years of age. Lydia Maki died
about the year 1910. John Maki has taken a prominent place in the life of
Newton township, serving as .supervisor for about nine years. John Maki
was married, secondly, to Mrs. Susie Hemminki, who is now living.
To the marriage of John and Lydia Maki were born the following children:
Mary, who died in Finland at the age of fourteen years; John, who con-
ducts a merchant's warehouse at Hibbing, Minnesota; Sophia, who married
Oscar Ray, a .,groceryman of Hibbing. Minnesota: Isaac, the subject of this
sketch ; Susie, who married Mike Salmien, a partner in business with John
Maki, |r.. of Hibbing, Minnesota: Lizzie, who married Ole Norman and
lives at Superior, Wisconsin; Nicolai and Gustav, twins, who died in infancy;
Custav. a groceryman of Hill City, Minnesota; Matthew, who lives on the
home farm, and Mary, who lives at Hibbing, Minnesota.
Isaac Maki was denied the privilege of attending school except for a
short time in the schools of Finland, and for three weeks study in the schools
of Otter Tail county. When about nineteen years of age, having helped his
father on the farm, Isaac Maki worked in Wisconsin on a railroad. He
worked at odd jobs for some time. After his marriage he followed the
carpenter's trade for about five years and then took up a position in the
Bay & Maki store, a firm of which he was a partner, portion of the time
serving as manager. During his business days Mr. Maki lived on a farm of
one hundred and twenty acres which he owned near the town of New York
Mills, a place where he now lues and a place where, in connection with his
mercantile business, he pursues general farming. In addition to his regular
liusiiH-s Isaac Maki has for the past several months served in his usua.
efficient manner, as manager of the New York Mills Co-operative Company,
a concern dealing in general merchandise and employing about five people
Following nine months service with the Fifteenth Regiment. Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry, in the Spanish-American War. Isaac Maki was married,
during the year 1899, to Mary Sophia Maki, who was horn in Finland, the
582 OTTER TAIL CnlXTV, MINNESOTA.
daughter of Matthew Alaki and wife, who were born in Finland and at an
early date came to America and settled in Newton township. Otter Tail
comity. Minnesota. To the marriage of Isaac and Alary Alaki were horn
seven children, Ida. Wilfred, Sylvia. Lily. Aili. and Viola and Linda, who
died ill infancy.
Isaac K. Alaki has served the public of Newton township as treasurer
of the school hoard for three years, and in the Finnish Lutheran church, of
which he is a member, he has been secretary and treasurer for some years.
In politics Isaac Alaki is of the Prohibition party.
Isaac K. Alaki is well known in Newton .township and in Otter Tail
county for his public-spirited nature and for his willingness to give of his
unu and efforts for the good of the community. He and his wife are among
those people who are highly respected and who have a host of friends in
the locality.
JOHN H. KREKELBF/RG
John II. Krekelberg, postmaster of Dent, is among the prominent
citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and is of German parentage, his
parents having lived and died in that country. He was born on August 21,
1854, in Germany, and is the son of Jacob Krekelberg. Upon the completion
of his education, which was received in the schools of his native land, he
served in the German army for six months and also learned the trade oi
beer-brewing. He immigrated to America in 1874, arrived in Xew York
on December 6, and immediately removed to Carver county, ' Minnesota,
where he rented a farm of his uncle and began to cultivate the soil.
In 1875 John H. Krekelberg was united in marriage to Anna Wellens,
a native id" Germany, and to them were horn these children: Lissie. who
is the wile of George Alstadt, of Perham township; Henry, a farmer, who
manages his father's farm in Eden township; Mary, the wife of Charles
Lovedahl, lives near the town of Dent; Frank lives in Lent and operates the
Park hotel, which is owned by his father; Balz died when a child of seven
vears, in 1 Sc > 7 ; Anna died in 1909; Katherine is the wife of Fred Robinson
and their home is 111 Bojou, Minnesota: John is located in Brainerd where
he has a realty business; Othel, who is a graduate nurse and follows her
profession in Brainerd, was graduated from a hospital in St. Paul. Minne-
sota, in the spring of [915; Joseph is a telegraph operator in Bobelles, North
Dakota.
In [880 John II. Krekelberg removed to Dora township, titter fail
county, Minnesota, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved
land under the homestead law. and soon erected a house and barn and made
other necessary improvements. The following year, he purchased some land
OTTER FAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 583
in Edna township where the- town of Dent now stands, lie added to the
original property until he hail two hundred and sixty-eight acres and this
was cultivated under his direct management until the Soo Line railroad was
limit, in 1903. He then erected the Park hotel at Dent, and operated same
until 1910, at which time he built his present home and retired. His first
wife died in [910 and on March 7. 1:911, he married Anna Schwaebe who
is a member of the Catholic church. For eleven years John H. Krekelberg
served as township clerk of Edna. He is now serving his third year as
mayor of Dent. Prom 1S07 urm' l9°3 he occupied the position of post-
master of Dent, ainl is filling that position at this time.
CARL A. BERGQUIST.
Carl A. Bergquist is one of those who have aimed at perfection in
their chosen line of endeavor and have fallen not far short of their stand-
ard of efficiency. He is one of eleven children born to the union of J. P.
Bergquist ami Carlina C. (Johnson) Bergquist, both natives of Sweden.
J. P. Bergi|iusl was a blacksmith and his birth occurred in 1829 and his
death in August, 1910. hi is wife died in her fifty-eighth year. Seven of
their children grew to maturity, three of whom immigrated to America.
The names of the seven children follow : Charlotta, Carl A., Emma G,
Victor, Hugo, Siegerd and John. Carl A., Emma C. and John came to the
I "nited States.
Carl A. Bergquist was born on October 6, i860, in Sweden, and com-
pleted his education in that country, following which he assisted his father
with the work in his blacksmith shop until he reached the age of twenty-
one years. He then opened a shop, which he operated independently, in
Sea Harbor. Beig Gvera, Sweden. This shop was operated for three years
and made a specialty of repairing vessels. The shop was sold and he immi-
grated to America in [884, locating in Alexandria, where he labored in the
simps for three months. He then removed to the old village of Parkers
Prairie, where he operated a blacksmith shop on an independent basis until
[892, at which tune a partnership with his brother was formed and has
continued to the present time. They were without funds and were poorly
equipped with tools, at the beginning of their business venture, and the
farmers paid their bills but once a year, making many difficulties to be
overcome. In [903 the old village was moved to its present site and the
blacksmith shop was also moved.
On December u, 1886, Carl V Bergquisl was married to Wilhelmina
C, Xelson, daughter of V 1'. Nelson, and they arc the parents of these
children: Elmer, Amba. Reno, Gertrude, Chester. Eba and Harlow. Carl
\. Bersouist and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.
584 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In his political affiliations he is allied with the Republican party. He owns
forty acres of land in Parkers Prairie township, which he rents.
John Bergquist was born on October 21, 1870, in Sweden, the son of
J. P. and Carlina C. (Johnson) Bergquist. He is a brother of Carl A.
Bergquist. He was educated in tbe schools of his native land and learned
the trade of blacksmith, under the tutelage of his father, which trade he
followed until his emigration to America, in 1890. During the lirst two
years of his residence in the United States he was employed by his brother.
Carl A., in the summers and attended school in the winter months. In
1892 a partnership was formed between the two, which has continued until
the present time. He has worked hard and owns sixty acres of land in
Douglas county. Minnesota, which he rents.
On Xovember 24. 1895 John Bergquist was married to Sara Peterson,
daughter of Andrew Peterson, and they are the parents of these children:
Phoebe, Ermagaurd, Ralph, Clef and Clair. The last named are twins.
John Bergquist and his wife are active members of the Swedish Lutheran
church.
WILLIAM WRIGHT
William Wright, of IUtse township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
known as one of the most progressive farmers of that section and having
more than a local reputation as a breeder of fine Holstein cattle, is a native
of England and comes from a long line of sires of the same name, each one
of whom in his day and for many generations back, was known as a maker
of scythes, sickles, etc., of most excellent quality. William Wright »,i-
born at Ipswich, county of Suffolk, on March 4. 1N50. a son of William
and Harriet (Pendell) Wright, being the eldest of their family. Subject's
father was the eldest son of William and Hannah (Taylor) Wright, of the
same county, their entire lives being passed in the place of their births. The
family had for generations lived in the same place, the original home of the
William Wrights being Tudnim, in Suffolk. Subject's father was the
youngest of a family of three children, the two elder being daughters. Of
these, Rachel married William Wilding and emigrated to America, settling
lirst in Canada and at a later date coming to Illinois, where both died.
Hannah, the other sister, married Theodore Hcadcraft. and they too came
to America, locating permanentl) at Dulusa. Canada. Mr. Wright's father,
when a youth, followed the family line and turned to blacksmithing and
kindred arts as his life work, to which he confined bis efforts mini about
si\t\ years of age. His wife having died some years previous ami various
members id his famil) being in this country, he too came to America and
located at Emington, Illinois, where the remainder of his life was spent
MK. AM) Ml
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 585
and where lit- lies buried. Mr. Wright hail married a second time, his
second wife being Cecelia Alee, who is still living, making her home in
Canada.
Harriet Pendell was a daughter of William and Hephzibah (Ettridge)
Pendell, also natives of Suffolk, in England, where they passed their entire
lives, Harriet being horn at Tannington. The Pendells were farmers and
there were eight children in the family, of whom Charles. William and
Edward died in England; John is still living in that country, a retired farmer.
As before stated, Harriet died in her native land, while Hephzibah, her twin
sister, came to the United States and died somewhere in the western portion
of the country. Emma and Anna, two younger sisters, went to Australia.
Mr. Wright's mother was a member of the Church of England and his father
held fraternal affiliation with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
also belonged to the blacksmiths' union. The elder Wright never took any
special interest in politics after coming to this country, hut in his native land
he was quite active in local political matters, being known as a strong Con-
servative.
William Wright is the eldest of a family of nine children. The others
are Harriet, wife of Charles Potts, still living in her native land; Agnes and
Elizabeth, both of whom died unmarried in England; Robert Edward died
in childhood; Walter, who came to this country, finished his days at Des
Moines. Iowa; Alfred is a farmer living near Williams, Hamilton county.
Iowa; Hannah is the wife of Charles Gillingham, living in Winnipeg, Can-
ada; Robert, another son, died in early childhood.
William Wright received his education in the public schools of Eng-
land, at Ipswich, his home and later was apprenticed to the machinist's trade,
which he followed until [873, when he came to America, and after a year,
during which time he visited different points, he located in Michigan, where
he found work at his trade and did well until the arrival of a panic, which
threw him out of work. He then went to Dwight, Illinois, and near that
city secured work on a farm, where he remained for two years. By that
time he had decided that he would make agricultural work his life vocation
and forsake the line his fathers had followed for so many years. He rented
a farm in Livingston county, Illinois, ami lived there until 1007 when he
came to Otter Tail county, this state, and purchased a farm of three hun-
dred and forty acres in Buse township, where he has since made his home.
Mr. Wright has a line home with all improvements and has recently added
a good silo. His place is well kept ami testifies to the abilit) of the owner.
Mr. Wright has a herd of some thirty head of his favorite Holsteins, which
he is keeping for breeding purposes. He also does a dairy business and was
one of tin- first to advocate the local creamery. He was one of its organ-
586 OTTEK TAIL CofXTV, MINNESOTA.
izers and was president for several years. Mr. Wright is now acting as
president of the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company of Fergus Falls,
and has in various ways given evidence of his interest in all that makes
for the progress of the commercial life of the community. A Republican
in politics, Mr. Wright has served as township supervisor three times and
has also taken an active interest in other ways. His fraternal affiliation is
held with the Modern Woodmen of America and in the work of that order
he takes considerable interest.
William Wright was married .m December 23, 1N75. to Betsey Collins,
a native of Medborne, England, and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Searcy) Collins. To this union were born five children. Harriet, the
eldest, is the wife of (laud Vaughn and lives near Underwood, Minnesota.
She is the mother of one child. William. Mary is the wife of Charles Pierce
and makes her home with Mr. Wright. She has three children, llattie,
George and Helen. George, the third child of the Wright family, died at
the age of sixteen years, while Frederick, the youngest, was killed at the
same age. Mr. Wright has one unmarried child at home, this is hi- -on.
Searcy.
Mr. Wright i- one of the representative men of his section and one of
the most progressive citizens. Honorable and upright in all his dealings
with his fellow men. lie is eminently entitled to the esteem in which he is
held.
THORSTEN S. MOKLEV.
Among the prosperous farmer- ami well-known popular citizens of
Clitherall township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Thorsten S. Moklev,
who was horn at Suledal. near Stavanger, Norway, August 2<), [868, and
who 1- tin- sun ,,)" Somjo Thorstenson Moklev and Kari Thorstensdatter
l.ah Helgenes
Mr. Moklev's paternal grandparents were Thorsten Somjoson Moklev
and Dorthea Levarsdatter Forland, who were horn at Suledal, Stavanger,
Norway, and who were married in Suledal. They spent their entire lives
in their native land, being farmers by occupation. They had only two chil-
dren, Somjo Thorstenson and Anna. The latter married Gabriel Falkelie,
and died in Norway. They had one son. Olai G Twedt, who lives in Dunn
countv, North Dakota, and another son, Jacob, who died in Norway.
Mr. Moklev's maternal grandparents were Thosten Thostenson I.ali and
Mallena Knutsdatter Helgenes, who came to America in [867 and settled in
the state of Illinois. After living there less than one year, with their sons,
Thorsten and Knut, and their daughter-. Martha and Malina. moved to
Otter Tail countv. Thosten Thostenson Lali settled on what i- now the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. :N~
1 laiis ( >lson place in Tordenskjold township, where he lived for aboul three
years. Subsequently, he homesteaded a farm which is now owned by
Christian L. Aloe, and there he lived for some years, or until 1881, when
he moved to the place now occupied by his son, Tosten, which he purchased.
There he died at an advanced age about [886. They had six children, four
daughters, Kari. i'.rita, .Martha and Malina; and two sons. Tosten and Knut.
Brita and Knut are deceased, the others are living in 1916.
Somjo Thorstenson Moklev was horn on September 10, 1835, at Suledal,
Stavanger, Norway, and Kari Thorstendatter Lali was horn on August 4.
1843. They were married in the spring of [867, and she remained in Nor-
way with her husband, while her parents, brothers and sisters came to
America. Somjo T. Moklev was at first connected with the fishing industry
for twenty winters. In the summer time, for twelve of these years, he
was employed in the woolen-mill operated by his father. For the next
eight years he was engaged in farming. In 1880, with his wife and two
children, he came to America, joining his wife's relatives in Tordenskjold
township. In June. [880, he homesteaded one hundred ami twenty acres
in ( 'litherall township and to this homestead he moved on July 2, 1880.
It was timber land principally. He built a log cabin on the farm and used
birch-bark and dirt for a roof. This farm is now occupied by his son,
.Martin, and is in a splendid state of cultivation. The sons, however, did
most of the work on the farm. He died in July, 19 10, at the age of
seventy-five years. His wife is still living and resides with her son, Martin.
She is seventy-two wars old. Both of Thorsten S. Moklev's parents were
members of the Free Lutheran church at Battle Lake. They were the par-
ents of three children, of whom Thorsten S. was the eldest, -Martin lives
on the homestead farm in ('litherall township, and Dena Karina married
John Xelson and lives in Tordenskjold township.
Thorsten S. Moklev attended school in his native land for eighteen
weeks each winter for four winters and, in the meantime, learned to read
and write the Scandinavian language. He also attended school for one
month in the fall of 1880, one month in the fall of [88] and one month in
tin fall of [886, in the Battle Lake schools. Mr. Moklev was reared as a
pioneer boy in (litherall township and lived at home until his marriage at
the age of thirty-two years.
After Mr. Moklev's mafriage, in [901, he moved to one hundred and
sixty acres which he had previously purchased. He first bought eighty
acres in the spring of [896 and shortly afterward added another eighty
acres. Upon moving to this farm, he built a house and barn and a granary
and it is a splendid home today. He is engaged in general farming.
On March iN, [Qoi, Thorsten S. Moklev was married to Sigrid Thor-
588 otter tail county, Minnesota.
modsdatter Kittelstad, a native of Norway, the daughter of Thormod Kit-
telstad, who died in Norway. Mrs. Moklev came to America in 1897. She
died mi May 26, L909. Mr. and Mrs. Moklev were the parents of five
children, one of whom. Sigurd Theodore, the youngest, died in infancy,
'idie living children arc: Carrie .Mallena. Ida Patrina, Sehvin Anton and
Thea Mathilda.
The Moklev family are all members of the Lutheran church. Mr.
Moklev has been a trustee in the church since he was twenty-eight years
old. When he was twenty-two years old, he was made road overseer and
served for four years. Upon the organization of school district No. 2^j,
of which he was one of the organizers, he was made school treasurer, serv-
ing five years and then resigned. Me also resigned as trustee of the Battle
Lake church, and also resigned as township supervisor of Clitherall, which
office lie held for three years. In 1900 Mr. Moklev moved to Battle Lake
and, from January 1 to August 15, carried the mail on rural route No. 1
from Battle Lake. He then returned to the farm and has lived there ever
since. On his return to the farm he was appointed clerk of school district
No. 257, and was re-elected and has been filling this office continually ever
since. In [915 lie was again elected supervisor of Clitherall township,
which position he now tills. In a political way. Mr. Moklev is identified
with the Republican party and supports the Republican platform and Repub-
lican candidates. No man in Clitherall township is more highly respected
and more thoroughly entitled to the generous esteem of his neighbors and
fellow citizens than Thorsten S. Moklev.
EDMUND McFARLANE.
Edmund McFarlane is one of the pioneer business men of Parkers
Prairie, Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, and still conducts the business which
he originally established. He is one of ten children born to the union of
his parents. Robert and Margaret (Anderson) McFarlane, both natives of
Scotland. Robert McFarlane was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and emi-
grated to Canada, where he was employed making potash. When he
reached maturity he became a farmer in the Dominion, remaining there
until his death. To Robert McFarlane and bis wife were born ten children.
Edmund having been born on Wigust A, 1862, in Lanark county, Ontario,
( anada.
Edmund McFarlane received his education in the school. 0f the Domin-
ion and emigrated to the United Stales in r88l, joining his three brothers
who had preceded him to Douglas county, Minnesota. In iNN_> he removed
1,. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, locating in Parkers Prairie, where he at
once engaged in the business of harness making, which business he still
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 589
continues. The business was at first operated in partnership with his
brother, \V. K., and their place was opened to the public on January 6, [882.
The partnership continued for one year, at which time Edmund McFarlane
purchased the brother's interest and has since operated the store on an
independent basis. He carries a complete line of goods.
In [886 Edmund McFarlane was united in marriage to Mary E. Taylor
and they are the parents .of six children: Nettie (deceased), Elsie Pearl,
Myrtle Joy, Loyd Edmund, Etta Val and.Lyle K. Mary E. (Taylor)
McFarlane was born in Lime Spring, Iowa, and her death occurred in
1903. Mr. McFarlane is affiliated with the Republican party, and is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of the
Maccabees.
NELS HUSTAD.
Nels Hustad, a prosperous farmer of Clitherall township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Mitchell county. Iowa, November 15, 1865,
and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Kjernes.
Mr. liustad's parents were born in Norway and immigrated to Amer-
ica in 1864. His father, who was a laborer, died in Iowa, in 1865, prior
to the birth of his son, Nels. Nels was the only son. After his father's
death, his mother was married to Ole J. Hustad, who was also a native of
Norway, and after that Mr. Hustad adopted his stepfather's name. In
June, 1868, the family moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
After living one summer in Otter Tail county, the family homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres in section 20, of Clitherall township. At that
time the nearest neighbors were four miles south and six miles northeast
at the old village of Clitherall. The Hustad family had come here with
two other families, those of Albert Knutson and Jens Larson Forlov. The
FCnutson family settled two miles north and the Forlov family one and one-
fourth miles northwest of the Hustads. During the summer they had
lived in a covered wagon and had laid up a supply of hay for the winter.
As fall came the Hustad family built a dugout with a sod roof and lived
in it for three years. In the meantime, various parts of the farm were
cleared and put under cultivation. During the second year the family
cleared about an acre and one-half, but the crop was destroyed by birds
and gophers. About 1871 a loo- house was built near the dugout and there
the family lived for five years. Afterward a house was built over the
excavation of the dugout. This was a larger log house, which was used
until [898, when Nels Hustad built the present home, which is a comfort-
able frame dwelling.
Mr. ITustad's stepfather died in 1878 and his mother never remarried.
590 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
She lived with her sun until her death on August 5, [914. The Hustads
are all members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. There were no chil-
dren born to the marriage ol Ole J. Hustad and Mrs. Kjernes.
Xels Hustad \\a~- educated in the pioneer schools of this county. In
the beginning he attended school only one month out of each _vear. but later
he was able to attend four months in the year. In the meantime he assisted
his stepfather in clearing and cultivating the farm, and soon after attain-
ing manhood took over the management of the farm. About 1900 he pur-
chased sixt) acre-- of land near the homestead which he owns and manages.
lie is doing diversified farming in small grains and live stuck. Mr. Hustad
is a director in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company and president
of the Rattle Lake Co-operative Creamery Company. He is also vice-
president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.
In [884 Xels Hustad was married to Anna Paulson, a native of Nor-
way, the daughter of Paul and Martha Paulson, who came to America about
1X74 and settled in Clitherall township, this county. P.oth of Mrs. Hustad's
parents are deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Xels Hustad have been horn nine children: Olai,
who is engaged in railroad work and lives in Duluth, Minnesota: Agnar.
who is a farmer in Clitherall township: Mabel, who is a stenographer at
Grand Forks; Nellie, who stays at home: Gertrude, who is a teacher in the
home district: Gerhard, Marvin, Nordahl and Johnnie, all of whom stay
at home.
Mr. Hustad has served as a member of the board of supervisors for
the past fifteen years and is independent in politics. Mr. Hustad and
familv are all members of the Lutheran church.
WILLIAM R. PERKIN!
Prominent anion- the men of Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, who have achieved success in their chosen vocation is
William R. Perkins, farmer and merchant. He is a native of St. Cloud.
Minnesota, and his birth occurred on December [6, [869. His parents
located in Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in [869,
and it was m the schools of this place that William R. Perkins received his
education, lie was reared "li his father's farm and assisted with the work
on the home place until twenty years of age, at which time he began acme
operations for himself in the agricultural line lie continued to cultivate
tin- soil in Parkers Prairie township until 1903. lie owns the old home
place, consisting of one hundred and sixty aires, part of which is rented.
bill he has retained two hundred and forty acres of the three hundred and
fortv-seven acres which constitute his holdings, and this is devoted to the
IUNTY, MINNESOTA.
59J
breeding and raising of cattle. In [907 he began the buying of stock and
continued in this business until [915. during which time he purchased stock
throughout the country.
In January, [915, William R. Perkins invested in the "City" meat
market and has since conducted this business in a very thorough manner.
making many friends who speak highly of him. For the pasl six years
he has also been identified with the real-estate operations of the commun-
ity and shows much ability in this line.
In February, [896, William R. Perkins was united 111 marriage to
.Millie Parks, now deceased, and to them were born two children: Ruth.
born on October 6, iN<,7. and Dortha G., horn on December -'4. 1901.
Millie Parks was born in [876, the daughter of George Parks. William R.
Perkins is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
AUGUST F. REVERING.
One who has achieved success through constant application to business
affairs and who has lived up to the highest ideals of citizenship is Augusl
F. Revering, who is known throughout the stale in which, he lives as an
authority on questions pertaining to the lumber interests. August F. Rev-
ering was horn on the 24th of October, 1886, in Parkers Prairie. .Minnesota,
and is the son oi Clemens and Anna (Barnack) Revering, both of whom
were horn in Germany. The parents of the subject of this sketch came to
America in 1N51 and located in Effington township, this county, where
Clemens Revering bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Since
that time he has added more territory until now the farm extends over
three hundred and twenty acres of land. It still remains the residence of
Mr. Revering and his wife. August Revering is a son in a family of
eleven children, eight of whom are living.
The early educational advantages received by the subject of this sketch
were obtained m the common schools of Parkers Prairie. He later attended
the St Thomas College at St. Paul. Upon completing the course prescribed
111 college, August Revering entered the lumber field and started in business
in Parkers Prairie, where he remained only a few months before going to
\ew York Mills, this county. Since nun) he has resided ai I tent, where
he is general manager of the Wilcox Lumber Company. In all his business
activities Mr. Revering has plunged into ventures with the same 1 >uragi
and enthusiasm which prompted his father to take up his residena
pioneer conditions and buill up a home amid an unsettled region of prairie
land.
In ioij Mtgust I Revering married Kattie Heembrock, a native of
Edna township, and the daughter -1 Ferdinand and \nna rleembrock. To
59^ OTTER 1 Ml. nil xiv. MINNESOTA.
Mr. and Mrs. Revering the following children have jjeen born: Arthur,
who was born in [913, and Irene, who was burn in 1915. Mr. and Mrs.
Revering are members of St. Joseph's < atholic church. in his political
relations, Mr. Revering is a member of the Democratic party, and enters
heartily into every political movement. He is affiliated fraternally with the
Knights of 1 'olumbus.
GILBERT T. STROMMEN.
Although several years have elapsed since the subject of this biograph-
ical sketch departed this life, he is still held in remembrance by many friends
and old neighbors and the influence of the worthy life he led still lives on.
Gilbert T. Strommen was born in Lafayette enmity, Wisconsin, on
1 (ctober 7. [864, son of Torgrim A. and Beret Strommen. both natives of
Norway. They were educated and married in their native land and two
of their children were born before the time they emigrated to America.
They came directly to Wisconsin and were for a time located in Lafayette
comity, but shortly moved to Green county. However, they did not long
remain there and moved again, that time to Buffalo county, same state,
where the remaining days of their lives were spent and where both lie buried.
Torgrim A. Strommen was a farmer all liis life and prospered well in his
new surroundings. There were twelve children in their family, eight of
whom grew to maturity. The eldest is Carrie, who is the wife of Ole H.
Sween and resides in Buffalo, Wisconsin. Andreas is a farmer in Green
county of that state Anders died in Buffalo, leaving his widow and a
family of six children. Edward lives in Spokane. Washington. Thonetta
1 who was the wife of the Reverend Th. M. Bake) is deceased. Ole and
Anton are engaged in farming at Stanley, North Dakota.
Gilbert T. Strommen received his education in the common school- of
Green county, Wisconsin, where he lived until [889. He was an ambitious
young man and desired to enter a university near his home, so as to be fitted
for a larger place in life. It was necessary for him to earn the money with
which to defray the expenses of a university career and to that end he worked
at the carpenter trade for a number of years. In spite of his bc-st efforts,
he was thirty years of age before he was able to take up the work of higher
education, when he entered a university in Minneapolis and then was com-
pelled to suffer the acute disappointment of failing health, which forced him
to give up his books and return to the less confining life of his trade. When
he found that must be his life work, he put his best efforts into it and became
a most capable contractor.
I'll'"1 leaving Green county in 1SS0. he took up hi- residence in Buffalo,
GILBERT T STItOMMEN AND FAMILY
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 593
that state, where he remained until iNi)/ at which time lie became a resident
of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He purchased a farm of one hundred
and fifty-five acres near Aurdal, where he made his home until 1904, man-
aging his farm and at the same time conducting a profitable business as
building contractor. Main of the better buildings in this portion of the
state stand as monuments to his skill. Me superintended the erection of the
original St. Luke's hospital, at Fergus Falls, the parsonage in Ostead,
remarkably large barns for Peter Sande and John Adams, both of this
county. In addition to his two vocations already mentioned, he at different
times engaged in the mercantile business in both North Dakota and Minne-
sota, lie left his farm in 1904 and went to Fergus Falls to make his home,
residing for a time near the court bouse, and from there moved to Dalton,
.Minnesota, where be operated a hardware store. He disposed of that busi-
ness and returned to Fergus balls, where he purchased three acres inside
the city corporation lines and set himself the task of making a beautiful
home. The residence on the ground was remodeled, as were other buildings,
and a new barn was erected. A fine orchard was set out and a fine selec-
tion of fruit trees and small fruits planted and the entire place brought up
to a high degree of beauty and comfort. Here he lived but a short time,
his death occurring on December 27, iqio.
Gilbert T. Strommen was married on October 7, iSy6. to Louisa
Bruvold, born in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, daughter of Anders E. and
Mary L. (Johnson') Bruvold, both were born in Norway. Both came to
this country with their respective families when young, were educated in this
land and after marriage settled in Buffalo county, Wisconsin. He was a
carpenter and farmer and died there while still a comparatively young and
active man. His widow afterward married Andrew O. Huff and still resides
in the count) mentioned. Airs. Strommen came of a family of seven chil-
dren, one of whom died in infancy, and is the second child in order of birth.
The eldest is Bertha, who died in Wisconsin, the wife of Andrew Thon.
Anna, whose death occurred in 1900, was the wife of Knut Bren and the
mother of four children. Theolina lives in Buffalo, Wisconsin, and is the
wife of John Julson. The little child who died was called Julia and after
her death the next little daughter was given the same name and this Julia
still remains with the mother, unmarried. Albert, the youngest of the family,
is a fanner and manages the home place.
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38b)
594 OTTER TAIL COl MV, MINNESOTA.
man, both of whom arc deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Strommen united
with the Lutheran church when young and site still remains a faithful mem-
ber, as was he all his life. Mr. Strommen was a man of broad and liberal
views, charitable t" all. and so ordered his life as to win the confidence and
respect of all who knew him either in a business or social way. In politics
he was a Republican, although he never aspired to office nor took any special
interest in political questions.
HUGE II. HALL
Among those citizens who are actively engaged in the promotion .if
civic betterment and commercial advancement of their respective communi-
ties, Hugh H: Hall is the recipient of the sincere regard of his friends and
associates. He was born on March 26, 1868, in Sparta, Wisconsin, and is
the son of Hamilton H. and Anna (King) Hall. Hamilton H. Hall was
burn in Canada and his wife. Anna (King) Hall, was born in Sheboygan,
Wisconsin. The maternal grandparents of Hugh H. Hall were William
and Lydia (Adams) King, both natives of New York state. William
King was a farmer and followed this vocation in Wisconsin during his
entire life. Lydia ( Adams) King passed away in the early summer of 1915.
at the age of ninety.
Hamilton II. Hall, father of Hugh H. Hall, received his education in
Wisconsin, and in 1861 enlisted for service in the Civil War. being mus-
tered into the Eighth Regiment. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, known as
the "Eagle Regiment."' During one of the battles he was struck by a shell
and part of his breast was torn away, but upon his recovery from this
wound he remained in service until the close of the war. At the close of
the great conflict Hamilton H. Hall returned to bis home in Wisconsin,
where he was married Immediately after this event be removed to Par-
kers Prairie township, this county, where he secured one hundred and sixty
acres of land, which homestead was one of the first entered in that town-
ship \fter more than forty years of successful cultivation of this farm
he removed to Oregon in rpio, where he retired to the town of Xewberg.
where be died. Anna 1 King) Hall, widow of Hamilton II. Hall, is still a
resident m the town of Nfewberg. They were the parents of ten children:
Harry, postmaster of Iron River. Wisconsin; Mina. Hugh, fames, Lydia,
Nniv. Walter, Warren, Pearl and Edith. In seeking their respective for-
tunes and following the dictates of their ambitions, these children have
wandered far from the parental roof-tree and reside in various parts of the
United States. Hamilton H. Hall, during his life, was actively engaged in
agricultural pursuits, as well as in the political campaigns of his time, in the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 595
interests of which he made many trips to Fergus Falls. Minnesota. At the
time of his removal from Sparta, Wisconsin, to his home in Minnesota, the
journey was undertaken with an ox-team and one cow, the three children
being compelled to walk most of the distance. He was the first county
commissioner from this district and served in that capacity for eight years.
He held many township offices and was very active in the Baptist church
affairs. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Hugh H. Hall received his education in the local schools of Parkers
Prairie and was a student in the Alexandria high school. Upon the com-
pletion of his student days he assisted his father with the work on the
home place, later engaging in the livery business in Parkers Prairie for a
pern »1 of three years. This business has been most successful, and a sales
stable has been added, which he has conducted for the past fifteen years.
On December 8, 1899, Hugh H. Hall was united in marriage to Bertha
Goelette, daughter of Monteville Goelette, a pioneer of Parkers Prairie
township. They are the parents of seven children: Morris, Hazel, Alice.
Glenn, Veda, Kenneth and Eugene. Fraternally, Hugh H. Hall is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religious matters is an
active supporter of the Baptist church.
JOHN P. POST.
John P. Post has been distinctive in his individuality and, as a conse-
quence, has gained the recognition that must always come to those who
strive to accomplish things worth while. Poorly equipped with an educa-
tion, he has risen from a blacksmith to one of the prominent and progressive
business men of his locality and has even extended his commercial interests
t«i the surrounding country.
John P. Post was born in 1861 in Key West, Iowa, and is the son <>f
Nicholas and < Idelia ( Dumond) Post. The birthplace of John P. Posl was
located about twenty miles south of Dubuque, Iowa, but he grew to matur-
ity iu Minnesota, where he removed1 with his parents at an early age. His
education was also received in .Minnesota. Nicholas Post, father of John
P. Post, was rather an unusual man. for he had the courage of his con-
victions and was willing to fight, if need be, for those things he deemed
right, but was also a firm believer in arbitration, and struggled as strenu-
ously for an amicable settlement to a question as he did when forced to use
might as the best argument, lie was a native of Paris, France, and his
wife was a native of the city of Luxemburg, and they were married in
France, emigrating to Vmerica in r86o. Shortly after their arrival in this
country, the < iivil War was begun and Nicholas Pos1 was one of the first to
enlist For service, being mustered into a Minnesota regiment, in which he
5<il> OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
remained until the close oi the great conflict. Directl) after the war lie
removed to Minnesota, where he continued in his profession a- contractor
and builder, which he had followed in France. In connection with his building
interests, he cleared and cultivated a homestead, which was located in
Stearns county. Minnesota. He was one of the pioneers win. settled in that
locality and was instrumental in naming the town of Luxemburg. The
majority of the inhabitants at that time were Prussians, and they were very
desirous of having the town named according to their choice, hut so well
liked had Nicholas Post become that he won in spite of the many protests.
After many years of service to that community he retired to the village ol
(old Spring, where his death occurred. Of the nine children horn to his
union eight are now living and their names follow: Frank, Nicholas, John
P., John, Robert, Valentine, Lizzie and Emma.
John I'. Post was forced to go four miles to school and this fact was
the main reason why he received so little education, as the roads in
those days were very poor affairs and the severe winters of the west made
travel well-nigh impossible. After assisting- hi- father for some years with
the work on the home farm he learned the trade of blacksmith and then
engaged in that business in Sauk Center and Alexandria, Minnesota. In
[882 he removed to what was at that time the settlement of Parkers Prairie
and opened a blacksmith shop. Eight years of planning and saving resulted
in the establishment of a grist-mill, in 1890, which was the first industry of
its kind in that locality. He built and operated the mill for about ten years
and then sold out, for the purpose of engaging in the mercantile business,
which he had previously started. About that time a railroad was 1 milt
some distance from the former site of Parkers Prairie and a new settle-
ment was built near the scene of new activities. Realizing the advantages
to lie gained through having his business interests in close touch with the
facilities now at hand, he removed to the new town of Parkers Prairie and
built the store which he now occupies and also became associated with the
State Bank of that place, becoming the vice-president of same. He is, at the
present time presidenl of this institution. The general merchandise -tore.
which he owns and manages, contains a large and high-grade stock ami is
much the same as that which is carried in his store at Ogemar. Minnesota
I In- store at Og.emar is under tin- supervision of P. X. Hibbard, son-in-law
mi John P. Post.
In the fall of [883 John P. Post was united 111 marriage to Louisa
Steindl, a native of Austria, and daughter of Joseph Steindl. To them
have been horn two children. Anna and Harry.
lohn P. Post has been interested in the buying and selling of real
estate and is still the owner of considerable property. He is a charter mem-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 597
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which order he was instru-
mental in organizing in Parkers Prairie. In connection with his many
other interests, he is part owner of the Prairie hotel, located in the town of
Parkers Prairie. With a past of such notable achievements, surely the
future will be as rich in service as his honesty and ability entitle him. and
the sincere regard of his fellow citizens will be as loyal and lasting.
i) W ID JOHNSON.
David Johnson, born in Jylland, Denmark, March 10, 1872, has been
a resident of this county for eighteen years. His father, George Johnson,
was also a native of Denmark, and was born there in April, 1841. The
mother, Mary (Jergenson) Johnson, was born on February 26, 1839.
George Johnson served in the navy of his native country and also in
the War of 1863, surviving the conflict unharmed. Before the war he had
traveled extensively as a marine in the naval service, his travels including
journeys south of the equator, made for the purpose of protecting merchant
ships. As a young man George Johnson was employed as a mail carrier in
the postal service. He married and later became a successful farmer and
landowner. He has now retired from active work and is still living in his
native country. His faithful wife died in February, 1914. To them were
horn nine children, as follow: .Mary, wife of Samuel Sorenson, lives in
Copenhagen; Alary died in infancy; John H., a farmer living in Story City.
Iowa; David, the subject of the present article; Marcus, formerly a photog-
rapher, now a farmer living in Canada; Nels, who lives with his father;
Annie, who died at the age of nine, and two children who died unnamed.
Hardships begun early in the life of David Johnson, for he was only a
lad i>! -even when his young shoulders assumed the burden of making a
livelihood. At that age he laid down his books to begin such farm duties
as he was capable of, continuing in this work until his twentieth year, when
he came to America. Joining an uncle who lived in Story City, Iowa, he
worked on various farms for a period of two years. He then went to a
district near Curry, Murray county, Minnesota, and after working for
some time, he became a renter. He then lived and worked in Pipestone
county for two years. It was in [897 that he moved to this county, where
he had bought a farm of eighty acres in section i<>, Woodside township.
This property, which afterward became a well-equipped, modern farm.
boasted only of a log house at the time its new owner made the deal which
gave him ownership of the land. With the exception of one year, during
which time he engaged in mercantile business at Cass Lake, he and his
family lived on this farm until iqoo. during which time he cleared the
land and built a splendid new barn. In the meantime he had boughl also an
598 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
improved tract of land consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in section
9, adding to it a new barn, granary, machine shop and fence. This he sold
in 1914 and subsequently purchased three hundred and twenty acres in
sections 17 and jo. Besides cultivating the land by modern methods, the
owner has erected a substantial barn and granary, and has built new fences
around the entire enclosure. This well-equipped farm has been his home
ever since and he has become expert in the breeding and raising of Short-
hern cattle and Poland China hogs.
In 1899 David Johnson was married to Lydia, the daughter of John
and Harriet Windgate, who died in England.
Mr. Johnson, who is public spirited in his inclinations, has been an
honored public official, serving as school clerk and school treasurer. He is
an independent voter and attends the church to which he is a liberal con-
tributor. Both he and his wife occupy a prominent place in local church
and social circles. Though not given to seeking public honors or office,
Mr. Johnson has served well his community in an official capacity, and has
also aided the movements which he deemed contributed to the general good.
He is a man of genial nature and readily makes friends.
GILBERT X. RAKSTAD.
Gilbert N. Rakstad was born about six miles north of the city of
Christiania, Norway, July 21, 1859, the son of Xels Hanson and Maria
(Hanson) Hanson, who were born and grew to maturity in their native
land, the mother dying there about the year 1871. and the father about
twelve years later came to America and lived with his children, who had
preceded him. until the year 1890, when the elder Hanson died. Xels I Ian-
son and Maria Hanson were the parents of the following children: Peter,
who came to America and died in the year 1912, leaving his second wife a
widow: Bertha, who married Xels P. Rakstad and lives in Folden town-
ship; Annie, who married Ole J. Hoff, and lives at Vining, Minnesota;
Xels X.. a farmer of Folden township, who died during- the year tgiO, and
Gilbert X., the subject of this sketch.
Gilbert X. Rakstad was educated in his native land and later, after
coming to America, during the year 1876. he attended one term of classes
in the schools of Fillmore county. Minnesota. Having joined his brother,
Peter, in Fillmore county, Gilbert X. Rakstad lived there until December,
1X70. He then came to Otter Tail county and was employed generally on
farms, in the townships of Nidaros and St. Olaf. until the year 1S80. when
he homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land in section 28, of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 599
Folden township, a place at that time covered with timber. Gilbert X.
Rakstad proceeded to clear his land and built a log house with a sod roof
near where the public road is now located, and as time went on he con-
tinued to break up his ground, at the same period devoting a part of his
time in working on the Northern Pacific railway, which at that time was
being constructed in that locality. From time to time Mr. Rakstad added
needed improvements to his farm, among which was a new house, a new
barn and other buildings, which combined, today make the farm of Gilbert
X. Rakstad one of the best improved in the township. Mr. Rakstad has
bought forty acres of land adjoining his farm, which he now cultivates and
he is a half owner of a forty-acre farm in section 21, of Folden township.
During the year 1880 Gilbert XT. Rakstad was married to Ingebor
Hanson, who was born in Norway, the daughter of Hans Hanson and
wife, who lived and died in their native land. To the marriage of Gilbert
and Ingebor Rakstad were born the following children : Xels, who is a
fireman on the Great Northern railway and lives at Superior, Wisconsin;
Mary, who married John Johnson, and lives at Superior, Wisconsin; Hans,
who is a salesman in a store at Tacoma, Washington ; Inga, who was edu-
cated at the Henning, Minnesota, high school, and who married Hans E.
Yien, and now lives at Fargo. North Dakota ; Hildah, who lives at home :
Selmar, who is a railroad workman of Superior, Wisconsin; Nettie, who is
a student at a business college of Fargo, North Dakota; and Huldah and
Selmer. who died as infants.
Gilbert N. Rakstad is a director of the Mining Farmers Elevator Com-
pany, with which corporation he has been affiliated for some years and dur-
ing which time he has been regarded as one of the valuable members of the
directorate. Tn public office Mr. Rakstad has served as treasurer since the
organization of the school district, and many times has been elected as
township supervisor, he being one of the first three men to serve on this
board and also one of the men who had the honor of organizing Folden
township. At the present lime Gilberl X. Rakstad is chairman of the
board of supervisors, an office which this worthy citizen is serving with
dignity and with efficiency. Tn politics, Gilbert N. Rakstad was at an
earlier time a Republican, but at the present time is an independent voter.
Mr. Rakstad is a prominent member of the Lutheran church and has
served his congregation as a trustee for some time. Public spirited and
broad minded, a man of varied and of valuable experience, and a man of
unusual executive and administrative ability, he is one of those men with-
out whom the county and the township would be less progressive and less
prosperous in business and in agricultural life.
fxx> R TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
IK IN. OLE o. SAGENG
Farmer, teacher, business man and all-around man of affairs, Senator
Ole O. Sageng, of Tumuli township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is the
leading citizen of this section of Otter Tail county, and one of the best-
known men in the state of Minnesota. Elected on the Populist ticket to the
House of Representatives in 1900, Senator Sageng served during the session
of [901 and the extra session of 190.'. In 1906 he was elected on the
Populist ticket to the Minnesota state Senate and has served continuously
ever since, having been re-elected in 1910 as a Populist, and in 1914 as a
non-partisan. In 1908 he was an independent candidate for Congress from
the ninth Minnesota congressional district. During the past twelve year-
he has been president of the Dalton Grain and Lumber Company and was
one of the incorporators. For seven years Senator Sageng was manager
.11" the Dalton Co-operative Creamery Company.
Senator Ole O. Sageng is a native of Norway, where he was horn on
December 1, 1871, the son of Ole H. and Mali (Dahlen) Sageng. the former
of whom was horn in Norway on July 9, 1839, and the latter born in Nor-
way on February 3, 1839. They were married in Norway on April 9,
[866, and in the spring of 1N7N came with their family to America. After
a time, they located near Dalton, in Tumuli township, ( liter Tail county.
Minnesota, where Mr. Sageng homesteaded forty acres of land. After
fifteen years, he sold the forty-acre farm and purchased one hundred and
sixty acres in the same township about four miles west of Dalton. In 11)13
he retired from farming. Seven children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Ole
H. Sageng, as follow: Ingehorg. Kari. Hans, Ole O.. Halvor. Marit and
Lars who died some rears ago. The parents of these children are members
of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Of these children, Ole O. Sageng received his education in the common
-chooK of Tumuli township and in the high school at Fergus Falls, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1895. After graduating from
high school, he attended the Augsberg Seminary at Minneapolis for one year
and then taught school in Otter Tail county for about five years, lie also
taughl one year in North Dakota. During the time that Ole O. Sageng was
engaged in teaching, he was also engaged in farming, having started to
farming in [898 on his father's farm.
In [909 Senator Sageng purchased a farm of one hundred and sixt)
acres, adjoining the town of Dalton on the north, and since that time has
lived upon this farm. lie is engaged in mixed farming ami in stock raising.
In 1904, Ole ( ). Sageng was married to Kari Brandvold, who was born
on December 4. r88i, and who is the daughter of K. II. Brandvold, men-
tioned elsewhere in this volume. To this union there have been born sj\
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 6oi
children, of whom one, Ole, Jr., died in infancy. The living children are
Borghild, .Matilda. Karl. Maria and ( Uga.
Senator and Mrs. Sageng and family are members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church. Senator Sageng is now secretary of the Sarpsburg con-
gregation.
Coming from a representative family in Norway, it is not at all surpris-
ing that Senator Sageng has achieved success in his adopted home and
country. His grandparents, Hans II. and fngaborg Sageng, were promin-
ent farmers in their native land, and it is from these sterling ancestors, no
doubt, that he has inherited those worthy traits which have enabled him to
succeed in a new country. Having come to America when he was a mere
lad. Senator Sageng knows no country other than the United States and
loves no other state so well as his own state of Minnesota, which he has
served so faithfullv ami so well for many vears.
ANTON GLENDE.
Anton Glende, a successful farmer of Kverts township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was horn on February ,}, 1N57. in Norway. lie is the
son of Andrew and Kare (Bye) Glende, both of whom were natives of
Norway. The former was born in 1823 and the latter about the same
year. They were married in Norway and there both died. Mr. Glende's
Father died in 1857, when Anton Glende was about one week old. His
mother died in [867. They were the parents of five children: Anna Mary,
Karen. Erick, Andrew and Anton. After the death of her first husband,
Mrs. Glende was married, secondly, to Even Anderson, and to them was
horn one child. Thore,
Anton Glende was educated in Norway. In 1N71 he accompanied his
stepfather, Even Anderson, to America. The latter took a homestead of
one hundred and sixty acres in Everts township and here died in 1903. Mr.
Glende grew to manhood on the farm which his stepfather had bought.
He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Everts township, upon
which he has lived since [879. Mr. Glende has cleared the land and
erected substantial and commodious buildings. He is a general farmer
and stocl; raiser.
In [882 Anton Glende was married to Mathea Stenmark, a native oi
Norway, where she was horn in [862. Mrs. Glende is the daughter of |ohn
and Karen Stenmark. who moved to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1870.
Later they came to Otter Tail county, and here Mrs. Glende's father died
Mrs. Glende's mother is living in Everts township.
Eleven children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Anton Glende, as
6o2
follow:
Arn
1 88^ :
Ameli;
Ufred,
April
i-Vl,nia
ry i 5 .
^nton
Helme
M
r. and
:hurch.
The
( ornelius, born on September 2, [882; Caroline, May 11,
Louise, May 6, [886; Martin. September 4, 1888; John
3, [891; Clara Jorgine, November 20, [894; Marvin Julius,
1897; Eleonora, July 5, [899; Alyda Matilda. April 12, tQ02;
-, November 30, [905, and George I eonard, October _'. 1908.
Mrs. Anton Glende and family are members of the Lutheran
famih is well known and respected in Everts township.
those
men t linn tin.
ountry
iblishe
■d 1
then
isel
ves
in
Ot
ter
at m
the
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/elc
ipment
of
the
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is
ske
tch,
K >||\ PETER MAJAVA.
of Finland who have come to America
Tail county, where they have had no
part in the development of the locality and its resources, John Peter
Majava, the subject of this sketch, is representative of those who have
proved successful and who have shown themselves to be citizens of real
w nth to the community.
John Peter Majava, the subject of this sketch, was horn in Finland,
April [4, 1S02. the son of David and I'.rita Majava. who lived their entire
lives in their native country of Finland, where David Majava was a farmer
and landowner. David and Brita Majava were the parents of the following
children: Alex, a farmer of Newton township: Elsie Mary, who lives in
Finland; Kate, who lives in Finland; John Peter, the subject of this -ketch:
Anna Brita, who died in childhood: David, who died in Finland, and Mar-
garet, who died in Finland.
John Peter Majava was educated in the public schools of Finland, after
which he worked on a farm until twenty-two years of age, when he came
to America and settled in Calumet, Michigan, where he worked in the
woods of that district for three years, and then came to the state of Minne-
sota, and located in Otter Tail county, where he and a brother, Alex.
boughl eighty acres of land in Newton township. After clearing' his land
and improving the place with better buildings, John P. Majava void this
farm and then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 4. of
Newton township, a place which he has supplied with new buildings and
has otherwise improved until it is now one of the best improved farms of
the locality.
|ohn Peter Majava was married to Katie Mary Pary, a sister of Olaf
Pary, one of the besl known citizens of Otter Tail county, and of the town
of \ew York Mills. To the marriage of John and Katie Majava were
horn three children: Jalmar Rudolph, who was burn on March 4, 1001:
Walfred, May 12, [904, and Elsie Katherine, September 26. 1000
John Peter Maiava and his wife are leading members of the Finnish
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 603
Lutheran church at New York Mills, a congregation which they serve and
which they support devotedly and unselfishly and with the membership of
which church they are of prominent standing.
John i'. Majava is one of Newton township's most appreciated citizens,
one who gives of his time and of his interest for the betterment of the
county and the more immediate neighborhood.
JOHN X. BROGARD.
One of die best-known citizens of Henning township, Utter Tail
county, Minnesota, is John N. Brogard, who was born in Sweden, October
29, 1849, and who is the son of Nels and Ingre (Jensen) Brogard. Mr.
Brogard's parents were both natives of Sweden. His father died at the age
of about eighty-three years, and his mother at about the same age. The
latter was born in Sweden, but his father was a native of Norway, and a
music director. Mr. and Mrs. Nels Brogard were the parents of four
children, John, Andrew, Hans and Ingre, the two latter being deceased.
John N. Brogard was educated in the public schols of his native land.
He lived with an auctioneer in Sweden and. for a number of years, did the
auctioneer's writing. He attended the agricultural schools of Sweden for
three years and then attended business college for six months. Finally, he
was sent to Brandenburg, Germany, to obtain reports concerning agricul
tural conditions there. These reports were used extensively in the agricul-
tural schools of Sweden. Afterward Mr. Brogard was a bookkeeper for
three years on a large farm where nine hundred cows were kept, which
required eighty people to do the milking.
In 1878 Mr. Brogard received a permit to come to the United States.
After traveling in this country for two years, he returned to Sweden, where
he remained for six months and then came back to the United States in
r88i. For the next two years he was employed as an engineer, after which
he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 27. of Henning
township, and now owns two hundred and forty acres. He planted a mag-
nificent grove of trees on the farm and made many improvements. He
also planted about one hundred and fifty fruit trees and has a thoroughly
modern farm at the present time. His buildings are all in good condition
and are all well painted. The barn is thirty-four by eighty feet. Mr.
Brogard keeps Shorthorn cattle and sells a great number every year. He
was the first man in this part of Minnesota to experiment with red clover,
lie made a very great success with red clover from the start.
On Ma\ 6, [893, John X. Brogard was married to Ellen Parson, a
native of Sweden, where die was born in [866. She is the daughter of
604 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Nels and Ellen Parson, who came to Otter Tail county in 1890. Mrs.
Brogard's mother died in nm>, and her father is still living. To Mr. and
Mrs. I"hn Brogard have been born seven children, all of whom are living,
I. la. Xels, Harold, Olga, Adric, Esther and Emmet, the last two being
t\vin>.
.Mr. and Mrs. Brogard and family are members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church at Henning. .Mr. Brogard has always been prominent in
local politics. He has served as supervisor of his township and has held
other positions of trust and responsibility of a local nature.
|()HX A. rOHNSON.
|ohn A. Johnson, prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of New
York Mills, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Finland, March _'.
1865, the son of fohn A. and Kate Johnson, both of whom were natives of
Finland, where thev lived their entire life, the former dying in iqio. the latter
in 1S71. John A. and Kate Johnson were the parents of four children.
Jacob, John A.. Albert and Kate.
Following his school days in Finland, John A. Johnson came to
America and, in 18S6, shortly after his arrival in this country, he went to
the state of Montana, where he was employed for seven years in gold and
silver mines of that region. In 1893 Mr. Johnson came to Otter Tail
county and located at Xew York Mills, near where he bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land in section S. Newton township, a place which he
improved and to which he later added forty acres in Homestead township.
During the year [893, after one and one-half years' residence in New York-
Mills, John A. Johnson went to the Black Hills, where he again took up his
work in the mines, returning eight months later to New York Mills, after
which Mr. Johnson again went to the Black Hills, working as a miner for
two years. At the time of gold discovery in Alaska. John A. Johnson
made a journey to the Klondike region, where he mined for three years
and then came back to Xew York Mills, a place which has been his home
since. To his original farm in Newton township, John A. Johns, .11 has
added land until he now is the owner of two hundred and forty acres, one
hundred and sixty acres of which is within the corporate limits of New-
York Mills. Mr. Johnson has improved his place with one of the best
houses of the community, has erected a modern silo and has constructed
11, li other buildings as :M ,,, the completeness of a modern farm and
home. John A. Johnson now engages extensively in general fanning and
in stock raising, together with tin- conducting of a modern dairy business
During the war 1 Soo John \. Johnson was married to Sophia Hen-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 605
dricksen, who was born in Finland in 1872, the daughter of Henry Hen-
dricksen and wife, who were pioneers of Bryan, South Dakota. To the
marriage of John and Sophia Johnson have been born the following chil-
dren: Mamie, who married Martin Sondergard, a butter manufacturer of
Storden, Minnesota; Winnie, Ernest, Senia, George, Lucina, Edna, Oscar,
Beulah, Russell and Byron. Mr. Johnson and his family are members of
the Lutheran church.
John A. Johnson is affiliated with the business life of New York Mills
as a member of the banners Shipping Association, and in the public life
of the community Mr. Johnson has done no little for the township and
for his town, as a member of the council, an office which he has served for
seven years. In fraternal circles, John A. Johnson takes an important
part in the affairs of the Modern Woodmen of America lodge at New York
Mills, an organization of which he has been an honored member for eight
years.
MIKKEL R IN DAL.
Born in Norway, October 30, 1839, Mikkel Rindal, a prominent citizen
of Sverdrup township, who has enjoyed a large success in agriculture, is
the son of John E. and Britt (Almberg) Rindal, both of whom were natives
of Norway. Mikkel Rindal's father was born in Norway on August 12,
r8l2, and his mother in February, 1814.
The late John E. Rindal died in Norway in 1873 and, after his death,
his widow came to America in 1875 and settled in Otter Tail county, where
she died in 1882. To John L. and Britt (Almberg) Rindal were born
eleven children: Anne, Even (deceased), Mikkel. Bridt (deceased), Bridt
(deceased), John (deceased). John. Bridt, Johannas, Ingeborg (deceased)
and Ingebregt.
Mikkel Rindal was reared in Norway and was educated in the public
schools of his native land. He came t<> Ymerica in 1875 with his mother
and shortly thereafter settled in Utter Tail county. Three years later he
homesteaded one hundred and fifty acres of land and. during the next few
years, made man}' improvements upon this land.
Three years after coming in America, Mikkel Rindal was married in
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, t<> Rannei O. Anne, who was burn in Nor-
wa\ in [848, and is the sister of Ole 0. Anne, a prosperous farmer of
Sverdrup township Mr. and Mrs. Rindal are the parents of five children:
Mary, deceased: John, who was bum on the old homestead on August 18.
r88o, educated in the public schools of this township, and lives at home "ii
the farm; Ole, who was born in 1882, was also educated in the public
606 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
schools and is now a farmer; Mary, burn in 1884, is the wife of John
l'ahan. of Pingree, Stutsman county, North Dakota, and Berntine, who
was burn in [886, lives at home with her parents.
All of the members of the Rindal family are identified with the Luth-
eran Brothers church. They are prominent in religious affairs and are
widely known in this community as deserving- citizens and successful farm-
ers.
CORNELIUS B. ERICKSON.
Cornelius B. Erickson is one of fourteen children born to the union
of Berger and Olena ^ Alberts) Erickson, both natives of Norway, and his
birth occurred in [865 in Adams count}-, Wisconsin. The marriage of
Berger and Olena (Alberts) Erickson was solemnized in their native land
and they emigrated to America in 1852. locating in Wisconsin, where he
followed his trade of tailor until the age of forty years, at which time he
was compelled to discontinue the vocation he had planned as his life work,
on account of the failure of his eyesight, and engage in agricultural pur-
suits. While a resident of Wisconsin, Berger Erickson was the owner of
a farm but never cultivated the soil until his removal to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, in 1871. when he became the purchaser of school land, located
in section 36, Dane Prairie township, on which he still resides, at the
advanced age of ninety years. His wife, Olena (Alberts) Erickson, passed
tu her eternal rest in the spring of 191 1, leaving her husband and her nine
surviving children to mourn her loss.# Besides an original purchase of land,
i'.erger Erickson entered a homestead, located one-half mile north of his
first tract and added more until the farm now consists of three hundred
and twenty acres of land, very well improved. He is a veteran of the
Civil War, having served in the Wisconsin volunteer infantry.
The paternal grandparents of Cornelius B. Erickson were Erick and
Petronelle Erickson, both natives of Norway, the death of the latter hav-
ing occurred in that country, but the former emigrated to America after
the death of his wife and died at the home of his son, Berger Erickson. in
Wisconsin. The maternal grandparents of Cornelius 1'.. Erickson were
Ole and Sigre Alberts, both natives of Norway, where they lived and died.
Cornelius R. Erickson received his education in the district schools,
and while very young discontinued his studies to assist his father with the
work on the home place and when twenty-four years of age purchased the
farm on which he still resides. This investment was arranged in the fall
of 1880. but his residence on the same was not effected until the following
spring. Thi' house was built of logs and all improvements were very poor,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 0<_>7
but owing to his thrift and well-directed energy, new buildings have been
erected and they are very excellent ones, indeed. General agriculture and
stock raising is the system on this well-managed farm. A specialty of
Shorthorn cattle is made and a dairy herd, of from twelve to fifteen head,
is constantly kept on hand.
Cornelius 1!. Erickson was united in marriage to Olena Bakke in 1887,
and to them have been born four children: Benjamin, Clarence, Palmer
and Clinton. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church
and are earnest supporters of that faith. Olena (Bakke) Erickson is a
native of Iowa.
Cornelius B. Erickson has a reputation of high repute, as is evidenced
by the many positions of trust which he has held, two of the offices having
been town supervisor and township treasurer. He served eight and three
years, respectively, in these offices. The original farm of Cornelius B.
Erickson consisted of one hundred and seventeen acres, but this has been
increased until, at the present time, he owns two hundred and fifteen acres.
Cornelius B. Erickson is a brother of Ole ami Bennie Erickson, mentioned
elsewhere in the pages of this history.
H. WELCH.
< If those citizens who have been a success in agricultural pursuits and
who have done their part in the development of the community and have
now retired to the more quiet walks of life, J. H. Welch, the subject of this
sketch, is one of the best known and one of the most highly respected. A
man who saw his efforts prosper, not only as a farmer, but as a man in
public life and a citizen who is able to look back upon a life well spent, he
is a worthy part of a work of this kind.
J. H. Welch was born in the state of Pennsylvania, June 12, 1850, the
son of James Welch, who was born in Ireland, and of Harriette (Varga-
son) Welch, who was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. James
Welch, following his education in his native land, came to America, about
the vear 1840, and settled in the state of Pennsylvania, where he followed
his trade as a contractor and public worker for some years, he also marry-
ing there, a marriage to which were born the following children: \bbie.
who lives in Pennsylvania; Frederick, a fanner and bridge worker, who
died in [902; 1. H., the subject of this sketch; John, a mail carrier, who is
deceased: William, who lives at Athens, Pennsylvania; and George, who
died at New Brunswick. Canada. James Welch and his family were mem-
bers of the Catholic church, hut later he joined the Protestant church.
r. II. Welch was educated in the common schools of Bradford county,
DOS OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Pennsylvania, after which he went to the state of Iowa, in the year 1865,
locating in Buchanan county, where he worked on a farm for some years.
In the year 1890 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and settled in
Inman township, where he bought eighty acres of land, for which he paid
the sum of twenty-five dollars per acre, and after living- on the farm for
thirteen years he disposed of his place, receiving for it the sum of seventy-
five dollars per acre. During the year I'M,} J. II. Welch retired from his
farm and moved to the town of Deer Creek, Minnesota, where he boughl six
town lots, on one of which he now lives, having a convenient and desirable
home.
( hi September 10, 1885. J. H. Welch was married to Mrs. Sarah
Curtis, the widow of Orin (i. Curtis, a soldier in the Ninth Regiment. Iowa
Volunteer Infantry, who, while serving in the Civil War. contracted the
small-pox and died in the army hospital at Louisville, Kentucky.
To Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were born four children, two of whom died in
infancy. The living children are Esther and Mrs. C. II. Vergason, both
of Deer ('reek. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have no children.
J. H. Welch is a prominent member and worker in the Church of God,
a congregation with which he has been affiliated for a short time. J. H.
Welch is one of the honored and respected men of Deer Creek, Minnesota,
he being the type of pioneer without whom and without whose efforts the
county would he less progressive and less advanced.
JACOB NIEBELS.
The late Jacob Xiehels. who was one of the well-known citizens of
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, during the generation just passed, was a native of
Creafeld, Prussia, where he was horn in 1842. Mr. Xiehels came with his
parents to America in 1851, when he was nine years old. His parents
remained in Milwaukee for one year and then moved to Owatonna. Minne-
sota, and settled on a farm.
Jacob Niebels spent his early years on the farm and received his early
education in the schools of Owatonna. assisting his father on the farm dur-
ing the summer months and attending school during the winter months until
he was seventeen years old. At that age, he began to learn the plow manu-
facturing trade and later went to Faribault, Minnesota, where he found
employment in the plow factory operated by Christian Holmberg. In [862
he was married to Augusta Holmberg, the daughter of Christian Holmberg,
and it was only a short time later that his regiment, in which he had enlisted
.is a Union soldier, was ordered to the South. Leaving St. Paul on April
[8, [862, he participated in the battle of luka as his first experience as a
MK AMI >
OTTER TAN. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 609
soldier in the great Civil War. He was a musician and his regiment was
engaged in the battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta and
Savannah. Mr. Niebels was a soldier in Sherman's arm)- and accompanied
his army from Memphis, Tennessee, to the sea and northward through the
Carolinas to Washington, D. C, where the Grand Review marked the close
of the long years of strife and it was his hand which first entered Washing-
ton. There is one feature of Mr. Niebel's record as a soldier that requires
explanation. lie was sentenced to the military prison for burning cotton,
having been unjustly convicted, as the cotton was burned by Frank Stude-
fant, against Niebel's protest. By order of President Lincoln, they were
both released and ordered back to their regiment and participated in the
movements which resulted in the surrender of the rebel army. While Mr.
Niebels did not earn a gun during a greater part of the war, since he was a
member of the regimental band, in several engagements, he was obliged to
do so, especially where the rebels outnumbered the federal forces.
Upon returning to his home after the close of the war, Mr. Niebels
resumed his work in the plow factory as a partner of his father-indaw and
this arrangement continued until 1876, when Mr. Niebels and his young
family moved to Waseca, where he purchased a gun and sporting goods
store, which he operated until 1882. At this time he moved to Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, and estahlished a similar store on Lincoln avenue, west, in this
city. This store he conducted up until the time of his death, which occurred
on April 16, 1913.
By Mr. Niebels' marriage to Augusta Holmberg, March 28. 1862, there
were born three children, Albert J., Clara L. and Harold E. Mrs. Niebels
is the daughter of Christian and Ellen (Romberg) Holmberg, her father
having come to America from Konsberg, near Christiana, Norway. The
family came to America in 1851 and immediately thereafter, settled at
Racine. Wisconsin, where they remained for one year. They then moved
io Manistee, Michigan, where they lived for three years, during which time
Mr. Holmberg was a mill overseer. The family then moved to Beaver
Dam. where he was engaged in repairing plows and guns. His next move
was to Faribault, where he engaged in the manufacture of plows.
Of the three children horn to Mr. and Mrs. Niebels, Albert J. lives in
Providence, Rhode Island. He married Mable L. Carpenter, the daughter
of Alva Carpenter and the sister of Rev. Alva Carpenter. They have one
son. \lva. horn on January 17. 1908. Clara L married Louis Keane. of
Xew York City, and has four children. Pauline C. Kenneth C. Muriel C.
and Eleanor. Harold E. is a graduate of the Fergus Falls high school and
of the dental department of the University of Minnesota. He finished the
f3Qb)
6lO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
course in 1914 and immediatel}' thereafter began the practice of his pro-
fession in Fergus Falls, where he has a fine practice and one which is grow-
ing rapidly, lie has a most enviable reputation for careful and painstaking
work and is well known in the social life of this city and county.
.Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Niebels celebrated their golden wedding anniversary
mi .March 28. [912. A large number of the old settlers of Fergus Falls and
the surrounding country honored this worthy couple with their presence on
that day. It was an enjoyable evening, spent principally in discussing
pioneer times. Mr. Niebels was a man of strong opinions, straightforward
ami fearless 111 expressing them. He always manifested a deep interest in
public affairs and made his views felt in public matters. His death was a
great loss to the city where he lived and was mourned by a host of friends
throughout the county.
A. ALBERT FRANK
A. Albert Frank, farmer of Buse township. Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, was born in Waseca county, this state. March 1. 1867, son of Ludwig
and Millie (Manwiler) Frank.
Mr. Frank's ancestors come from Prussian Poland and he has some
interesting family history to relate concerning the enforced military service
of that country. Ludwig Frank was a son of John Frank, who was one of
a family of twelve children, eleven boys and one girl, and the father wish-
ing to save his sons from compulsory military service, moved his sons to
another location. Their hiding place was not learned by the authorities
and officers came to forcibly take the suns away. These sons were in hill-
ing and the old man declared he did not know where they were. The offi-
cers hung him up by the hair of his head for an hour, but even that torture
did nol force him to disclose the whereabouts of his boys. Of these sons,
only b'hn and Andrus are definitely known of. Andrus finally went into
the army and served seven years, but when he got into active service he
found he had considerable dislike of bullets and made his escape. He
arrived at home and stayed hidden in the barn until the close of that war.
His army was defeated and he, therefore, had no need to fear showing
himself. He took up bis residence on the old homestead there and it is
related he lived happily ever after. John acquired land of his own in
Prussian Poland, where he spent his entire life and reared, his family of
seven children. There were two sons. Julius and Ludwig. and to Julius
fell the family homestead, w beta' he passed his entire life
Ludwig Frank (who was born in 1827) was, therefore, forced to find
a location for himself, and in the spring of 1855 m' st'' sa^ '"'" America
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ()]]
and after nine long weeks at sea, his boat landed at the port of Quelxx,
Canada. Ludwig Frank worked his way to Wisconsin and settled in Mar-
quette county. He was accompanied on his journey by his bride, to whom
he was married just the da)' before he set sail. He secured work in the
harvest fields of Marquette county at fifty cents per day, and later bought
eighty acres of land there, where he lived for four and one-half years. He
decided he was not suited in his location there, and disposed of his farm
without making out any papers, and together with his wife and two small
children he set out for Minnesota, with an ox-team which hauled their few
precious belongings, driving his live stock ahead. They crossed the Missis-
sippi river at LaCrosse and journeyed on into the central portion of the
state and reached their destination near New Ulrn. There, in i860, Lud-
wig Frank took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres and proceeded
to establish a home and friendly relations with the Indians, who were there
in great numbers and paid visits to the home of the paleface every day.
The land there was all prairie and the winters extremely severe, so after
two years in that location, in the spring of 1862, he moved his family to
Waseca county and there secured work among the farmers of that county.
For a year or so he rented land and in the spring of 1865 purchased a farm
of eighty acres in section 24. of Wilton township, where he made his home
for a great many years.
In iSqo Ludwig Frank sold his homestead and moved to a forty-acre
farm nearby, where he lived at the time of his death, in January, 1902.
His good and faithful wife is still living in Waseca, this state, at the
advanced age of eighty-two years. She is a native of Bradenburg, Ger-
many, and enjoys remarkable health and vigor for one of her age, espe-
cially when the hardships of her earlier life and pioneer days are taken
into consideration. Both Ludwig Frank and his wife were members of the
German Evangelical church. There were eight children in their family,
Albert being the fifth child in order of birth. The eldest is William, who
is a farmer in Waseca county; Minnie is the wife of Joe Fromlath and
lives at Lisbon, North Dakota: Ludwig died at Rochester, this state.
although he had lived in Waseca county; Millie is the wife of John Hoff-
man, of Redwood county, this state; F.d is unmarried and makes his home
in Detroit, .Minnesota; Matilda, who lives in Waseca, has been twice mar-
ried, her first husband being Julius Kehn and her second husband Herman
Janka; Emma also lives in Redwood county, and is the wife of Paul Schroe-
der.
Albert Frank received his education in the public schools of Waseca
county and was raised on the farm. He assumed the management of the
homestead in 1890 and continued there until IQI2, having purchased it in
6l2 OTTER r.\IL COUNTY, MIX NESOTA.
the meantime. In that year he disposed of the old farm and came to Otter
Tail count) and on Vpri] 15, [912, contracted for a farm of two hundred
and fonr acres in Buse township, where he has since made his home. This
farm is equipped with good buildings and is an up-to-date home in all
respects. In Waseca county Mr. Frank had given particular attention to the
breeding of Duroc-Jersey hogs and Brown Leghorn hens, but in Buse town-
ship he goes into general fanning, raising only a small amount of live stock.
Albert Frank was married on June 26. 1893, t0 Albertina Klinger,
horn at Kaiser-Dramberg, Pomern, Prussia, Germany, April 18, 1873. She
is a daughter of Gottlieb and Albertina (Pust) Klinger. both natives of
that place. Mrs. Frank came to the United States in 1892. Gottlieb Klin-
ger came to America with his family and landed at St. Johns. Canada, and
from there they journeyed on to this state, reaching their destination in
Waseca county on April 20, 1896. They are farming people and are now
living in quiet retirement in the town of Waseca. Mr. and Mrs. Frank
have nine children in their family, namely : Benjamin, who died at the age
of five months: Arthur, Lily, Erna, Nelda, Clarence. Elmer, Leona and
Albert, and all of these are being well educated and trained to good citizen-
ship. Mr. Frank is honest and upright in his dealings' with his fellow men
and is held in high esteem. He is a Republican, and inasmuch as he takes
special interests in the cause of education, he has been a member of the local
school board practically ever since living in this township.
TOSFPFF FISH.
Joseph Fish was born near Syracuse, Xew York. September jt,. 1850,
the son of Jerome and Sarah Fish. His parents also were both natives of
Xew York state, but in 1855 they moved to Wisconsin, where they bought
land and farmed until the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1862 the
father enlisted in the noted Second Regiment. Wisconsin Cavalry, and
served until disabled by sickness, his condition being such that he was
returned home, and did not return to the service. hollowing the close of
the Civil War he had charge of a cooper-shop in River Falls, Wisconsin,
for some years and, in 1870, came to Minnesota. In the spring of 1871
he settled on land in Becker county, Minnesota, where he died in June.
1872, not having tiled claim on the land. His wife died before the Civil
War. Their children were Joseph, Lucy. Harvey K.. Harry. Maria and
Arthur.
Joseph Fish received some education in Wisconsin, where, at the age
of eleven years, he started in life for himself, working at such farm jobs
as he could obtain until he entered the cooper-shop before mentioned. In
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. OI3
[881 he came to Minnesota and bought forty acres of timber laud, where
he has since resided. There were no buildings on the land he bought, and
his entire capital was forty-three dollars, but he put on modern buildings
and now owns a farm of eighty acres, which he uses for farming and stock
raising, and always has a large amount of stock.
In 1878 Joseph Fish was married to Mrs. Jennie Sanders, who was a
native of New York. They have one child living named Jessie, and a
child. Walter A., who died in infancy. Mr. Fish has been chairman of the
township hoard for the past two years, and had served a term of two years
prior to the present one. and had been a member of the board several times
previously.
The father of Mrs. Fish was a native of New York. His name was
Avry Stanton Sanders. He had been in business in New York for many
years,- but on account of his wife's poor health he sold out and came west
and benight a farm in Wisconsin; later both died. They had two children,
Benjamin Franklin, born on January 3, 1848. and Jennie Almira, born on
May 9, [851.
JOSEPH B. HEMMELGARN.
\mong the successful farmers of Pine Lake township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is Joseph B. Hemmelgarn, who was born in Mercer
county, Ohio, February 18, i860, the son of Theodore and Mary (Luels-
man ) Hemmelgarn, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which
country they spent their early years and then came to America with their
parents. Theodore Hemmelgarn, in America, became a farmer and now
lives on his farm in Mercer county, Ohio. Theodore and Mary Hemmel-
garn were the parents of the following children: Theodore, Henry, Ben-
jamin. |oseph, Elizabeth, Barney, John. Anton. William. Mary, Josephine
and Thresa.
When twenty-four years of age Joseph B. Hemmelgarn came to the
state of Minnesota and engaged generally in farm work about the town of
Perham for five years, and then bought one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Pine Lake township, where he now lives and engages in general
agricultural pursuits. On taking possession of bis farm Mr. Hemmelgarn
cleared the land of timber, built substantial buildings and. as he prospered,
added in bis land until now he is tbe owner of two hundred and sixty acres
of the desirable land in Pine Lake township.
During the year [888, Joseph IV Hemmelgarn was married to \nna
Wagner, who was burn in Austria, the daughter of Anton Wagner and
wife, wbu came to America in [872 and located in Pine Lake township,
(>I4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
< )tter Tail county, Minnesota, where they followed a general agricultural
life Po the marriage of Joseph B. and Anna Heramelgarn have been born
tour children, Clara, Rosa, Andrew Martin (deceased) and Martin. Mr.
Hemmelgarn and Ins family are members of the Catholic church.
Joseph B. Hemmelgarn has taken a prominent place in the public life
of the community, serving as a volunteer in all matters for general welfare.
GEORGE B. WYNN.
George B. \\ Ann was hern at Rossville, twelve miles from Danville,
Vermilion county, Illinois, on November 18, 1868. His father, James B.
Wynn, came of a family of Irish descent and was born in Attica, Warren
county, Indiana, and was married to Mary Davis whose family came from
England, the marriage ceremony taking place in Illinois, where Mr. Wynn
went as a young man. The young couple resided for eight years on their
farm in Vermilion county and seized by the "wanderlust" spent the fol-
lowing two years in Texas, returning to the Xorth in the winter of 1879-
1880, when .Mr. Wynn settled in Otter Tail county and brought bis family
there in February. This family consisted of his second wife and three
children, the first wife having died in 1876, he was married, secondly, t<>
\dill Shamp, who is still living.
In Otter Tail county James B. Wynn bought forty acres of what was
then known as the Skinner land, in section 23, Woodside township, which is
now called the Wagner farm. The}- set up housekeeping in a log cabin
which he built (which was later destroyed) and began the task of clearing
his newly acquired purchase. Here they lived until the fall of 1892, by
which time they had acquired two hundred acres which Mr. Wynn sold in
order to be free to move to Springdale, Arkansas, where he still lives on a
farm at Winslow. He was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in
the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
in which he served for three years. Both he and his wife are members of
the Seventh-Day Adventist church, whose activities constitute one of the
important phases of their present quiet life. Mr. Wynn is a member of
the Grand Army id" the Republic. Mr. Wynn had by his first wife four
children, of whom George B.. the subject of this sketch is the eldest. The
Mihcrs are. in the order of their birth: Thomas, who for some years has
been an extensive traveler: William, a farmer living at Wrightstown;
Manolia, the wife of Charles Michel, who lives in Ballaton, Minnesota. By
hi< second marriage eleven children were born, these being Mary, Frank.
Silas, who died at the age of eight; Rhoda, Joseph, deceased at the age of
fifteen; Henrv, a soldier of the regular army: Ruth. Martha, who died
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 615
young; Winnie, who died at the age of six months; Roy, who died when
an infant of two daws, and Nona.
I he old log school house so well known in the previous generation
furnished young George Wynn with the only education available at that
time. He attended school at district No. 100 during the winter terms of
three months and the rest of the year worked on the farm until he was
twenty-two years of age. He then left home to become a farm laborer
in .Minnesota and Dakota. With the money he saved he was able to buy in
[888 or [889, fort) acres in the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter
mi section jj. in Woodside township, land that was then a wilderness.
( 'ut of this wilderness Air. Wynn has made one of the finest farms in the
township. Soon after his marriage. 111 1893, he built a log house and there
took his wife, continuing to live there until 1904, In 1896 he increased
his holdings by eight}' acres which he bought in section 27. this being unim-
proved railroad land. Having cultivated this tract he further enhanced its
usefulness and attractiveness b) building in 1905 a splendid frame house
where he and his family have lived ever since. In the summer of 191 5
he built a new barn thirty by fifty feet, having hip-roof and concrete founda-
tion. Mr. Wynn is now farming one hundred and sixty acres, having in
191 1 bought forty acres in the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter
of section 26. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and has met with a
marked degree of success.
Lucy E. Adams, a native of Richland Center. Wisconsin, became Mrs.
George B. Wynn on the 28th of November, 1893. Her father, Thomas B.
Adams, a carpenter, had enlisted in Company F, Sixteenth Regiment. Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. His wife's parents had
come to Crow Wing county before the war and there had married. They
later went to Wisconsin. While Thomas Adams was serving his country
a period of three years and three months, his wife took her two children
from (Vow Wing county. Minnesota, to Richland ('enter. Wisconsin, in
order to receive from the government the support due her as a soldier's wife.
There he returned after the war and resumed his trade, continuing to live
there for forty or fifty years, until his death which occurred in r8oo or
1900. His wife passed away in T894.
The mother of Mrs. Wynn was. before her marriage. Nancy I.
Mc Arthur and the history Of her ancestors is of unusual interest. David
McArthur. the father, was a native of Scotland and was the first of this
family to locate in (row Wing county. For many years he was post-
master at White Earth Reservation. \t that time Minnesota was full of
Indians, hut they were for the most part of a friendly nature. However.
in an evil hour, one of his daughters named Ellen was captured and killed
('Hi OTTER TAU COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
by three Indians in 1872. In payment for this dastardly deed they were
apprehended and hanged by the settlers on what was called "the lone pine
tree" at Brainerd, Minnesota, and this tree is still standing there. The
body of the girl was not found for three years when a traveler was pass-
ing by an Indian tepee and found the "brave" beating his squaw. He over-
heard the woman threaten to tell on her husband. This led to the appre-
hension of the murderers.
Mr. and Mrs. George 15. Wynn became the parents of five children,
namely: Thela J.. Carrie Marie, who died in infancy: Menolia, Wilma
and Jesse.
Mr. Wynn's service to the community has been of long duration, a
certain test of efficiency and honesty. An assessor of this township for
sixteen years and a member of the school hoard for twenty-one, he has
paid the tribute of good citizenship to a commonwealth to whose material
interests he has also contributed. Mr. Wynn is a member of the Wing
River Telephone Company and of the Co-operative Creamery Companv at
Bertha. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is an inde-
pendent in politics. Mr. Wynn has those traits of character which make
him a man whose influence is felt anion"' his associates.
TOHN F.RTZ.
John Ertz was born in Germany, November id. 1869, the son of
Valentine and Angeline fKiewel) Ertz, both of whom were born, reared
to manhood and womanhood and married in the Fatherland. Valentine
Ertz was a farmer in his native land and followed his occupation there
until 1880, when he emigrated to America with his family. After settling
in Stearns county, Minnesota, he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres of partially improved land and lived upon that land for twenty years,
when he moved to (old Springs, where he and his beloved wife live retired
at the present time. To this devoted couple were born seven children, as
follow: Nick, a farmer living in Gary, Minnesota: John, the subject of
this sketch: Katie, who married Frank Wiesener. and lives at Cold Spring.
Minnesota; Joe. a laborer living in Bluffton township, Otter Tail county:
George, a farmer living in North Dakota: Peter, a fanner living in Bluff-
ton township, and Mary, who lives at home with her parents.
Reared and receiving his elementary education in Germany until ten
years of age, John Ertz came to the 1'nited States and for some time pur-
sued still further his education in the Minnesota public schools. Subse-
quent
v. he purcl
lased 0
ne hu
ndred and sixty a<
■res of land
in
rodd c
ounty
iere farmei
1 for :,
shod
tunc, after which
he bought
land
in W
adena
-. where Ik
: farm*
■,1 for
a period of four
years. In
[90
2 John
Ertz
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ()[J
removed to Otter Tail county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres
in section 5, of Bluffton township, where lie has been actively engaged in
farming ever since. At the time of his purchase of the farm in Bluffton
township, only two acres of the land had been broken and a few dilapidated
buildings were standing on the farm. Determined to improve his farm, he
began to clear the land and to break the soil. In 1915 lie built a sub-
stantia] and modern house and barn, the latter being thirty-four by forty-
four feet and equipped with hay fork and other modern improvements.
Mr. Hrtz has been deeply interested in live stock and is a breeder of Roan
Durham cattle and ( hester White hogs.
On February 15, 1898, John Krtz was united in marriage with Mary
I.aubach. a native of Spring Hill. Stearns county, and the daughter of Nick
Daubach, an old settler who lived and died at Spring Hill. To this happy
union there have been born thirteen children, of whom Nick, Clara. Katie,
George and an infant are deceased The living children are Annie. Louis,
Marcus. William. Stephen, Helen. Rosa and Leona.
John F.rtz. besides successfully operating his farm, has taken an active
interest in the commercial and political activities of his township. As a
Democrat he served for four terms as township supervisor. He is a share-
holder in the Farmer's Co-operative Creamery Company of Bluffton.
OTTO P.. TOHXSON.
Among those who from humble beginnings, have reached a place of
distinction in the agricultural life of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Otto
B. Johnson, who was born in Smoland, Sweden, on the 6th of November,
1865. He is the son of John and Eva (Olson) Johnson, natives of that
country. Eva Olson was the daughter of Ole and Lena Olson, who were
born in Sweden, where they spent the greater part of their lives, he working
as a carpenter and a farmer and she assisting him in many ways. The
father, Ole Olson, died when in the prime of life, but his wife lived to be
ninety years old.
John and Eva Johnson, who were both born in the year 1819, spent
their childhood davs in Sweden, where they were later married. Mr. John-
1 fanner. He came to America alone, in
country went directly to St. Paul, Miiinc-
■ three years on a railroad \t this form
. small amount of his earnings each month.
Sweden. His initial appearance in ( (tter
,ben he came to this community with the
1 [e began bis task of clearing the land
their
childhood davs i
11 Sv
/eden,
-.n f
oik. wed the oca
tpatii
,11 of
[868.
sota,
and upon arriv
where he was ei
Uplo
11 this
yed fo
if W 1
,rk lie was able t
0 set
aside
and a
Is,, to support tl
le fa
mil) n
Tail 1
■ountv was mad
e m
1871
• blecl
: in view of ho
mesti
•adm-
6t8 ottek tail county, Minnesota.
on one hundred and sixty acres located in section 2, in Erhards Grove town-
ship. The homestead claim was covered with timber and aside from the
task of clearing the land, was the difficult one of hauling supplies from
the nearest markets winch were located at Fergus Falls and at Alexandria.
Air. Johnson built his log cabin on the site where the present Swedish Luth-
eran church stands.
In 1872 Air. Johnson sent for his two eldest sons, who joined him on
tin homestead, and in [875 Airs. Johnson arrived in this country with the
thro- ^mailer children. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1895,
Air. Johnson owned two hundred acres of land. He and his wife (who
died m 1SS71. were members of the Swedish Lutheran church and con-
tributed generously to the support of thai organization. Air. Johnson gave
the land for the present church and for a number of years served the
congregation as trustee. The following children were reared by John and
I \.i Johnson: Gustaf, who owns an adjoining farm: Carl F.. who is a
farmer in Pelican township; Olena. the wife of Peter Nygen, who lives in
Nevada: Lottie, who married William Hubbard and who lives in the state
of Washington, and Otto P.., who is the subject of this sketch.
The educational training received by Otto B. Johnson covered a period
of only seventy days. lie received his training in farm management from
his father during the time of clearing the homestead land. Previous to
the death of his father he rented the home place and in 1893 bought the
entire farm of two hundred acres. He has improved the farm since the
time of the purchase. A large modern residence has been erected and a
well-built barn put up. The management is devoted to general farming and
stock raising.
Mr. Johnson has not allowed the interest of the farm to narrow his
business activities. He was a director of the Lakeview Telephone Com-
pany and organized the Pelican Valley Shipping Association, of which he
has been president for many years. Independent in his political interests
Mr. Johnson has always been active for the cause of good government,
lie served nine years as supervisor in the township and the same number
1 if \ ears as school clerk.
In March, of [893, Mr. Johnson married Emma Carlson, the daughter
of Maria and Carl Carlson. Mr. Carlson never left his native land of
Sweden to come to this country, but his wife and children, who came to
this country, settled in Otter Tail county, near Pelican Rapids. Airs. John-
son, who is a native of Umea, Sweden, is the mother of the following
children: Victor, Victoria, Josephine, Joseph, who died at the aye of ten:
Otillie. Emil and Gladys. All the children are living at home with their
parents.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA 6lO.
WILL] \.M JANKE.
William Janke is one of six children born to David and Fredericka
(Lipke) Janke and his birth occurred on April 14, 1864, in Pomern.
Prussia. David and Fredericka (Lipke) Janke were also natives of
Prussia and were married in that country. David Janke was occupied as
a day laborer both in this native land and in America. He immigrated to
America in 1885. His death occurred in 1889 in Waseca county. Minne-
sota. Fredericks (Lipke) Janke died in 1887. Both were devout mem-
bers of the German Lutheran church and were the parents of the following-
children: August, .Minna. Amelia, Charles, Christena and William.
August 1- a retired farmer living in Waseca county, Minnesota; Minna is
the wife of William Rotke and lives in Waseca county; Amelia married
John Wartime and after his death, in Prussia, immigrated to America;
Charles is a ship-builder and is engaged in that business in Charlottenburg ;
Christina became the wife of William Guelzow and the)' live in Otter Tail
county.
William Janke received his education in the public schools of his native
country and upon the completion of same engaged in farming, immigrating
tn America in 1884. After his arrival in the United States he was employed
as a farm hand in Waseca county, Minnesota, for a period of three years.
He then purchased eighty acres of land in Iosco township where he con-
tinued to cultivate the soil until 1905, at which time he removed to Otter
Tail county and purchased four hundred and seventy acres of partially
improved land. Desirous of making this farm one of the best in that sec-
tion be erected new buildings, fences and other necessary improvements and
until 11,114 specialized in the breeding of Holstein cattle and Poland China
hogs. In 1914 two hundred acres of this farm were sold but he still con-
tinue- tn cultivate the remaining two hundred and seventy acres. Besides
the cattle and hogs which are sold yearly, William Janke retains a herd of
twenty head of cattle and about thirty-five head of hogs.
In 1 N85 William Janke was united in wedlock to Augusta Block, daugh-
ter nf Michael and .Augusta Block, both natives of Posen. East Prussia.
Augusta (Block) Janke is a native of Iosco, Minnesota, and by her union
to William Janke has been the mother of six children: F.rnest, Aaron,
l.yiha. Theodore, William and Emma. Ernest, Aaron and Lydia died
when very young and Theodore, William and Emma reside under the par-
ental roof. The parents of Augusta (Block) Janke were old settlers of
Iosco township, Waseka county, Minnesota.
William Janke is much interested in all questions pertaining to the
welfare and advancement of his community and has been actively engaged
()_'() OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
in promoting man) of the local enterprises. He is a stockholder in the
creamery at < Itter Tail and also a stockholder in the telephone company of
that place. Politically, he is a staunch Republican and has served the edu-
cational interests of his township as school clerk. He also served as road
overseer for a number of years. His religious inspiration is received
through lus attendance at the German Lutheran church, of which both he
and his wife are active members. Not only has he mastered the language
and customs of this country, but he has amassed a comfortable competency
as well, and, withal, holds the respect and good will of his fellow citizens.
ANDREW A. WICKLUND.
A line example of native shrewdness has been displayed in the life oi
Andrew A. Wicklund, in connection with the ownership of one hundred
and sixty acres of land to which he now owns a clear title, and on which
he has resided since 1882. Andrew A. Wicklund was born on December 8,
1875, m Sweden, and is the son of Andrew Johnson and Kigsa (Allison I
Wicklund, both natives of Sweden. Andrew Johnson Wicklund immi-
grated to America in [881 and secured one hundred sixty acres of land.
under the homestead law. in Eagle Lake township, this county, lie
unproved this land and put it under cultivation, in preparation for the resi-
dence of his family who followed him one year later. In 1882, Kigsa
(Allison) Wicklund immigrated to America, accompanied by her three
children, Magnus, Mathilda and Andrew A. Their eldest child, John, died
in Sweden.
Andrew A. Wicklund assisted his father with the management ami
cultivation of the home place until his father's death, after which he assumed
full charge and ownership. A dispute arose as to the validity of the claim
and in order to make the title clear. Kigsa (Allison) Wicklund, mother of
\ndrew V Wicklund. entered the homestead as her own. transferring it
to her son at the proper time.
Andrew A. Wicklund was united in marriage to Christina Nelson, in
[904, and they are the parents of four children: Alice. Arthur, Myrtle
and Wallace. Christina (Nelson) Wicklund is a native of Eagle Lake
township, Otter lad county, Minnesota, and a daughter of Lotus and Inglc-
borg (Olson) Nelson, natives of Sweden and Norway, respectively. Louis
Nelson immigrated to \merica in [875, locating 111 Iowa for a short tune
and later removing to Otter Tail county, where his marriage occurred.
Inglehorg (Olsen) Nelson, immigrated to America 111 [882 She was the
daughter of Henry and Rangen (Harelsdatter) Olsen who immigrated to
America in [880, purchasing a homestead nght in Eagle Lake township,
tins county. Thev cultivated this property until their death.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 021
The father of Andrew A. Wicklund. Andrew Johnson Wicklund, is
deceased, but his widow still lives and shares the home of her son. Andrew
A. Wicklund and family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and
are actively engaged in the support of the same. For the past eleven years
Andrew A. Wicklund has served as school director and was recently
re-elected for another three-} ear term. This fact is surely the best recom-
mendation for his sterling worth to the community and the respect and
esteem in which he is held.
ERNST LUEBBERMAN X .
Ernst Luebbermann, one of the well-known and highly-respected farm-
ers and stock raisers, and a citizen who has been active in the political and
official life of Dora township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in
Germain-, October 30, 1845, a son ot Everhardt and Sophia ( Burer ) Lueb-
bermann, natives of Germany, in which country they lived their entire lives,
the elder Luebbermann having been a successful farmer. Everhardt and
Sophia Luebbermann were the parents of seven children.
Ernst Luebbermann received his education in the public schools of his
native country and after the completion of his studies became a farmer
working on the home place for some years. When twenty years of age, in
[865, he left the land where he had grown to maturity and came to America,
locating in the state of Ohio where he made his home for about thirteen
years. During the year 1878, Mr. Luebbermann moved to Minnesota and
located in Dora township, this county, where he became one of the colony
of homesteaders who were numerous in this locality at that time. Secur-
ing the rights to one hundred and sixty acres of uncleared and unimproved
land. Ernst Luebbermann proceeded to improve his place and prepare the
land for cultivation, from time to time adding more improvements and
securing more acreage until now Mr. Luebbermann is the owner of two
hundred and forty acres of the best improved and most highly cultivated
land of the community. For many years Ernst Luebbermann has lived on
Ins present farm, his success as a general farmer and as a stock raiser giv-
ing him a place of note among the leading agriculturists of Dora town-
ship and the vicinity.
During the year [882, Ernst Luebbermann was married to Minnie
Hoffmann, a native of German}-, and to this marriage have been born six
children: Fred, Herman, Otto, Rudolph, Ernst and Tena. Mr. Luebber-
mann and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, the
activity of Mr. Luebbermann and his wife in this congregation being well
known in the community.
f)22 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Ernst Luebbermann has taken a prominent place in the official life of
Dora township. Utter Tail county. Minnesota, for about eight years hav-
ing served as an active and influential member of the township hoard of
supervisors.
As a citizen and as a leader in agricultural circles Mr. Luebbermann
has demonstrated his value to the community and he is a man who takes
a place of honor and prominence in the various affairs of Dora township
and of ( )tter Tail county.
PEDER P. HARRANG.
farm.
Tin
y were
the
seconi
in «
irder
of
hi
at the
age
>f t\
enty.
if w
lliatn
Stine,
wh
Pacifi
rail
•oad
at
St
Near Underwood, Minnesota, in section 8, Sverdrup township, is the
farm of one hundred and twenty acres belonging to Peder P. Harrang, an
enterprising farmers of this township, who is a native of Norway, born in
that country on April 6, i860.
Mr. Harrang is a son of P. M. and Brit Harrang, both of whom were
born in Norway, and who, after their marriage, came to America in 1880.
They settled 111 < Itter Tail county and homesteaded a farm in section 12,
Sverdrup township, and both spent the remainder of their lives on this
parents of five children, of whom Peder P. was the
ih. The eldest child was ( )le, who died in Norway
tnga I is now Mrs. P. Sande. Inga II is the wife
1- superintendent of the car service of the Missouri
Louis. Missouri. John lives in Idaho, where he is
running a general merchandise store.
.Peder P. Harrang was educated in the public schools of his native land,
and in [88] emigrated to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and for a time
worked as a painter in Fergus Falls. In 1888, Mr. Harrang was married
to Anna Sholberg, who is a native of Norway, born in 1866. the daughter
of Martin and Mary Sholberg. Mrs. Harrang's parents came from Nor-
way to the United States in the early seventies, and upon their arrival in
(his country worked at Porter's mill, near Fan Claire, Wisconsin. In 1875
the family came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded eighty
acres of land, to which they later added forty acres, and it is this farm
which Mr. Harrang now owns Mr. Harrang has made in<>st of the
improvements "ii this farm, and now lives in one of the mos1 substantial
farm houses in Sverdrup township. He also has a tine barn and other
outbuildings necessary for the equipment of a well conducted farm.
Mr. Harrang and wife are the parents of eight children, as follow:
l'aliner. Monrad, Minda. Helen, Ida. Clara, Bertha and \gnes, all of whom
are living.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. <)2^
Mr Harraojg is a stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery Company,
of Underwood, Minnesota, and also in the co-operative store at that place.
Mr. and .Mrs. Harrang and family are earnest and devout members of
the Lutheran church. Mr. Harrang formerly served as a member of the
town board of supervisors, and at one time was chairman of this board.
He has worthily discharged all the duties, both private and public, which
has fallen to him as a citizen of the republic.
OLE A. BERG.
Ole A. Berg is a native of Norway, born on September 5, t86o. Mr.
Berg is a son of Arne Christensen Berg and Marie Olson Hoi, both of
whom were born, reared, married, and died in Norway.
Ole A. Berg, after emigrating from Norway to the United State- in
[886 settled near Battle Lake, in Otter Tail county. Minnesota.
In [890 Ole A. Berg was married to Carolina Vidness, who was born
in Norway in 1875, and who is a daughter of Johannes Vidness and wife.
Mrs. Berg's parents emigrated from their native land to America about
r88o locating near Battle Lake. Minnesota, where they still live.
In 1902 Mr. Berg purchased the farm in Sverdrup township where
they now live.
Mr and Mrs. Berg are the parents of ten children, as follow: Jose-
phine. Mabel, Karen. Christian, Florence, Johannes, Arne (deceased), Arne,
Else and Laura.
Mr. Merg: and family are members of the Lutheran church.
CHARLES STENDER.
Charles Slender, one of the successful farmers and stock raisers, and
a man who has taken an important part in the official life of Dora town-
ship. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Germany, November 13,
1857, a s<m of lohn and Henrietta ( 1'riebe) Stender, natives of Germany.
John Stender lived in his native land until [866 when he came to
America, with his family, and located in Carver count}', Minnesota, where
he made his home as a pioneer farmer for the remainder of his active life.
The elder Slender and his wife were the parents of four children.
Charles Stender received his education in the common schools of Ger-
many and then, with his parents, came to America and with them settled in
Carver county, Minnesota, where Charles Stender engaged in farming and
in the work of clearing the land of the community.
During the year [889, when thirty-one years of age, Charles Stender
moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and located in Dora township,
(>_'4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which he unproved
and supplied with the necessary equipment and where he has since lived
as a general farmer and stuck raiser, he now owning two hundred and fifty
acre.- of land, his success m these lines being well known throughout the
locality.
During the year J 877, Charles Stender was married to Maria Mielke
and to this marriage have been horn the following children: Louisa, Anna.
Bertha, Ida, Otto, Emma, Martha, Bennie, Olga, Alma (deceased), Paul,
Charles, .Marie Krwm 1 deceased), Lottie and Henry (deceased). Mr.
Stender and his family are active members of the German Lutheran church.
Mr. and Mrs. Stender being affiliated with the South Dora church, in which
congregation they are well known and highly respected workers.
( harles Stender has been active in the official life of Dora township
for many years, during which time he has served as clerk of the township
since first coming to the locality and for many years served as clerk of the
Dura township school board. Politically, Mr. Stender is a Republican. As
a citizen and as a friend Charles Stender holds the respect and esteem of
all in his community and is one without whom Dora township would be
less one of its progressive influences for the upbuilding of community life.
DANIEL \Y. HIXSON.
The Union soldier in the great war between the states builded wiser
than he knew. Through four years of suffering and wasting hardships,
through the horrors of prison pens and amid the shadows of death, he laid
the foundation of the greatest temple ever erected and dedicated to human
freedom. Today we call those soldiers sublime and in art and sculpture we
have preserved their unselfish deeds. It remains, however, for the children
of generations yet unborn to accord the full measure of appreciation for
their immortal characters. Among the valiant veterans of the great Civil
War now living 111 Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is Hon. Daniel W. llix-
son, who enlisted as a soldier in the Union army before he was eighteen
vears old. Mr. Hixson has been repeatedly honored by the people of this
state and has served nobly and efficiently in the Minnesota state Senate. Ib-
is the scion of a distinguished family, his grandfather having fought valiantly
by the side of Washington in the Revolutionary War.
Daniel W. Hixson, a retired citi/en of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a
native of Burlington, Iowa, where he was born on December _>.:;. 1843. ''c
1- the son of John and Man I Burnett) Hixson and the grandson of David
Hixson, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. John Hixson spent his early
years in the mercantile business, but finally took up farming and in [821
\XIKI. W. HIXSON
NTY
. M
CNNESOTA.
the
mil]
ing business.
1 to
nes
ir Burlington,
6^5
Ohio, where he engaged in the milling business. In 1837 he took
unl in 1843 moved to near Burlington, where he was a
farmer the remainder of his life.
Daniel \Y. Hixson received his early education in the public schools of
Burlington and vicinity and on August 4, 1862, enlisted from Kossuth, Iowa,
in Company C, Thirtieth Regiment. Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which was
attached to the Fifteenth Army Corps. Mr. Hixson was wounded in the
siege of Vicksburg and was thereafter honorably discharged on account of
wounds.
After his return home, Mr. Hixson finally engaged in farming and in
the live stock business, ship]. ing his stock to Chicago, Illinois. In 1883 Mr.
Hixson moved to Grant county. Minnesota, where he purchased six hundred
and forty acres of land. This large tract of land was located in Delaware
township and there Mr. Hixson was engaged in farming on a large scale.
Three vears after his removal to Grant county he was nominated for
the Senate by the Republican party and, having been endorsed by the Farm-
ers' Alliance, was triumphantly elected and served during the legislative
sessions of 1887 and 1889. As a member of the Senate he had a conspicuous
part in the framing and passage of important legislation and was considered,
during the two sessions in which he served, as one of the leaders on the
Republican side.
In [899 Mr. Hixson purchased a farm near Fergus Falls, but never lived
on it. His daughter being a student in the schools of Fergus Falls, Mr.
Hixson finally purchased a home in the city, a house on Lincoln avenue,
west, formerly owned by Doctor Cole. Here he has lived ever since.
By his marriage on March 7, 1866. to Helen Orr. a native of Ohio and
a descendant on her paternal side from one of the most historic families of
New England, there were born three children, Edwin S., Elma C. and Alice
Capitola. Mrs. Hixson's father came originally from Goffstown. New
Hampshire. Of the Hixson children, Edwin S., an only son, is a president
of Blaine county, Montana, where lie is engaged in farming and stock rais-
in-. Ne married Flora Goodell and has three children, Helen S., Ned B.
and Charles D. Elma C. is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and
is now the teacher of history in the Fergus Falls high school. She is the
widow of the late Professor Benton, who was a well-known linguist of this
state and who was an instructor in the University of Minnesota. Professor
Benton died several years ago, leaving two children. William P.. and Daniel
II. Alice Capitola is a well-known musician of this section of Minnesota.
She has so willingly contributed her services as a musician on so many
occasions that there is perhaps no young woman in this section better known
(40b )
626 :R TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
than she. She married Jesse O. Billings, a native of Rutland. Vermont, and
a man of sound business ability, who, before his untimely death in 1910, was
engaged as an importer of purebred stock and who also owned a large ranch
in North Dakota. His death was a severe shock not only to his wife, but to
the Hixson family and to a host of friends. He left two children. Ida and
Cecil.
Daniel W. Hixson has been prominent not only in the political and civic
life of this state, but he is likewise well known in fraternal circles, being a
Mason. He is a member of the Knights Templar and also of the Chippewa
Club.
ODE XYGAARD.
Ole Xygaard, a prosperous farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail
count)', -Minnesota, is a native of Norway, where he was born on March
-'/"■ i^4Q-
Air. Xygaard is the son of Ole G. and Ingebor 1 Anne ) Xygaard, both
of whom were born in Norway and who. about 1882, immigrated to Amer-
ica and settled in Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Mr. Nygaard's father
died in 1 00 1 at the age of eighty-three years, and his mother in 1907 at
the age of ninety-four. They were the parents of eleven children.
Ole Xygaard was educated in the public schools of Norway and in
1870 came to America, settling at St. Peter, Minnesota. Later he moved
t<i Mankato, .Minnesota, in September, 1870. and the following winter moved
to St. Paul. In 1872 he came to Otter Tail county and took a homestead
of one hundred and thirty-one acres of land, which he has cleared and
improved. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and has been success-
ful in this county.
On January to, 1882, Ole Xygaard was married to Gertrude Sande,
who was born on February 17. 1862, in Norway, and who is the daughter
of Ole and Betsy Sande. They came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in
1882. Mrs. Nygaard's father died here 111 [905 and her mother in 1802.
Mr. and Mrs. Ole Xygaard have been the parents of eleven children,
of whom !nga is the wife of Thomas Petersen and has four children, Susie.
Olive, Clifford and Raymond; Berntene is the wife of Hans Mortonson and
has one daughter, Irene; Odin, lives at home: Lena is the wife of Edwin
Gilbertson and has three children, George, Robert and Melvin; Johanna is
the wife of Clayton Senilis and has two children, Leona and Beatrice;
\lfred. Daniel, Henry. Ingvald, Mary and Clarence are all at home.
Ole Nygaard started life in this country with forty dollars and he is
now a well-to-do farmer. \ wonderful change has taken place 111 this
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 627
county since Mr. Nygaard moved here, and Fergus Falls, the county scat.
is a vastly different city in appearance from what it was thirty-five years
ago, when there were only two or three stores in the town.
Although Mr. Nygaard is nominally identified with the Republican
party, he takes no interest in political affairs.
GILBERT L. ANTONSEN.
Gilbert L. Antonsen, well-known farmer of Edna township, Otter Tail
count v, Minnesota, was born in LeSueur county, Minnesota, July 14, 1877,
the son of Christian and Henrietta E. (Wassman) Antonsen, the former
born in Denmark, the latter born in New York state. Christian Antonsen
was the son of Peter and Sarah Antonsen, natives of Denmark.
Christian Antonsen came to America about 1859 and located in Le-
Sueur county, Minnesota, where he secured one hundred and eighty acres
of land and engaged in farm life for the remainder of his days. Christian
and Henrietta Antonsen were the parents of nine children : Henry, Allen,
Walter, Fred, John, Elick. Otis, Gilbert and Sarah.
Gilbert L. Antonsen received his education in the common schools of
LeSueur county, after which he became a farmer, working generally on the
farms of his native county for two years. He came to Otter Tail county in
tSqo. and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Edna township,
at the same time dealing to a small extent as a land agent, in partnership
with his brother, Otis. As a farmer, Gilbert L. Antonsen has been thor-
oughly successful, having improved his land, equipped his farm with
approved machinery and now engages in general farming on two hundred
and ten acres of highly productive soil. In addition to his general farm
activity, Mr. Antonsen operates a threshing outfit throughout the township
and vicinity.
OLE ANDERSON
Horn in Norway, May 22, 1875, Ole Anderson, a prosperous farmer
of Everts township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is a son of Andreas
and Maren Anderson, who were both born in Norway. Mr. Anderson's
father was born in 1840. and after the deatli of his wife in her native land,
came with his children to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in [892. Here he
purchased eight}- acres of land located in section 14, of Everts township,
and on this farm Andreas Anderson has resided most of the time since
coming to the county. ( >f bis three children, Anna and ( )le are living, while
an infant is deceased. \ndrcas Anderson is a member of the Lutheran
church, in whose welfare be is deeply interested.
njN OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Ole Anderson was educated in the public schools of his native land,
and when seventeen years of age came to Everts township with his lather.
He now owns one hundred and fifty-nine acres of land in sections 13 and
14, and not only operates this farm, but also eighty acres belonging to his
father.
Air. Anderson lives with his father, who has been married since com-
ing to America, to Olene Broteng who is the mother of two children by
her first husband. Ole Anderson's sister, Anna, is the wife of Ole Widnes,
of Battle Lake, Minnesota, and they are the parents of six children, Marvin.
Dora, Hilda, Ruth, liner and Roy.
Ole Anderson is a devout member of the Lutheran church, in which be-
takes an active interest, and to the support of which he is a liberal contributor.
WALTER C. ANTONSEN.
Walter C. Antonsen, successful farmer and well-known citizen of Edna
township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in LeSueur county, Minne-
sota, May 16, 1865, a son of Christian and Henrietta E. (Wassman) Anton-
sen, the father a native of Denmark, and the mother a native of New York
state. Christian Antonsen was the son of Peter and Sarah Antonsen,
natives of Denmark.
About 1859 Christian Antonsen came to America and settled in
LeSueur county, Minnesota, where he took up the duties of farm life. As
a fanner, Christian Antonsen was notably successful, he having acquired
one hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which he cultivated in his able
manner, for the remainder of his days.
( "hristian and Henrietta Antonsen were the parents of nine children :
Henry, Allen, Walter. Fred. John. Elick, Otis. Gilbert and Sarah, all of
whom are now living. The elder Antonsen and his wife were members of
the Methodist church.
Wralter C. Antonsen received his education in the public schools oi
LeSueur county, Minnesota, after which he became a farmer, working on
the home farm for his father. During the year 1887, Walter C. Antonsen
came to Otter rail county, and located in Edna township, where he pur-
chased a farm of eighty acres, which he improved and to which he added
land until now he is the owner and successful cultivator of two hundred and
forty acres. In addition to his general farming. Mr. Antonsen engages in
the raising of considerable live stock.
During the vear t8qo, Walter C. Antonse mvas married to Sophia
Sunderman, and to this marriage has been born one child. Pearl, who was
born in Tune. 1003. Mr. Antonsen and bis family are active members of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 629
the .Methodist Episcopal church, in Edna township, they being highly
respected people of this church. Politically, Walter ('. Antonsen is an
ardent Republican.
HENRY ANTONSEN.
Among the men of Hobart township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
who not only take a leading place among the farmers and stock raisers of
the community, but who also are active and influential in the business and
official circles, is Henry Antonsen, who was born in LeSueur county, Minne-
sota. March 27, 1861, a son of Christian and Henrietta E. (Wassman)
Antonsen, the former of whom was born in Denmark, and the latter, in
New York state. Christian Antonsen was the son of Peter and Sarah
Antonsen. natives of Denmark.
Christian Antonsen came to America about 1859, and located in LeSueur
county, Minnesota, where he secured one hundred and eighty acres of land
and engaged in farm life for the remainder of his days. Christian and
Henrietta Antonsen were the parents of nine children: Henry, Allen,
Walter. Fred, John, Elick, Otis. Gilbert and Sarah.
Henry Antonsen received his education in the common schools of
LeSueur county, Minnesota, and after his school days became a farmer,
working on the farms of his native community. When twenty-two years
of age. in 1883, Mr. Antonsen moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and
located in Hobart township, where he purchased eighty acres of uncleared
and unimproved land. On taking possession of his land, Henry Antonsen
built the necessary buildings, supplied his farm with the proper equipment
and fourteen years later, in [898, having prospered as a farmer, he added
eighty acres of land to his original farm, all of which has since been highly
improved and now is in a thorough state of scientific cultivation. On his
excellent farm Henry Antonsen now is engaged in general farming, together
with the specializing in the raising of purebred Poland-China hogs and of
Red Polled cattle, the product of (his progressive farmer in this line being
of the choicest to be found in the community.
Henry Antonsen, in addition to his success as a farmer and stock-
raiser is well known and prominently connected with the business activities
of the township, he now serving in the capacity as secretary of the Vergas
I lo-operative Creamery Company.
During the year 1887, Henry Antonsen was married to Sarah L. Pengra,
a daughter of Rush Pengra and wife, and to this marriage have been born
eighl children: William II.. John PP. Charles IP. Prank II,. Sarah II.
Mary H.. Margaret H. and Elnora H.
630 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Iii the political and official life of this community, Henry Antonsen
has been active and useful to the township and vicinity, for many years
having served as township treasurer, as school clerk for several terms and
in all the other township offices with the exception of supervisor. .Mr.
Antonsen has demonstrated his efficiency and value as a public official. Henry
Antonsen is an independent voter.
OLE PEDERSON.
( )le Pederson, although a resident of Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
for over forty years, is not a native, having been born in Trondhjem, Nor-
way, on March 5, 1849. His father, Peder Iversen Leraad, followed farm-
ing for years in his native land. Ole Pederson is the sixth son of a family
of eight boys born to Peder Jverson Leraad and Kari Esmor, both of whom
were born in Norway. The father was born in 1805, and died in 1863. The
mother was born in 181 3, and died in 1898. The couple reared an inter-
esting family: Iver, the eldest son. died at the old home place in Norway;
the second son, also called Iver, now lives in Norway, where he is a fanner ;
the next three sons, in the line of birth, died when they were small ; Ole
was the sixth son ; the two boys who were born last in line, died when they
were young.
The rudimentary branches of education were received by Ole Pederson
in the public schools of Norway. In 1870 he came to America, where he
landed alone and practically without friends. His first choice of residence
was in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he worked on the farms in that
locality. In the fall of 1871 he came to Otter Tail county. The trip as far
as P>reckenridge was made by rail, and the remaining miles were covered
on foot. LTpon his arrival in the county where he now lives he settled in
< >sc.ir township, where he took up the task of homesteading one hundred
and sixty acres of land, located in sections 2 and 3. The section of the
township in which he settled was an uncultivated tract of prairie land and
the first few years, during which the breaking of the soil was the principal
occupation, were studded with events of adversity and danger. It was in
tlie time of the greatest trials that Ole Pederson showed his highest traits of
character. He grappled with primeval conditions with fearlessness, and the
prosperity enjoyed by him today is a direct consequence of his early endea-
vors. In i88t he bought one hundred and sixtv acres of land in sections 28
and 29, Trondhjem township, and took up his residence in that part of the
county. He sold the old homestead upon which, in the earlier days, a log
cabin had been erected by him, and purchased eighty acres of land adjoining
his new residence. Upon the farm where he now lives. Mr. Pederson follows
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 63 1
the occupation of general farming. He believes thoroughly in modern
improvements and his farm land gives evidence of this fact. The buildings
are large and attractive and the fences exhibit capable farm management.
Mr. Pederson has not been content with having the farm interests engage
his attention, but has given both time and study to other lines of business
enterprise. He was director of the creamery, formerly located in Trondhjem
township, and is at the present time director of the Oscar Fanners Mutual
Insurance Company. In politics, he has always taken more than the usual
interest. In the beginning of his political career, Mr. Pederson followed
the cause of the Populist party, but later turned to the principles of the
Republican party. He now serves as treasurer of the township and treasurer
of the school board.
In 1874 Ole Pederson was united in marriage to Kari Wee, also a
native of Norway, who was horn in that country in 1850. She is the
daughter of Erick Olsen Wee and his wife Margaret, who are numbered
among the oldest settlers of Trondhjem township, having been residents of
that section of Otter Tail county since 1872. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Pederson the following children have been born : Caroline, who married
llarman Rud, and who is now living in Rothsay, Minnesota: Eric, who
lives on a farm in North Dakota: Petrina. the wife of Ole Tetrud, is now
living in Rothsay. Minnesota : Ida, who married Iver Nelson, resides in
Rothsay; Peter, who lives on the old home place: August, who died in his
thirty-second year; Petrina, who died when two years old, and the young-
est son. Oscar, died at the age of six months. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson are
both devout members of the Lutheran Synod church and contribute gen-
erously to every cause for its welfare.
ALFRED P. RFSTAD.
Alfred P. Restad. a prosperous and successful young farmer of Otter
Tail county, was born at Calmar, Iowa. January 31, 1872, and is the son
of Peder and Cecelia (Dahl) Restad, both of whom were natives of Nor-
way, the father having been born in 1836 and the mother in 182s. They
came to the United States before their marriage and located in Iowa, where
they were married some time later. In 1874 they came to Otter Tail county,
where they entered land in section 30, Scambler township. The first farm
consisted oi one hundred and sixty acres, which was cleared and improved
by Mr Restad, after which forty acres was added to the original place.
The father and mother, the latter of whom is near ninety years old, make
their home with their son and his family.
Alfred P. Restad received his education in the common schools of the
632 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
county, where he has resided most of his life. Having been reared on the
farm his inclination for agricultural pursuits was developed at an early age.
Mr. Restad, being the only child, has for the most part of his life worked
on the old homestead, which he has assisted in developing and cultivating.
He also owns forty acres, which is all timl>er. lie lias erected a beautiful
brick residence. In 1914 he remodeled the barn, which is a structure forty-
six by sixty-six feet.
Mr. Restad is a most excellent farmer and a successful breeder of
Shorthorn cattle, his stock being of the best. He has been a member of
the board of supervisors and at one time was the chairman. He is at pres-
ent clerk of the school board.
In 1896 Alfred P. Restad was married to Hilda Krogstad, who was
born in Otter Tail county in 187c), the daughter of John and Petra Krog-
stad, both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to Otter Tail
county in an early day and now live retired at Pelican Rapids.
Mr. and Airs. Restad are the parents of the following children: Cecelia,
Alvida, Lottie. Maurice. Norman, Joel and Edna, all of whom are living.
CLINTON R. ST1X \R.
< lmton R. Stinar, prominent real-estate dealer of New York Mills.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, Febru-
ary jo, 1864, the son of Abraham and Julia Anne I Luke ) Stinar, the former
born on June 4. 1828, in Marion count)-, Pennsylvania, and the latter, Janu-
ary 7, 1838, in the same county. Abraham Stinar was educated in the
schools of Marion county, Pennsylvania, after which he went to Delaware
comity, ( >hio, where he farmed for a time and then moved to Hardin
county, Iowa. Later, on June 4, 1876. Abraham Stinar came to Compton
township, tins county, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of
land in section 6, where he lived as a farmer for twelve vears and then
moved to Bluffton, Minnesota, living a retired life until his death in [900.
Julia Anne, the wife of Abraham Stinar, preceded her husband in death by
only three weeks. Abraham and Julia Anne Stinar were the parents of
the following children: Lawrence. Mary. Tellie. Flora, Lowell, Clinton.
Nellie 1 deceased). Maud and Al.
Clinton R. Stinar received his education in the schools of Alden. Hardin
county, Iowa, and then moved to Compton township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where he worked on the railroad which at that time was being
constructed through Deer Creek township, after which he was transferred
to Fergus Falls, where he had charge of the railway yards ami also had the
care of the line to Elizabeth. After five vears in the railroad business.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 633
Clinton R. Stinar took up farming and in [893, bought a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres in section 12, Newton township, which he improved
extensively and to which farm he later added forty acres.
During the year [911, Clinton l\. Stinar came to New York Mills and
in the spring of the year [912 established himself in the real-estate business,
a business in which he has successfully engaged since that time. Clinton
R. Stinar is the owner of three properties in New York Mills and is a man
who is conceded to he an authority on matters of real-estate value and
dealing's.
During the year 1885, Clinton R. Stinar was married to Marrion Jane
Bain, who was horn in London, England, on January 7. [866, the daughter
of James and Jane ( Robbins) Bain, the former horn near Edinburgh, Scot-
land, in the year [828, and the latter horn in London, in 1830. To the mar-
riage of Clinton and Marrion Stinar have been horn the following children:
Christina Grace, Osay, Ennon, Thora, James, and Lemuel and Sarah, twins.
James Lain came to America in 1S71 and located at Duluth, Minne-
sota, where he lived for some time and then moved to Brainerd, Minnesota.
\hout the year 1N7N he came to Bluffton township, this count}-, and home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 6. where he lived
thirty years and then moved to Seattle. Washington, where he lived ten
vears and died on August 12, mi;.
J( IHN MATTFELD.
Among the successful farmers and prominent men in Gorman town-
ship. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John Mattfeld, who was horn in Gor-
man township, January 26, [880, the son of Henry and Anna (Aldrich)
Mattfeld, natives of Hanover, Germany. Henry Mattfeld was the son of
Herman Mattfeld. a farmer and landowner of Germany, in which country
he lived his entire life.
Henry Mattfeld came to America in [879, and located in Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he joined a brother, Fred, who had come to
America ten years earlier, and was established as a farmer. Later. Henn
Mattfeld bought one hundred and seventy acres of land in section 5, Gor-
man township, on which he erected substantial buildings, and on which he
lived as a general farmer until 1884. Disposing of his land in section 5,
Gorman township. Henry Mattfeld bought two hundred and forty acres of
land in sections [6, of Gorman township. On this farm Henry Mattfeld
lived until [905, when he bought eight}- acres of land in Becker county.
Minnesota, a place which he cultivated until [913, when he retired and
moved to Frazee, Minnesota, where he spent his last days. Henry and
634 OTTER I Wl. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Anna Mattfeld were the parent- of fourteen children: Mary, Mate, Anna.
John, .Minnie, Emma, Frederick, Merman. Henry, William. Richard. August,
( 'ecelia and Edward, all of whom are living.
John Mattfeld received his education in the common schools of Gorman
township, after which he became a farmer and in 11)07 came to the farm in
Gorman township, where he now lives and engages in general agricultural
pursuits. In addition to his regular farm activity Mr. Mattfeld conducts
a dairy and is a breeder of [good grade Holstein cattle and Yorkshire hogs.
On November jo. 1006, John Mattfeld was married to Anna Johnson,
who was horn in Gorman township, this county, the daughter of I'. R. John-
son and wife, early settlers of Otter Tail county. To this marriage no
children have been born. John Mattfeld and Ids wife are members of the
German Lutheran church, of Perham.
John Mattfeld is prominent in business circles of Gorman township.
being a stockholder and secretary of the Farmer's Store Company, at Per-
ham. a stockholder of the Luce Creamery Company, and he is secretary and
treasurer of the Farmer's Shipping Association of Perham, with which Mr.
Mattfeld has been affiliated since the organization of the association.
As a public official, John Mattfeld has served as township assessor for
four years, as clerk of the school board for nine years and as school treasurer,
an office which he has occupied for three vears.
RAY PHELPS.
Ray Phelps, one of the prosperous and successful farmers and busi-
ness men of ( >tter Tail county, was born in that county on February 23,
[881, the son of O. C. and Margaret (Gould) Phelps, both of whom were
natives of \'ew York, where they grew to manhood and womanhood and
were married, after which they moved to Blue Earth county. Here he was
a successful farmer and a large landowner. In [880 he sold his land there
and came to Otter Tail county, where he took up a homestead of eight)
acres and at the same time purchased eighty acres in section 8, Maine town-
ship. Here he still makes his home, his wife having died on December _>_',
1013. They were the parents of eight children: Nona (deceased), llulcy.
Catherine, Guy, Mary. Fred, Margaret and Ray, all of whom are married
with the exception of Margaret.
Ray Phelps was married on May 13, 1007. to Luella Welchle who is
a native of LeSueur county. They are the parents of one child. Deggle.
Mr. Phelps was educated in the common schools of his county and remained
011 the home farm until ioo.|. when he began working for W. E. Thomas,
at Phelps Statu m, and is now the miller there.
UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 635
Mr. Phelps is the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of land in
Maine township, which is well improved and developed. The farm is rented
and he and his family make their home in Phelps Station, which was named
for the family and at one time the postoffice was located there, hut since
the establishment of the free rural delivery it has been abolished.
Mr. Phelps and his family are active members of the Presbyterian
church and take great interest in all church work. They are interested in
the social and business life of the town and devote much time and attention
to all things that tend to the betterment of the community.
JOHN HANSON.
John Hanson, of Leaf Lake township, this county, who was horn in
Sweden on December 18, 1854, but who has lived in America since he was
sixteen years old, owns live hundred and fifty acres of land all in one body
and practically all of which was wild land when he purchased it.
Mr. Hanson is the son of Hans Johnson and Marna Olson, who were
also natives of Sweden. J I is paternal grandfather was Ole Hanson, a
native of Sweden and a fisherman by occupation.
Mr. Hanson's father, Hans Johnson, came to America in 1871, bring-
ing his family with him to the new country. After a short stay in the
state of Maine, the family moved to Meeker county, Minnesota, where thev
purchased eighty acres of land. From 1871 to 1890. the family lived in
Meeker county and there the mother died and the father went to Sweden
for a visit. Upon his return to Minnesota he settled in ( )tter Tail county.
Hans Johnson lived with his son, John Hanson, until his death, about 189^.
He was a farmer all of his life and a devout member of the Lutheran
church. His wife died about 1890. They had only two children who grew
to maturity: Helen, who is now deceased, and John, the subject of this
sketch.
After receiving a meager education in the public schools of his native
land. John Hanson, at the age of sixteen years, came to America with his
parents. He settled with them in Meeker county. Minnesota, bul moved
to a homestead in section (1, Leaf Lake township and lived there live years.
This tract he sold later on. Mr. Hanson first purchased forty acres, in
1888. in section 2^. of Leaf Lake township, hut has added to the original
farm until he now owns live hundred and fifty-one acres of land. In 1 1 > 1 _•
his house burned and a little later in the same year the house was rebuilt.
In [897 Mr. Hanson built a commodious barn. lie raises a great manv
Durham cattle and red Duroc-Jersey hogs and keeps altogether aboul one
hundred head. For twenty years, Mr. Hanson has been engaged in the
live-stock shipping business. He has shipped to all of the nearby markets.
636 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
including St. Paul and Chicago. For twelve years Mr. Hanson was in the
grain business at Henning and. during five years of the time, operated the
farmers' elevator at Henning. which he leased.
In July, 1882, John Hanson was married to Mattie Olson, who was
born m Norway, and to them have been horn ten children: Helen, Minnie,
Tena. Alice. Henry. William. John, Mable, Lillian and Orvy. Three of
these children died young.
Although not a member of the Lutheran church, .Mr. Hanson has always
been a warm and ardent supporter of this denomination and contributes liber-
ally to its support locally. Before moving to Henning. Minnesota, he served
as chairman of the township for two years and also served as supervisor of
the township for three vears.
THOMAS STRAND.
Thomas Strand, who is a prosperous farmer of Inman township, this
county, is a native of Olmsted county, Minnesota, born there on August
':•■ [865.
.Mr. Strand is the son id" Thomas O. and Betsey (Ashland) Strand,
both of whom were natives of Norway. Mr. Strand's father was born in
Xorwav in 1S24 and his mother in the same country in 1829. In i860
they immigrated to America and settled in the state of Illinois. Five years
later they moved to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and, after living in Olm-
sted county for about three years, in 1868, moved to Freeborn county and
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, where they lived until
[882. The family then moved to South Dakota, where Mr. Strand's father
died in [889. His mother is still living and resides at Howard, South
Dakota, with a daughter, Mrs. Jens Jensen.
Mr. Strand's parents, Thomas 0. and Betsey (Ashland) Strand, had
a family of eight children, two of whom died in infancy. The six living
children are: < >le, who lives with Thomas, the subject of this sketch; John,
who is an abstractor at Howard, South Dakota; Knute. who is an abstractor
at ("lark. South Dakota: Thomas, who is the subject of this sketch: fnge-
borg, who is now Mrs. lens Jensen, of Howard: Anna, who is now Mrs
George Jensen, of Howard. [ngeborg and Anna married brothers, who
operate a general store at Howard. South Dakota, under the name of Jen-
sen Brothers.
Thomas Strand was reared on a farm and was educated principally in
I reeborn county, Minnesota, lb' also attended school for some time in
South Dakota At one time lie owned land in South Dakota and. in part-
nership with bis brothers. ( )le and John, operated a general store at Carthage.
South Dakota. His land holdings in South Dakota amounted, at one time.
to three hundred and twenty acres. In 10.11 Mr. Strand came to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
in section 27, of Innian township. He is a general farmer and stockman.
In 1902 Thomas Strand was married in South Dakota to Jennie Gut-
terson, who was born in Iowa and who is the daughter of Ole (Jutterson,
a soldier in the Civil War, who now lives at Carthage, South Dakota. Mr.
Gutterson came to the United States from Norway in 1857. He was horn
in 1 84 1 and his wife. Betsey Gutterson, was horn in 1N44. Both are now
living and have been married forty-nine years.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Strand have three children, Thalma, Bernice
and Edward, all of win mi are living at home with their parents on the
Innian township farm.
SAMUEL N. BROOKS.
Samuel X. Brooks, well-known and successful salesman of Richville,
this county, was horn at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. August 22, 1868, the son of
Gilbert and Frances (. Visit) Brooks, both of whom were natives of New
York state, the former horn on February 22. 1822, and the latter in the
year 1821). About the year 1856, Gilbert Brooks and his family moved to
Xeenah, Wisconsin, and later to Oshkosh, and then to the state of North
Dakota, after which they made their home with their son, Andrew C.
Frances, the wife of Gilbert Brooks, died in the year 1907. Gilbert Brooks
for more than thirty years was a lumberman by occupation, a line of work
which he followed until the time of bis retirement. Gilbert and Frances
Brooks were the parents of eight children: William, Evelyn (deceased).
Mattie, Nellie, Jennie, \ndrew (".. Samuel X. and Mary.
Samuel X Brooks was educated in the public schools of Oshkosh. Wis-
consin, after which, in the year r886, he went to the state of North Dakota
and six years later homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land and
also took up a "tree claim" of one hundred and sixty acres. Until the year
1004. Mr. Brooks lived on his land in North Dakota and then he came to
Richville, where he engaged in the mercantile business, as a member of the
firm of Prentice & Brooks, for about four years. Afterward. Samuel N.
Brooks traded one hundred and sixty acres of his land in Rush Lake town-
ship for land in North Dakota, which land he rents, and now Mr. Brooks
has a farm in North Dakota and a home in Richville. where he lives as
the representative of the Rose Hill Nursery Company, of Minneapolis, Min-
During the year r8f)0 Samuel X Brooks was married to Deborah
1 'rentier, who was horn ,tt Toronto, Canada, in 1871. the daughter of \dam
638 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
F. and Sarah (Birch) Prentice-, both of whome were natives of Canada.
Adam l\ Prentice died 111 the state id' North Dakota, where he went from
Canada, hi- death occurring in the year 1005. His widow, Sarah, died on
February 10. 1015 Samuel X. and Deborah Brooks are the parents of the
following children: Maud, who was educated at Northwestern College,
of Fergus Falls, and who is now the wife of FJmer ( 'hristensen, butter
manufacturer of Stew art ville, Minnesota; Vernon, who was educated at
Park Region Lutheran College, now assistant butter maker of Stewartville.
Minnesota; Gilbert, educated at Perham high school, and who is now assist-
ant cashier of the Farmers State Bank, of Richville, Minnesota.
JULIUS F. SCHWANTZ.
Julius E. Schwantz. a general farmer and stock raiser, came from
Germany, having been born there on March 22, 1855, n's parents being
( harles and Caroline (Schwantz) Schwantz.
Mr. and Mrs. Schwantz were born, grew up and married in Germany.
w here < harles was a successful farmer and landowner, until his emigration
to America, in 1855 or 1856. lie came directly to Wisconsin, where he
bought a farm near Portage City, the land having thirteen acres already
cultivated, and on which was a log house. Both the land and the buildings
were improved by Mr. Schwantz. who with his family lived there until
iqoo. He then sold out and went to live near Barabee, Wisconsin, living a
retired life at the home of his son. He died in 1912, at the age of eighty-
two years and nine months, his wife having passed away two years pre-
viously, aged seventy-nine years. Both were members of the Lutheran
church. Their four children are: Charles, a farmer of Effington town-
ship; Julius E., the subject of this sketch; Albert, who died in [895, and
William, a resident of Sac county, Wisconsin.
Julius P. Schwantz attended school in a log school house, in what was
known as Dog Hollow, near Portage City, Wisconsin. He was brought
up on his father's farm, where he learned the secrets of agriculture. By
the year t^To he had saved up sufficient means to buy eighty acres in this
count}', the land being located in section 0. Woodside township; about
twelve acres of this farm had been broken. The log buildings on the place
were soon supplanted by modern buildings, and so successful was their
owner, that by the year iqoo he added to his holdings by the purchase of
one hundred and sixty acres, located across the road in the northwest
quarter of section ro. This property had been improved by an old settler
of Wisconsin. The new owner removed the log structures which he found
and converted the entire land into a place for general fanning and stock
in IKK TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 639
raising. The subsequent years of Mr. Schwantz's activities have been emi-
nently successful.
The ceremony which united in marriage Mr. Schwantz and Rose Jacob-
son, a native of Boskebel, Wisconsin, took place in 1SS1. A large and
interesting family was horn to Mr. and Mrs. Schwantz, as follow: Nettie,
a former school teacher, is living on a claim in Montana; Edward, a farmer,
lives in Big Sandy, Montana; Ida is Mrs. Herbert South, a resident of
North Dakota; Bert, when last heard from, was a resident of Detroit,
Minnesota; Mabel is Mrs. Arthur Hendershot, of Woodside township:
Charles resides at Beach. North Dakota: Carrie and Willie reside at home.
The others are Roy and Frank.
Mr. Schwantz, besides his other activities, was secretary of the Wrights-
town Telephone Company in 1914, and is now president of the company.
For twenty-five years Mr. Schwantz has felt a keen personal interest 111 the
education of the boys and girls of Parkers Prairie and, in fact, of the
whole township. Much of the present high standing of the schools of this
township is due to his foresight and conscientious effort. lie was for
twenty-five years school director in Woodside township. Other public offices
held by him were constable and assessor of Effington township, a position
which he held for two years. Mr. Schwantz has made his life eminently
useful, and has been of distinct service in his own corner of the earth. Tlis
many friendships, as well as those of his capable wife, are evidence of his
success in making his influence for good felt.
OLAF RONNINGEN.
Olaf Ronningen was born on January 29, [873, in Michigan, and is
the son of Ole S. and Margaret (Andrew) Ronningen. both natives of
Norway. Ole S. Ronningen was a carpenter and mason by trade, and fol-
lowed this vocation previous to his emigration to America. His marriage
was solemnized while he was still a resident of Norway and he and his
wife emigrated to the United States in 1875, making a temporary sojourn
in Michigan, and thence removing to Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail
county. Minnesota. Here they secured eighty acres of land, under the
homestead law, on which they continued to reside for a period of twenty
years. Disposing of this property, they purchased a farm of one hundred
and twenty acres in St. Olaf township, this county, where Ole S. Ronningen
engaged in general farming and also followed his trade as carpenter and
mason. Margaret 1 \11drew 1 Ronningen died in [883, and. some time later,
her husband married Saavc Langlee. Eight children were horn to the first
union of Ole S. Ronningen. and their names are: Olaf. Mary, Ole. Gustav
fdeceased). \ndrew, \nna. Olaiv ( deceased), and Gena (deceased). Ole
64O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, -MINNESOTA.
S, Ronningen was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, located at
Ashby. His death occurred in the spring of 1897.
Olaf Ronningen received his education in the common schools of Olaf
township, this county, and, as a young man, was employed as a farm hand
near his home. For the past nine years he has cultivated the home place
on an independent basis, and is engaged in general farming and stock rais-
ing. Ue has made many improvements and is interested in developing the
farm to the fullest extent. Ue is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran
church, and is an independent voter. He resides on the home place, which
1- shared by his stepmother, Saave (Langlee) Ronningen.
J. A. FREEBORN. PH. G., M. D.
Among the medical and surgical specialists of the state of Minnesota,
who rank high with the public and especially in the medical profession, is
Dr. J. A. Freeborn, of Fergus Falls, who is well and favorably known
throughout the Northwest as an eye and ear specialist.
J. A. Freeborn was horn in 1804 in Waterloo county, Canada. His
father was of Scotch-Irish descent and the greater part of his life was
devoted to farming. Doctor Freeborn's mother was also of Scotch descent,
her name having been Mary Scott.
The fourth child of a large family, J. A. Freeborn was reared on the
farm and educated in the country schools and at the Stratford high school,
from which he was graduated in 1881. Afterwards he entered a drug store
at Stratford as a clerk and later accepted a like position in London, Canada.
In 1884 he removed to Big Stone City, South Dakota, where he opened a
drug store on his own account anil where he continued in business for two
years.
In the tall of [886 Doctor Freeborn entered the Rush Medical College,
at ( Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1889. The same year he began
the practice of medicine at Ortonville, Minnesota, where he practiced until
the fall of 1891. He then entered Bellevue hospital and the Medical Col-
lege of Xew York City and received his degree from that institution in
[892. Upon his return to Ortonville, he practiced medicine until 1896. when
he came to Fergus balls, where he has since practiced his profession with
eminent success. While studying medicine in Chicago ami Xew York, Doc-
tor Freeborn specialized in diseases of the eye. ear. nose and throat, and
further specialized along this line as well as in X-Ray work while in Europe,
during the winter of [9] i-u.
In 1 Si) 1 Doctor Freeborn was married to Lillian Anderson, a native of
Rochester, Minnesota, and the daughter of Dr. O. W. Anderson, of that city.
Mr-. Freeborn was a graduate of the Rochester high school and of the
\. i'i;i:i:r.<>i:x. I'll. o„ m. d.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 64I
Winona Normal School. She taught school in Ortonville before her mar-
riage. Mrs. Freeborn died at her home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, March
8, [915, leaving three daughters. Gertrude L., Francis M. and Constance M.,
who are at home with their father.
It may be said of Doctor Freeborn that not only does he rank high as a
physician and specialist and not only does he command the unbounded
esteem of his fellow practitioners in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county, but
he also stands high as a citizen and as a man of worth. He is interested in
the progress and development of the city where he lives and with which he
cast his lot many years ago. Doctor Freeborn's three daughters are popular
in the social life of Fergus Falls.
NFLS BENGTSON.
One of the prosperous fanners and successful business men of Clith-
erall township, ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, is Xels Bengtson, who deserves
a high rank among the worthy citizen of his township and county.
Mr. Bengtson was born at Skane, Sweden, September 3, 1S65, and is
a son of Bengt Nelson and Bengta Nelson, both of whom were natives of
Sweden, where they grew up and were married. Mr. Bengtson's mother
died at his birth, and his father later married Johanna Monsen, who, with
one son, came to America in 1868. They settled in Sibley county, Minne-
sota, where the father still resides, at the age of eighty-five years. His
second wife is also still living. He is a prosperous farmer and landowner,
and both he and his wife are earnest and devoted members of the Augus-
tana Synod of the Lutheran church. Mr. Bengtson was the only child of
his father's first marriage, but to his second marriage there were born
seven children, as follow : John, who died at the age of eighteen ; Matilda,
unmarried, living at home with her parents; Emil, a farmer living in Sib-
ley county. Minnesota: Martin, also a farmer in Sibley county; Annette,
who died early in life; Esther and Mary, who live at home with their par-
ents.
Xels Bengtson was reared by a relative in his native land, and educated
in the public schools of Sweden. When he was old enough he engaged in
farming, but in 1883. emigrated to America, and after landing in New
York came to his father's home in Sibley county, Minnesota. He worked
for a time in Nicollet county, this state, but in 1884, Mr. Bengtson moved
to ( >tter Tail county, where, for a time, he worked on various farms. In
[893 he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land in sections 32 and
33, Clitherall township, where he lived until IQ04, when he purchase.] fifty
acre^ of additional land on the north of the first farm. This farm had
(41b)
642 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
good buildings on it. so that -Mr. Bengtson immediately moved to the second
farm, and here he has lived since. He raises a great deal of live stock, and
is engaged in mixed farming. Shortly after purchasing this farm he set out
a young orchard, and has improved the place in various ways. Formerly,
Mr. Bengtson was a director in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Com-
pany, but is not now serving in this capacity.
In [905 Xels Bengtson was married to Jennie Johnson, a native of
Sweden, who is a daughter of Swell Johnson, who is still living in Sweden.
Mr. and Mrs. Bengtson are the parents of seven children: One, who died
in infancy, unnamed; Elmer, who died in infancy; Edith, also deceased;
Herbert, Willie. Edith and John Edward.
Mr. and Mrs. Bengtson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.
in which they are actively interested. Air. Bengtson is independent in poli-
tics. He served for ten years as assessor of his home township, and was
road supervisor for two years, discharging the duties of both positions in a
most capable manner.
KLEBER B. WILKINSON.
Kleber 11. Wilkinson, a successful farmer of Leaf Lake township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Townsend)
Wilkinson, the former of whom was born at Valparaiso, Indiana, and died
in (liter Tail county, August 2. iqoo, and the latter born in Vermont and
died here on June 30, T807. The late Ralph Wilkinson was a farmer b\
occupation in Leaf Lake township. Otter Tail county, but, late in life.
moved to Oregon, where his wife died. He then returned to Otter Tail
county and died here about sixteen years ago.
To Ralph and Elizabeth (Townsend) Wilkinson were born eleven chil-
dren, all of whom are living: Kleber, Volney, Electa. Jennie. Archie. Rob-
ert, les^e, Irvin, Anna. Harley and Mabel.
K. I'.. Wilkinson lived at home on his father's farm until November
16, 1892, when he was married to Mrs. P. F. Dibb, the widow of P. F.
Dibb, of Leaf Lake township. Mrs. Wilkinson's maiden name was Mary
Taylor. After her marriage to the late P. F. Dibb, she lived in Sibley
county for six years, where they rented land. Later they homesteaded one
hundred and sixtv acres in section 26, Leaf Lake township. Otter Tail
county, and it was here that Mr. Dibb died 011 September jo. [888. By
this marriage there was born one child. Lura J., who married Oscar Peter-
sun, of Hillsboro, North Dakota, lura J. taught schol for seven years in
(liter Tail county. The late P. F. Dibb was constable of Leaf Lake town-
ship and was active in local affairs during his life.
Mr. and Mrs. K. P.. Wilkinson have no children, but they have taken
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 643
three children to rear, Althena Hemby, Clarence Gribbon and Nordeen Nel-
son. All of these children live with Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson at the present
time.
Mrs. Wilkinson owns eighty acres of land and her daughter. Mrs
Oscar Peterson, also owns eighty acres in this township. Their home was
built in 1897 and the' barn at the same time.
Mr. Wilkinson is a farmer by occupation and a carpenter. For the
past two years he has been foreman of the Monarch Elevator Company.
He is a highly respected man and citizen and is popular in this community.
HENRY PLOWMAN.
Henry Plowman, farmer, stock raiser, war veteran — and prominent not
only in local official life, but in the affairs of the state as one serving in the
Minnesota Legislature, where he made an honored record — was born in
Canada, about sixty miles east of the city of Quebec, on July 15, 1836, a
son of William and Margaret ( Manley) Plowman, natives of Ireland, the
former born near Dublin, the latter in County Wexford. William Plow-
man, about the year 1828, came to America and located in Canada, where
he lived until 1857 and then moved to LeSueur county, Minnesota, where
he lived for the remainder of his days. William and Margaret Plowman
were the parents of eleven children, three sons and eight daughters. Mr.
and Mrs. Plowman were active members of the Episcopal church, in which
they were devout worshippers.
Henry Plowman received his education in the common schools of
Canada, after which he worked as a farmer for some time and then, in
1856, when twenty-one years of age, one year before his parents came to
the United States and located in LeSueur county. Minnesota. There Henry
Plowman bought one hundred and sixty acres of government land, paying
for it the sum of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and became a
farmer, in which line of activity he was engaged for more than ten years.
About 1878 Mr. Plowman disposed of his land in LeSueur county,
Minnesota, and came to Otter Tail county, locating in Hobart township.
where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land,
and in order to reach the place he found it necessary to cut a road through
the uncleared land. On his newly-acquired land Mr. Plowman built the
necessary buildings, cleared the land by his own efforts and has since lived
on this place as one of the community's most successful farmers and Mock-
raisers, he now owning two hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which
is in a high state of cultivation.
The activity of Henry Plowman has not been limited to agricultural
pursuits, for in the autumn of the year [862 he enlisted with the First
644 x I'V. MINNESI
Minnesota Cavalry, and for the following year was engaged in the Indian
campaigns as a part of the command of General Sibley. After the lir-i
Indian campaigns Henry Plowman re-enlisted with the Second Minnesota
Cavalry, and with General Sulley was engaged in the battle of Big Hills,
as well as having participated in various other engagements under the com-
mand of that officer. Mr. Plowman served as a soldier until December,
1865, when he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to the
more peaceful pursuits of agriculture.
Henry Plowman was married in 1866 to Frances Smedley, a native of
< )hio, and to this marriage were born two children, Alice and Herbert
Henry. Mr. Plowman was married, secondly, in 1877, to Etta Seal, who
was born in LeSueur county, Minnesota, and to this marriage have been
born fi\e children: Grace, May, Frances, Margaret and John. Mr. Plow-
man is a member of the Episcopal church, and Mrs. Plowman is affiliated
with the ( Christian church.
\< one taking a leading place in the public and official life of his town-
ship, county and of the state of Minnesota, Mr. Plowman has a most hon-
orable and able record for efficiency and for his unselfish devotion to the
interests of his constituents. While a citizen of LeSueur county Mr. Plow-
man served as county commissioner and was active in the official life of his
township. The official career of Henry Plowman in LeSueur and Otter
Tail counties has included all of the township offices, all of which he has
occupied with honor to himself and to his community. Mr. Plowman is
probably best known for his record and his service as a member of the
Minnesota state Legislature, in which this worthy citizen occupied a seat in
the House of Representatives for six years, and served one year as ser-
geant-at-arms. As a member of the state Legislature Henry Plowman was
returned on two occasions, in all serving three terms as a member of the
Populist party. Mr. Plowman is now independent of political party.
SHELDON M. RECTOR.
Of those citizens who have done, and are doing, great things in the
interest of Otter Tail county, and more especially for the benefit of Deer
Creek, Minnesota, few are doing more than Sheldon M. Rector, who as the
editor and publisher of the Deer Creek Mirror, is not only influencing pub-
lic opinion, as directed by the most approved and enlightened thought, but
is engaged in the pursuit of business enterprise, in order that the town and
community may be even more thriving and that the community may find a
convenient and suitable market for its produce.
Sheldon M. Rector was born in Pierce county, Wisconsin, on March
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. . I MS
22, 1870, the son of William B. Rector, who was born in New York state,
on October 2, 1S44, and of Mary (Miles) Rector, who was born on March
5, [845, in New York state. William B. Rector was the son of Charles
Rector, who was directly descended from the original Mohawk Valley
Dutch, and who was a grandson of a soldier of the American Revolutionary
War. Charles Rector was a farmer in New York state, where he lived
until the year 1850. and then went to the state of Wisconsin, where he
bought a farm in Dodge county. Here he spent the remainder of his days,
and here William Rector, father of the subject of this sketch, lived until the
outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, serving with that regiment for alxxit eight months, and
then was discharged as a result of inability, caused by sickness acquired
while on duty. Following his service in the Civil War, William Rector
returned to the state of Wisconsin, where he lived until the year 1876. at
that time coming to the state of Minnesota, locating about six miles west of
LeSeuer. In 1881 he moved to Leaf Lake township, where he bought
eighty acres of land from C. J. Wright. On this place William Rector and
his wife lived, until retired from the farm, when they moved to the town
of Henning, Minnesota, where they now live. William and Mary Rector
are the parents of seven children, Sheldon M., Maud, Minnie, who died at
the age of eighteen years; Arictor C, Fred C, Mattie and Marie. In politics,
Mr. Rector is a Democrat.
Sheldon M. Rector, the subject of this sketch, received his education
in the common schools of Otter Tail county, after which he taught school
for ten years. During two years of his time as a school teacher, he was
principal of the school at Deer Creek: one year a teacher in the schools of
Parkers Prairie, and .the remainder of his teaching period was spent in the
country schools of the county. Tn iqo8 Mr. Rector came to Deer Creek,
after some years as a grain buyer at Bluff ton, Minnesota, for the Andrews
Grain Company, and on August 14, of that year, he purchased the Deer
Creek Mirror, a local paper which at the time that he took possession, he
found to be in a poor condition. With some effort, Mr. Rector was able to
revive the paper, until be now has one of the best edited and best managed
of the smaller papers in the state. In addition to his duties as a publisher,
Mr. Rector engages in the buying of grain for bis brother. F. C. Rector,
who is the proprietor of an elevator located at Deer Creek
On November 20. 1890, Sheldon M. Rector was married to Mary
Kruger, who was horn in Reaver Dam. Wisconsin, and to this marriage
have been born the following children: Morna. who was born on "Septem-
ber r6, [Q03; Marsderi, Tub- 4. too;: and TTna. February \^, [910 Mr,
r > i f i OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Rector and his family arc members of the Methodist church, a congrega-
tion in which they are active workers.
In public and political circles, S. M. Rector has taken a prominent
place, both as an occupant of public office and as a citizen, supporting all
movements for general welfare and public good. Mr. Rector is now presi-
dent of the school board, an office which he has occupied for two years,
and in the past he served his community as president of the village council
and also as justice of the peace. The efforts and achievements of Mr.
Rector are important factors in the life of Deer Creek and the community,
and, with his family, Mr. Rector will long be recognized as among those
people without whom the county and township would be less advanced and
less progressive.
JOHN B. HOMPE.
Few men of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, have reached such heights
in various lines of endeavor and in public life as has John B. Hompe, who
is an extensive landowner, enterprising merchant, honored representative
of the people in high office, and a veteran of the Civil War.
John B. Hompe was born in Amsterdam, Holland, on February 4.
1X40. the son of Anthony P. and Alida (Wyrnan) Hompe. Mis father
was horn on March u, 1823, and his mother on August 29, iS_'J, both
being natives of Holland, in which country Anthony Hompe followed his
trade as a cabinet-maker until the year 184a. when, with his family, he
came to America and after landing at New York City, he went to the town
of Auburn, New York, where he followed his trade for seven years and
then moved to Oswego county. New York, where he bought a farm, on
which place he lived until the year [911, when he died. Anthony and Alida
Hompe were the parents of five children. John B., Alida, Mary. Anna and
William; the latter died when he was twenty-two years of age.
John B. Hompe received his education in the common schools of New
York state and in the Falley Seminary, New York, after which he enlisted
as a volunteer for service with the One Hundred and Forty-seventh New
York Infantry, with which lie served for three years and during which time
he was slightly wounded a number of times. Following his discharge from
service in the Civil War, John P.. Hompe returned to Xew York state.
where he lived for some time. In 1S75 he went to Ionia. Michigan, teach-
ing in the schools of that town for one year, after which he came, in the
spring of 1876, to the state of Minnesota, and homesteaded a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Newton township. Otter Tad county,
living on this place for some time. lie then sold out and came to Deer
OTTER I All. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 647
Creek township, Minnesota, purchased a farm and followed general agricul-
tural pursuits for the next sixteen years. After this time Mr. Hompe
moved to the town of Deer Creek and established a general mercantile busi
ness, in which he lias been successfully engaged for more than twenty-three
years. In addition to this business, Mr. Hompe also is the owner of a farm
of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Deer Creek township, Minne-
sota, together with a fine brick building in which he conducts his business.
and a number of lots in the town of Deer Creek.
On April i, 1879, John B. Hompe was married to Ella E. Notting-
ham, and to this marriage have been born five children, Howard, Bernard,
Byron, Herrold and Edward.
.Mr. Hompe is a member of the Masonic blue lodge, the Modern Wood-
nun of America, and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is probably best
known in Otter Tail county for his service and record as a representative
of the people in the state Legislature, he having served his county as a
representative in the sessions of the year [889 and of the year 1914. He
was also elected to a seat in the state Senate for the session of the years
1891-3, and in these offices made a good and honorable record. During his
legislative career, Mr. Hompe was probably best known for his activity in
connection with the Stillwater prison twine plant bill.
The life of John B. Hompe has been of much value to his county and
to his community, being a citizen who at all times has served unselfishly and
with a view to promoting the welfare of the great majority, as well as seek-
ing the advancement of the general interests of the locality.
FERDINAND PETERS.
Ferdinand Peters, prosperous farmer, extensive landowner, and prom-
inent citizen of Friberg township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born
m W'aren, .Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, on- February 17, 1851, the
-<>n of Christian and Sophia (Lauw) Peters, natives of Germany. Christ-
ian Peters was a farmer in his native country, an occupation which he fol-
lowed during his entire life. Christian and Sophia Peters were the parents
of the following children: Charles, Mary and Ferdinand. Sophia, the
wife of Christian Peters, died in the year [887; Christian Peters died in
1 si ,8.
Ferdinand Peters, with bis mother and sister. Mary, came to America
in May. [868, and located in Goodyear county, Minnesota, where they
lived for two years and then, in April. [870, Ferdinand Peters, with his
household, moved to Fergus Falls township, where he joined his brother.
Charles, with whom he lived for a time. In 1872 Mr. Peters pre-empted
64S OTTER 1 Ml COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 32, Friberg township, he
being the first settler to receive land after this plan, in Friberg township.
Otter Tail county. Vs a tanner, Ferdinand Peters prospered and added
modern improvements to his place. He also added land, in Friberg town-
ship and elsewhere, until Mr. Peters is now the owner of three hundred
acres of land in Friberg township, < Itter Tail county, as well as three hun-
dred and twenty acres of land in Canada, fie now engages in general
agricultural pursuits on his farm in Friberg township.
In 1875 Ferdinand Peters was married to Alary Yollmers, a native of
Stode, Germany, and to this marriage have been horn the following chil-
dren: William, August, Henry and Wilhelm, who are deceased; Bertha,
who married Theodore Westerhaug, and to whom have been born three
children, Mable, Elsie and l.illie; and Minnie, who married Henry Bene-
man, and to whom has been born one child. Arthur. Mr. Peters and
family are members of the German Lutheran church, an organization which
Mr. Peters was instrumental in establishing in Friberg township in 1873.
Ferdinand Peters has taken an important part in the history and public life
of Friberg township, (Itter Tail county. He aided in the organization of
the township and gave much of his time and ability as the occupant of
various local offices. Mr. Peters helped to establish rural route No. 5, free
mail road delivery, in 1903. He also assisted in the organization of the
Friberg Telephone Company, in which he is a stockholder.
ARTHUR D. BAKER.
Having been dependent upon his own resource and compelled to accept
the more humble lines of work, then rising to the position of cashier of a
prosperous bank and becoming a leading business man, prominent in the
public affairs of the community, is a record which gives to Arthur D. Baker,
the subject of this sketch, a place among the most appreciated and honored
citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
Arthur 1). Baker was born in South Orington, Maine, on February 4.
1858, the son of Joseph D. and Belinda Raker, the father being a native of
the state of Maine, where, after his education in the common schools of
that state, he engaged in general farming. He later established a grocery
and provision store, which he conducted for fifteen years and then, shortly
after disposing of his stock in order to retire, he died, survived by his
second wife. 1 'aulena (Billington") Raker, his firsl wife. Belinda, having
died main- years previous. Joseph and Belinda Raker were the parents of
live children, Lonzo, Edward, Charles D., Jefferson S. and Arthur David.
Lonzo and Edward served in the Civil War, the latter being killed in action.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 649
To the marriage of Joseph and Paulena Baker one son. Frank, was born.
Joseph D. Baker, during his life, was one of the best known and one of the
most prominent men of his community, having served for two terms as a
representative in the state Legislature of Maine. In the more local life he
took an active and appreciated part in the affairs of the community. Mr.
Baker was a leading member of the Methodist church, and for many years
was superintendent of the Sunday school.
Arthur I). Baker, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the com-
mon schools of the state of Maine, after which he came to Minnesota, and
located, in [876, at Alexandria, where he secured employment in a livery
stable, receiving one hundred dollars per year for his services. He after-
wards worked as a stationary steam engineer in a flour-mill ; he followed
that work for some time and then came to Bluffton, Minnesota, where he
w. irked with his brother, C. D. Baker, in a general store. Tn 1882 \rthur
D. Baker came to Deer Creek, where lie established a general store, which
he conducted for sixteen years. In [895 he lost his store and stock as a
resull of a tornado, after which he became a private banker as the head of
the firm known as A. D. Baker & Company, an institution 'which, later.
Mr. Baker reorganized and which is now known as the First National
Bank of Deer Creek. Minnesota, and in which he is now cashier. In addi-
tion to his interest in the hank at Deer Creek. Mr. Baker is the owner of
farm lands in the vicinity, as well as being the proprietor of considerable
property in Deer Creek. Minnesota.
Tn 1870 Arthur D. Baker was married at Alexandria, Minnesota, to
Elizabeth Farquhar, who was a native of the state of Minnesota, and in
which state she died on April 6. 1889, being the mother of two children.
Herbert J., who married Winona Card, and to whom were born two children.
Hazel and Elizabeth; and Harold, who married Marie M. Imsande. to
whom was born one child, Louise. I )n September 12. 18(14. Arthur D.
Baker was married, secondly, to Etta Woodruff; to this marriage no chil-
dren were born.
Mr. Baker has been prominent in the public and political life of Deer
(reek. Minnesota, having served for sixteen years as town clerk before
the town was incorporated, after which he served as president of the town
board, as well as serving as school treasurer, an office which he has occupied
for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Baker is a Knight Templar
Mas. hi and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Deer Creek.
The part taken by Arthur D. Baker and his esteemed family, in the town
of Deer ('reek and in Otter Tail county, is well known for its helpfulness
and unselfish interest in the welfare of the community.
65O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
AXEL S. PAULSEN.
The career of Axel S. Paulsen, the pioneer merchant of Henning, Otter
Tail county, is one of individual and unaided effort. Air. Paulsen is a
member of an honored pioneer family, his father setting for his children the
example of bravery and loyalty, and his mother exemplifying the devotion
and self-forgetfulness of which a good mother is capable. Mr. Paulsen
was born near Ivongsvinger, Norway, on July _»_\ 1854. In Norway, also,
his parents. Sorer) and Karen Paulsen, were born, grew up and were mar-
ried. The father, who was a farmer, lived and died in Norway, his death
taking place about the year 1900. His wife passed away two years later.
Both were members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of
nine children, five of whom grew to maturity. These are: Annie, a widow,
living on the parental farm in Norway; Hermani, who married Tosten
Gunderson, also lives in Norway; Johanna, the widow of Christian Olson
Void, lives in South Dakota; lxari. the widow of Emil Huseby, living in
1 lenning, and Axel S.
Coming to this locality when what is now a town consisted of two or
three houses. Axel S. Paulsen started a general store and became the first
merchant of the settlement. He was prominent in various enterprises, end-
ing in the position of hank" cashier, which he has honored with good service.
lie attended school in Norway and worked on the farm until his seven-
teenth year, when he came to America and was first employed as a clerk in
Chicago for a short time. He learned the upholstering trade, at which he-
worked for eight years in this city, and in [880 came to the settlement,
which later became Henning. On Piece Prairie, where the cemetery now
stands, he bought stock and started a small store, this being his first busi-
ness venture. At this time there were only a few homesteaders 111 this
vicinity and no one was living on the spot where I lenning is located. !i
was when the railroads went through that land that Henning received its
start, and Mr. Paulsen then moved his store to town, a distance of one-half
mile. lie built a store, eighteen by thirty feet, and some time after its
occupancy, increased its size threefold. Mr. Paulsen succeeded, and a little
later went into partnership with G. A. Satre, under the firm name of Paul-
sen & Satre. This partnership lasted for five or six years, when Mr. Paul-
sen bought out the II. T. Smith store, which he occupied, and Mr. Satre
retained the old stand. In [911 Mr. Paulsen disposed of hi- business in
order to become the cashier of the Farmers State Bank, a position winch he
has held to the presenl time. The business of this bank has gradually
increased and it now has nearly four hundred depositors. The officers are:
President, <.. \. Satre: vice-president, Uford Knutson ; cashier, \xel S.
Paulsen.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 05]
Christian Larson, a native of ( hicago, became the wife of Mr. Paul-
sen in 18S1, and five children have blessed their home. These are: Junius,
who died when two years of age; Willard Junius, who died at five; Ray-
mond, a merchant living in Henning, whose wife was Hilma Collins, of
Fergus Falls, and the mother of two children. Raymond and Howard; Alice,
who married R. T. Nelson, of Mankato; and Lillian, who lives at home.
Since their residence here. Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen have come to occupy
a prominent place in church and social circles, and the former is a well-
known leader in the commercial world. Having the advantage of long
residence here, it is not surprising that they have many warm friends. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen stand high in the estimation of this community.
OLE TORKELSON.
Among the business men and citizens of Henning, a thriving town of
Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, is Ole Torkelson, the proprietor of a feed
store in this town.
Ole Torkelson was born in Norway on February 18, 1846, and is a son
of Torkel Olson and Martha ( Anderson) Torkelson. both of whom lived
and died in Norway, the hitter's death occurring in 1850; the former died
several years later, at the age of about sixty-five years. They were the
parents of two children: Ole, the subject of this review, and Gunda, who
is now living in Henning.
Ole Torkelson received his education in the public schools of his native
land and. in 1870. emigrated to America and settled in Houston county.
Minnesota. The next year he moved to Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail
county, taking a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in that town-
ship. After living upon this farm for twelve years and improving it in
main- ways, Mr* Torkelson disposed of the farm and moved to Henning
township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, in sec-
tion 34. In [914 he sold his farm in Henmng township and, having moved
to Henning in 1895, nas a's0 hot'n engaged in business here for many years.
For some time he was the proprietor of a hotel, and later he was engaged
in the shoe business For a number of years, however, he has been engaged
in the feed business in Henmng.
In 1875 Mr. Torkelson was married to Inger Wolmer, a native of
Norway, born there in 1840. Mrs. Torkelson's father died in Norway
and after his death, the mother came to Otter Tail county and died a few-
years ago.
Ole Torkelson and wife are the parents of eight children, all of whom
are living, Clara. Melvin, Bergel, Dora, Anne. Alexander. Eddie and lose-
i i ; _■ OTTER TAIL O lUNTY, MINNESOTA.
phine. The mother of these children died on April 20. 1914. She was a
g 1 wife and a good mother and was esteemed in the town where she
lived for so many rears before her death. Mr. Torkelson is an upright man
and is rearing his family to honorable and useful lives in this community.
I IK KM AN 1. CORDES.
Herman J. Cordes, Henning's present mayor, is the son of German
parents, who braved the dangers and privations of pioneer life, in order to
give their children a better, freer existence than they had been able to have
in the old country. Mr. Cordes is. however, a self-made man, for, although
his early opportunities were meager, he created for himself the conditions
of prosperity he desired. He is a successful blacksmith and implement
dealer. .Mr. Cordes was born in Hanover, Germany, on November 14,
[879, where his parents, Herman and Charlotte (Winter) Cordes, were
born, grew up and married.
Herman Cordes, Sr., gave up his farming in the old country to emi-
grate to America in March. 1885. He was one of the early homesteaders
of Leaf Lake township, Otter Tail county, beginning by buying out the
improvements of a pioneer. Some years later he sold out to his eldest son
and now lives a quiet, retired life with his son. John F., near Henning.
His wife passed away on July r8, 1909. They were both members of the
Leaf Lake Lutheran church, which they helped to establish. They were the
parents of ten children, namely: Henry, a farmer, living on the home-
Mead; bred, a farmer in Illinois; Mary, who is single and lives with her
brother. William, in Wisconsin: Sophia, who married Henry Bolland. a
well-to-do farmer, living near Kingsville, Texas: Herman J., the subject of
this sketch; Doris, the wife of John II. Schmidt, who lives in Vining;
f ' Mm 1 •'.. a farmer of Henning township; Dietrich H., who is in the auto
business, in partnership with Herman J.; William, a farmer, of Comstock.
Wisconsin; Krnest, who owns eighty acres of land near Henning, but lives
with bis eldest brother.
Herman J. was onh six years of age when his parents came to this
country, and he began his school days in Leaf Lake township. He lived
on bis father's fann until his nineteenth year, when he left home and went
to Perham to learn the blacksmith's trade. Here he worked with Henry
Schmidt for three years He came to Henning in [898 and was employed
at In- trade by John Post For about a year and a half, when he purchased
the blacksmith shop of (Carles Walters and employed bis brother, Dietrich,
as bis assistant until the year mio. On January 1. of thai year, these broth-
ers became partners in business under the firm name of Cordes Brothers.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 653
They first erected a garage, with forty-eight feet front and fifty-six feet
depth, built of concrete, two stories high and equipped with modern machin-
ery for the repairs of autos. This structure is also provided with space for
the storage of many cars. About 1907 Mr. Herman started to deal m farm
implements, a business in which he has continued to the present time. The
plant occupies two buildings, separated by a lot. all of which is owned by the
Cordes Brothers. They are agents for the Studebaker, Oakland and Max-
well cars.
On June 26, 1007, Herman J. Cordes was married to Margaret Brock-
hoff, a native of Germany, who came with her parents to this country
when a child. Her father was Louis Brockhoff. To them have been born
three children, RoselJa, Raymond and Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Cordes are
members of the German Lutheran church, of which Mr. Cordes is trustee.
Mr. Cordes has been interested in the general welfare of this com-
munity and, while an independent voter, has been a benefactor to his town.
He served one term on the village council and in IQ13 was elected mayor
of Henning. He has twice been re-elected to this office. In the life of Mr.
Cordes are to be found undaunted courage, indomitable will and an energy
that considered no obstacle too great to overcome. Mr. Cordes has the
confidence and esteem of the people whom he has served so well.
ANDREW ANDERSON.
Andrew Anderson, who is well known in the vicinity of Henning,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, as a grain buyer, was born near Battle Lake,
in Clitherall township, March 31. 1874. and is the son of Nels and Fred-
erika Anderson.
Mr. Anderson's father was born in Sweden and in 1868 came to Litch-
field, Minnesota. In 1870 he emigrated to Clitherall township and home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. Both he and his wife are still
living and reside on the old homestead farm in Clitherall township. They
had a family of fourteen children, of whom Ida, Gustav, Amanda, John and
two unnamed infants are deceased. The living children are Elof, Andrew,
Martin, Oscar, Alfred, Selma, Ida and Augusta.
Andrew Anderson was reared on his father's farm and educated in the
public schools and at Park Region College. After finishing his education,
he clerked in a store for A. S. Paulsen at Henning for a number of years.
During the past fourteen years, Mr. Anderson has been engaged in the
grain business at Henning and has been very successful in business
In 1901 Andrew Anderson was married to Alice Mollerstrom, the
daughter of Lars Mollerstrom. of Henning, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson have two children. Arvie Willard and Kenneth Wendall.
054 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Anderson has served as a member of the Henning village council
and also as a member of the school hoard. He was formerly clerk of the
village and is at present one of the trustees. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and
family are members <>!" the Swedish Lutheran church.
GEORGE A. POULSON.
One of the most prominent business men of Henning, located in Hen-
ning township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is George A. Poulson, pro-
prietor of a large hardware business in this town.
Mr. Poulson is ;i native of Denmark, where he was born on February
ii. 1858. He is the son of Julius and Mete Lene (Quitsouw) Poulson,
both of whom were natives of Denmark. Mr. Poulson's father and mother
came to America in [866 and lived for a year at Grand Rapids. Michigan.
In [867 they came west to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where Mr. Poulson's father
spent one summer vvorking in a blacksmith shop. Later the family moved
to ('row Lake township, Stearns county, Minnesota, and lived there for
ten years, during which lime the father took a homestead of one hundred
and sixtv acres. He also had a blacksmith shop on his farm. On July 3,
[877, the family came to Otter Tail county. Mr. Poulson's father pur-
chased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, three and one-half miles
northeast of Henning, 111 Henning township. In 1NS1 he engaged in the
general mercantile business at Henning, and was in business until his death,
in r88<), when he was fifty-three years old. His wife survived him many
years, passing away at her home in 1913, at the age of seventy-seven. They
were the parents of three children, George A., the subject of this sketch;
Jens, who died at the age of six years in Denmark, and Mete Katrina. who
is now Mrs. Morris Petersen.
George A. Poulson began his education in Denmark, but. when he was
eight years old his parents came to America and he accompanied them. He
attended school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the year his parents
lived in that city and later attended school at St. Cloud for one summer,
practically completing his education when he was nine years old. For a
short time, however, he was a student in the parochial schools.
In 1S70 Mr. Poulson took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres
in Inman township. Otter Tail county, and later purchased forty acres
The homestead farm was situated in section 6, of Inman township, and the
forty acres, which Mr. Poulson purchased, in section 2, of the same town-
ship. Until February 11, [886, Mi'. Poulson was engaged in farming and.
at that time, moved to I lenning and engaged in the hardware business. I le has
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. <<^^
the largest business of any individual in the town and is one of the best-
known citizens of this part of Otter Tail county. Mr. Poulson is a stock-
holder in the farmers' elevator and is treasurer of the organization. Some
years ago he sold his farms and now confines himself to the hardware
business.
In 1880 George A. Poulson was married to Anna Johanna Knudson.
who was horn in Denmark on February 24, 1863, and who is the daughter
of Jens and [nger Christine (Peterson") Knudson. They came to Crow
Lake township, Stearns county. .Minnesota, in [871, and there took a home-
stead adjoining Mr. Poulson's father's farm. Later they moved to Fisher,
in I 'oik count}'. Minnesota, where Mrs. Poulson's father died in 1889. Her
mother died in the fall of 1889 at Henning, Minnesota. They were the
parents of nine children: Anna Johanna. Karen Marie. Knud, Peter, Anton,
Mats, John. Jens and Nina.
Mr. and Mrs. George A. 1'oulson have been the parents of four chil-
dren: Lena, who died at the age of eleven months: Jens, born in October.
[883, who is in the hardware business at Jamestown, North Dakota, mar-
ried Emma Harrison and has one child. Jewel Aleda : Julius, born in Sep-
tember, 1880. who assists his father in the store at Henning. married Tina
Hansen, and has one child, Lillian Josephine; and John .Arthur, born on
March 23, [889, who also assists his father in the store, married Christine
l.oden. and has one daughter, Ruth Margaret.
Mr. and Mrs. Poulson and family are members of the Lutheran Free
church. Mr. Poulson has served as mayor of Henning and has been a mem-
ber of the council for several years. He has worthily discharged all of his
duties as a citizen and business man and is one of the most popular men in
Henning township.
DAVID NELSON.
One of the most prosperous farmers and landowners of Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, a man who has made a notable success of agricultural
pursuits, is David Kelson, the subject of this sketch. Progressive and mod-
ern in his methods, as a result of which he has become a man of consider-
able means, he has proved himself to be of value to his community.
David Nelson was born in Sweden on March 6, 1853, the son of Nels
and Lllen Erickson. His father was a general worker, who lived in Sweden
during his entire life. He and his wife. Ellen, were the parents of ten
children, of whom David came to America.
David Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native country,
after which, in the year 1887. he came to Mnerica and located in Eastern
township. Otter Tail count), where he purchased forty acres of land, later
656 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
purchasing one hundred and twenty acres mure, which he cultivated, pros-
pering to the point that a short time later he was able to buy two hundred
acres of land in another part of Eastern township, all of which he cares for
and cultivates to a high state of production. Mr. Nelson, with a true pro-
gressive spirit, has placed extensive improvements on his farms, and takes
pride in his efforts to make his farms second to none in the community.
In 1880 David Nelson was married to Betsey Nelson, and to this mar-
riage have been born the following children : Kate, Ellen, who died at the
age of seven years; Anna, who died at the age of two years; Ellen, Anna,
Xels, Matilda, Arthur, Hilding and Dortha. Mr. Nelson and his family
are well-known members of the Swedish Lutheran church.
WILLIAM FABIAN.
Of those citizens who have gone to their reward, and who in other
days were a force and influence for the progress and advancement of the
interests of Otter Tail county, men who have succeeded materially in their
own interests and who have been a success as an example of unselfishness
in promotion of general welfare, as well as in the development of the county's
resources, the late William Fabian was one who did much and one without
whom the community might be less advanced and less prosperous.
William Fabian was born in Gross Gauth, West Prussia. Germany, on
March 30. 1840, the son of Frederick Wilhelm and Anna Maria (Santofski)
Fabian, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country Frederick
Wilhelm Fabian lived until his death at Riesenburg, in 1869, and after which
Ins widow. Anna Maria Fabian, remarried and came to America, with her
family and located in the state of South Carolina, later moving to Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, where the husband was employed in a match factory for some
time, after which they came to Otter Tail count)', Minnesota, and settled in
Western township, where they spent the remainder of their days.
William Fabian, the subject of this sketch, came to America with his
mother and step-father, and located with them in the state of South Caro-
lina, later going with them to the state of Wisconsin, first to the city of
Oshkosh and then to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was employed in a
saw-mill for some time and then came to Otter Tail county and settled in
Western township, where he acquired a homestead, in the year 1872, a place
on which he made a dug-out for a home, after having made the journey
from the state of Wisconsin in a covered wagon, a trip which required four
weeks to complete. ( hi reaching Western township, in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, William Fabian was compelled to endure many privations and
hardships, as a result of stormy and severely cold weather, which made it
difficult to secure food and necessities of life. It is related that during the
MR. AMi MRS. WILLIAM
OT^ER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 657
first winter in their new location, while William Fabian was engaged at his
duties in the forest, some distance away, that a severe snowstorm came up,
making it impossible for this pioneer to find shelter for four days, and dur-
ing which time his wife was imprisoned in their dug-out home. As time
went on William Fabian experienced better days and placed many improve-
ments on his farm, together with acquiring additional acreage, until he was
the owner of two thousand acres of well-improved and well-cultivated land,
on which he engaged in general farming and stock raising.
On April 15, 1872, William Fabian was married to Augusta Caroline
Roloff. who was horn in Mollstow, Pommern, Germany, on August 28,
1854, tne daughter of Carl and Augusta (Dummer) Roloft, both of whom
were horn in Germany and lived in their native country until the year 1871,
when they came to America and located in Winnebago county, Wisconsin,
and later moved to Otter Tail county, where Carl Roloft was engaged as a
farmer, until his death on March 26, 1889. To the marriage of William
and Augusta Fabian were horn the following children: Herman, Rosa,
Lena. Anna. Carl, Martha, William, Bertha, John, Arthur and Walter.
William Fabian was one of the best known and most interested and
devout members of the Emmanuel church, of the Evangelical Association in
Western township, he being largely responsible for the organization of the
church in which he took, an important part in the arrangement for and the
construction of the church building. In political life Mr. Fabian was influen-
tial and was always ready to support all movements for the good or advance-
ment of county interests. William Fabian for a number of years served his
township in the office of township treasurer.
William Fabian, good man and ideal citizen, died on November 4. 1912,
mourned by a host of friends and admiring fellow citizens.
JULIUS T. HOLEN.
A representative farmer of this township is Julius I. Holen, who has
become one of the leading agriculturists of this section of the state. He
was horn on the farm on which he still resides on November 7, 1870. He
is the son of John Holen and Anna Ellefsdatter, both of whom were horn
in Norway. They were unmarried when they came to this country many
years ago and, subsequently, were married in Wisconsin. From there they
came to Pelican township and homesteaded the farm on which their son,
Julius, now lives. John Holen homesteaded a claim of one and a quarter
sections, increasing this until he owned three hundred and sixty acres. The
majority of the buildings now on this farm were erected by him. Mr.
Holen was prominent in the community and was for several years a mem-
i 42b 1
658 "I lER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ber of the township board of trustees. He was a member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church. He passed away on the farm on which he had lived since
early manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Holen were the parents of five children:
Julius Ingvald and Edward Christian, both of whom are deceased; Caren
Christina, Julius ftigvald and Edward Christian.
Julius 1. Holen was educated in this county and trained in farm work.
At the death of his father, in 1805, he operated the farm of two hundred
and eighty acres, on which he has become a general fanner. Here he has
lived since that time.
In 10.05 Mr. Holen was united in marriage to Gina Afseth, a native of
Pelican township and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mons Afseth, of the same
township. The children horn to this union are Alice Agnora, Minnie, Jean-
nette, Mildred, Adelaide, Norval Julin and Norman Grover, twins; Irvin
Clifford and Bernice Eleanor.
For a number of years Mr. Holen was the assessor of Pelican town-
ship and for the past six years has been township clerk. Mr. Holen's life is
an example of the rewards of unremitting labor. He is optimistic in his
views, and his personality is truly inspiring.
OLE L. SOLUM.
Ole L. Solum, a well-known farmer and auctioneer of St. Olaf town-
ship, this county, is a native of Norway, having been born in Sigdal, Nor-
way, February 8, 1850, son of Lars Olson and Gonora (Gundbjornsdatter)
Solum, both natives of Norway, the former of whom was born on May 31,
1823, and who became pioneers of Minnesota, their last days being spent
in) a homestead farm in Douglas county, this state.
Lars Olson Solum received an excellent education in the schools of his
native land and became a school teacher, remaining thus engaged until he
and his family came to the United States in [866. Upon their arrival in
this country the Solums proceeded to Iowa, arriving at Decorah, that state.
on July _'. r866, remaining there about a year, at the end of which time
they came to Minnesota and settled in Alexandria township, Douglas count v.
where Mr. Solum homesteaded a quarter of a section of land. He estab-
lished his home there in 1868, and there he spent the remainder of his life,
long being regarded as one of the must substantial and influential residents
of that community. He and his wife were the parents of eight children,
ami until their homestead had been brought under cultivation and proper
conditions of living established in the neighborhood in which they settled,
they were compelled to endure the inevitable hardships of the pioneers' Int.
The Indians still were numerous thereabout in those days, besides which
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 65Q
there were bears, deer and plenty of mosquitoes — in fact, all kinds of wild
game. St. Cloud was the nearest railroad point and the nearest mill was
forty-five miles distant, but in spite of these handicaps- Mr. Solum stuck to
the homestead and at the time of his death, on March 23, 1904, he had the
place entirely cleared and under cultivation. His widow, ever a valuable and
competent helpmeet, survived him less than four months, her death occur-
ring on July 12, of that same year. They were prominent members of the
Norwegian Lutheran church and for many years Mr. Solum served the
congregation of that church as choirmaster. In the early days he also
served as lay minister and as teacher in the Norwegian school in the neigh-
borhood of his home.
The names of the eight children of Tars Olson Solum and wife fol-
low : < hristina, Leffie, Lizzie, Carrie, Ole L., Anton L., Julius and Elnora.
Christina married Chet VanDyke, and has seven sons and one daughter;
Leffie married F. Englund, and has five children ; Lizzie married John
Scott, and has seven children, four sons and three daughters; Carrie married
Olaf Solum, and has five children ; Anton L. Solum, who is unmarried,
remains on his father's homestead, where he is conducting an up-to-date
dairy farm and is engaged in breeding full-blooded Guernsey cattle, also
serving as director of the Nelson cornet band; Julius L., for the past twenty
years a traveling salesman, at present representing Hudson, Thurber &
Company, hardware and supplies, of Minneapolis, making his headquarters
at Osakis, this state, married Lottie Johnson, and has four children; Elea-
nor, deceased, married Nels Sather and had four children.
Ole L. Solum was about seven years old when he came to this country
with his parents in 1866 and his youth was spent on the homestead farm
in Douglas county. In his early boyhood he assisted his father in the labors
of developing the home place, and at the age of seventeen came to Otter
Tail county, where for several years he was employed as a farm hand in
the neighborhood of Fergus Falls, remaining thus engaged until the fall of
1885, at which time he bought a quarter of a section of land in St. Olaf
township, this county, where he since has made his home. To this original
tract he later added an adjoining '•forty," and now has a well-improved and
profitably-cultivated farm of two hundred acres. Ms. Solum also is engaged
in general auctioneering, crying sales throughout this and adjoining coun-
ties.
In f88l Ole L. Solum was united in marriage to Anna lohnson, who
was born in Norway on July 24, [861, daughter of Nels and Genetta
(Estendatter) Johnson, both natives of Norway, the former of whom was
born on September 3, [833, and the latter, November 1, 1838, who came
to the United States in [866 and located in St. Olaf township, this county
660 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
being thus among the very earliest settlers of that part of the county. Upon
locating there, Mr. Johnson bought a quarter of a section of •'government
land" at one dollar and a quarter the acre and has added to the same until
he now is the. owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. To
Mr. and Mrs. Solum one child has been born, a daughter, Gurena, born on
April 7. [882, who married Gustav Hoff, now living in Sheridan county,
Montana, and has two children, Orvilla Lawrence and Gladys Cornelia.
ANDREW A. BELMONT.
One of the prosperous merchants of Henning, Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, is Andrew A. Belmont, who is now the proprietor of a general mer-
cantile store at Henning.
Mr. Belmont was born in Sweden in 1844, and is a son of Andros
Erickson and Anna (Stena) Belmont, both of whom were natives of Swe-
den, and who died in that country.
In 1869 Andrew A. Belmont emigrated to America and settled at St.
Paul, Minnesota, when it was still a small city. After having been employed
fur about four months with the Valley railroad he removed to Rochester,
Minnesota, and during the harvest time worked in the wheat fields. After
living in and around Rochester for some time, Mr. Belmont returned to St.
Paul, where he entered the employ of the Northern Pacific Railway Com-
pany. In 1871 he came to Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres in section 6, Leaf Mountain township. He also
pre-empted eighty acres of land. Having sold his farm lands in i8oS. Mr.
Belmont moved to Hennin,g and engaged in the lumber business. He dis-
posed of his lumber interests in 1904. and thereafter engaged in the mer-
cantile business. The building in which his store is housed is a two-story
structure, fifty by fifty feet. At one time Mr. Belmont was engaged in the
furniture business, and his son, Anton, is now conducting a furniture busi-
ness.
In 1872 Andrew A. Belmont was married to Annastena Swanson, a
native of Sweden, where her birth occurred in 1847. Mrs. Belmont's father
died in Sweden, and after his death her mother came to Otter Tail county,
where her death occurred several years later, at the home of her son, John,
in Leaf Mountain township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew A. Belmont have been born six children, all
of whom are living, as follow: Anton, Selma, Mary, Ida, Carl and Hulda.
Mr. Belmont and his family are members' of the Swedish Lutheran church,
in which they take an active interest. Mr. Belmont has been verv successful
in both his farming and business operations, and today is rated as one of
tin- self-made, substantial citizens of his communitv.
COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 66l
OLE O. STUBSKIND.
Otter Tail county, with its large element of population from Norway,
has no better type of the man following agricultural pursuits successfully,
than in the person of Ole O. Stubskind, of Nidaros township.
Ole O. Stubskind was born in Vardalen, near Trondhjem, Norway, on
July 21, J 859, the son of Ole and Annie Marsta (Skafhaug) Stubskind,
who were born in the same city, the father in 1820 and the mother in 1830.
Ole and Annie Stubskind were married in the town of their birth and shortly
afterward engaged in the pursuit of farming, until 1873, when Ole Stubs-
kind, after providing for his family in Norway, came to America and joined
a brother-in-law, in Ashby, Minnesota, later coming to Nidaros township,
where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land in
section 10, a place which he found to be covered with timber. Ole Stubs-
kind proceeded to clear his newly-acquired land and he built a cabin near
the place where his present home is located. Here this pioneer citizen lived
for seven years, and then sent for his wife and son, who were in Norway.
Before their arrival he had provided a convenient and substantial log and
wooden house for their comfort. At this place Ole Stubskind lived until
his death in the year 1889, his wife Annie, at his death, continuing to live
on the home place until 1913, when she died. Ole Stubskind was one of
the more prominent of the early citizens of Nidaros township, where he
served for man)- years as township treasurer and township supervisor, as
well as being the occupant of other local offices. He and his wife were
members of the Lutheran church. To Ole and Annie Stubskind was born
one child, a son, Ole O., the subject of this sketch.
Ole O. Stubskind was educated in the public schools of Norway, and
following his school-days he worked on a farm, and later, on coming to
America he succeeded his lather on the home place in Nidaros township.
Otter Tail county, where he now lives. Ole O. Stubskind has erected on his
farm a new house and barn and has generally improved his place, together
with adding to it. about the year 1882, forty acres of land adjoining. Mr.
Stubskind is now engaged as a q-erieral farmer and raiser of stock, as well as
keeping twenty cows for dairy purposes.
In February, 1891, Ole O. Stubskind was married to Gette Haswosg,
who wras born in Norway, the daughter of Gabriel and Kjestine Haswosg.
To this union were born the following children: Ole, who is. employed
on a dairy farm at Minneapolis; Gunda, wdio is emploved on a farm in
North Dakota: Magda, Melvin. Oletta, Gertie and Selwin. Two children.
Sigvard and Olga, died in infancy.
Ole O. Stubskind lias taken an important part in business circles and in
662 OTTER (All. COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the public life of Ins township and county. He has been a director of the
Farmers Elevator Company, at Vining; he has served as township treasurer
and for twelve years was treasurer of the school district. Mr. Stubskind
has been the occupant of all the township offices, except that of township
clerk. In politics, Ole O. Stubskind is a Republican, but in local affairs
votes independently. Mr. Stubskind and his wife are members of the Luth-
eran church at Vining, a congregation in which they are leading communi-
cants.
JOHN WUTAMAKI.
Another of the sterling fanners and pioneers of Otter Tail county,
ami 'if Newton township, is John Wutamaki, a man who has done his duty
to his community, and whether in business or private life, has so conducted
himself, that he has gained the respect and esteem of his fellow-men.
John Wutamaki was born in Finland on December 19, 1869, the son
of Mat and Dena Wutamaki, who were born in the same country and lived
there, where Mat Wutamaki was a farmer and landowner, until his death.
His wife, Dena Wutamaki, now lives on the home place. Mat and Dena
Wutamaki were devout members of the Lutheran church, being workers of
note and prominence in the congregation, which they served in a most
unselfish manner. To the marriage of Mat and Dena Wutamaki were horn
ten children, of whom three came to America, namely. Mat. who lives in
Deer Creek township, Otter Tail county : Fina. who married John Kovonimi
and lives at Eveleth, Minnesota; and John, who is the subject of this sketch.
John Wutamaki was educated in the confirmation schools of the Luth-
eran church in Finland, afterwards working on a farm for seme time. In
r888, he came to America and worked in a mine at Eveleth, Minnesota,
after which he came to Otter Tail county, and bought a farm of eighty
acres of land about three miles north of the village of Bluffton, Minnesota,
land that at that time was uncleared and without improvement. On secur-
ing possession of his farm, John Wutamaki proceeded to remove the brush
and to cut the timber on his land and to build a frame house, in which he
lived for five years and then he sold his place and came to Otter Tail county.
where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixtv acres of land in sec-
tion 36, Newton township, a place where be has since lived. On this farm
Mr. Wutamaki has placed a number of improvements, among which are a
new and modernly constructed house, a large barn, thirty-four by sixtv
feet, equipped with a hay-fork and provided with the most approved form
of stanchions. John Wutamaki, in addition to his general farming, con-
ducts a dairy which is supplied with a herd of about thirty-five cows In
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 663
the larger business interests of the town of Dopelius, John Wutamaki takes
a leading and important part, being a stockholder in the Dopelius Creamery
Company. His counsel in matters of business in connection with the dairy
and creamery industry, is rated as most valuable.
In 1895 John Wutamaki was married to Amalia Heino, who is a native
of Finland. To this marriage have been born the following children : Will-
iam, who is a jeweler and watchmaker of Eveleth, Minnesota; Ida, John,
Alexander. Arthur, Herman, Victor, Saima, Elina and Esther, who live at
Ik iinc.
In political affiliation, John Wutamaki is a member of the Republican
party. Air. and Mrs. Wutamaki are members of the Lutheran church at
New York Mills, a congregation in which they are highly respected work-
ers and communicants.
M. B. KLEIN.
A well-known citizen and a pioneer merchant of the town of Bluffton,
Minnesota, a town in which he is recognized as one of the leading men,
both in business activity and in public life, M. B. Klein, who because of his
industrious ways and his resourcefulness has risen from the ranks of more
common industry to that of a prosperous and enterprising merchant in a
thriving community, is one of those men whose record deserves recognition
in this volume.
M. B. Klein was born in Morrison county, Minnesota, the son of
Nicholas and Mary (Schmidt) Klein, both of whom were born in Ger-
many, where they lived before coming to America and settled in Morrison
county, Minnesota, where Nicholas Klein homesteaded eighty acres of land
on which he and his family lived for many years. They subsequently
moved to Benton county, Minnesota, where the elder Klein bought two
hundred acres of land, a place on which he spent his last days. His wife,
Mary, is also deceased. Nicholas Klein and his family were members of
the Catholic church. To the marriage of Nicholas and Mary Klein were
born the following children : Mary, Nicholas, Erank. Katherine, Peter, M.
I!.. John, Lucy and Jacob.
M. B. Klein was educated in the common schools of Minnesota, after
which lie became a farmer on eighty acres of land which lie boughl in
Benton county, Minnesota, later selling this land and buying one hundred
and sixty acres of land which he farmed and later sold. For a considerable
period he worked in Rice, Benton county, at blacksmithing. Subsequently,
Mr. Klein came to Bluffton. Otter Tail county and established a general
store, where he is now engaged as a leading merchant. With time, Mr.
66-|. OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Klein has grown in the business world and now in addition to his large
stock as a merchant, he is one of the shareholders in the elevator at Bluffton.
M. B. Klein was married to Bertha Rajkosky, a native of Germany, and
to this marriage have l>een horn five children. Theckla, Raymond, Clarence,
Alphonse and Alice.
M. B. Klein has found time during his busy life to serve his com-
munity as a public man and as an office holder, having served for two years
as a member of the village council and at one time he was the able and
efficient treasurer of the village.
CHARLES A. MATALA.
One of the most prosperous, as well as most generally known mer-
chants of the town of Xew York Mills, is Charles A. Matala. who has by
intelligent management and by devotion to purpose, become one of the most
extensive general dealers of the county. A good citizen, serving his com-
munity well and unselfishly in public office, he is among those people whom
the community delights to recognize as a representative citizen.
Charles A. Matala was horn in Finland on February 14, 1880, the son
of Olaf and Mary Matala, who were natives of Finland, and who. in 1881,
came to America and located at New York Mills. Minnesota, where Olaf
.Matala secured employment in a saw-mill, where he has worked since that
time. The wife of Olaf Matala died in 1886. To the marriage of Olaf
and Mary Matala were born the following children: John, who died when
twenty-one years of age: Evert, a cattle dealer and real-estate man of Vir-
ginia, Minnesota: Kate, who married C. A. Tervo and lives at Victoria,
British Columbia; Charles A., the subject of this sketch, and Olaf. who is a
dealer in real estate, of Seattle. Washington.
Charles A. Matala was educated in the public schools of New York
Mills. Later, he was employed as a salesman for the firm of Matala and
Tervo during about four months, after which he went to the state of Wyom-
ing, where he was employed for two years in the commissary department of
the Yellowstone Park Association. He then returned to New York Mills,
•and accepted a position with the Farmers Mercantile Association, working
fur twelve vears as a salesman and for two years as manager of the business.
Tn tqoS Charles A. Matala established himself in a small store, on
what was known as the R. \. Williams property. After two years of suc-
<vss as a merchant he found it necessary to erect new buildings for his stock,
and now conducts his business in a large store building thirty-seven by
eighty-four feet, with two stories and a basement, together with eight other
small buildings which are used in the conduct of the business. Mr. Matala
now carries a general stuck, employs aboul fifteen people and does about one
OTTER TAIL COUNTY MINNESOTA. 665
hundred thousand dollars worth of business annually. In addition to his
regular business. Mr. Matala is a stockholder in the New York Mills
I 'reamery Association, a company for which he served as manager for seven
years, and he is a stockholder in the Xew York Mills Farmers Elevator
Company.
On June 10. i<uo, Charles A. Matala was married to Anna Koste,
who was born in Finland. To this marriage were born two children. Mildred
and Curtis Melvin.
Charles A. Matala has been prominent in the civic life of the town of
Xew York Mills, having served for eleven years as town recorder. Mr.
Matala is a .Mason and is a leading member of the local Finnish organiza-
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Matala are members of the Congregational church,
in which they are leading members and active workers.
CHRIST! AX DAMLO.
A well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Gorman township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, is < 'hristian Damlo, who was born in Gorman town-
ship, nil August 6, 1880, the son of Fredrick and Lena (Rischo) Damlo.
both of whom are natives of Germany. Fredrick Damlo is the son of
Jacob and Sophia (Schultz) Damlo, the former of whom was a general
worker in Germany, where he lived his entire life. Jacob and Sophia Damlo
were the parents of seven children, Joseph, John. Dortha. Mary, Christ,
Dorater, and Fredrick, father of the the subject of this sketch, and the only
1 me vvhi i came to America.
Fredrick Damlo. who was born on February 8. 1841, received his edu-
cation in the schools of his native land, and in 1869, he came to America
and located at Danville, Illinois, where he was a railroad worker for three
years. In 1880. be moved to Otter Tail county, and bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Gorman township, a farm to which he added
eighty acres at a later time, and a place which Mr. Damlo, some years later,
sold to his children and then retired from active life and now lives at Per-
ham, Minnesota. Fredrick Damlo was married in 1867 to Lena Rischo
and to this marriage were born seven children. Charles, Mary, John, "Will-
iam. Christian, Martha and Martin. Fredrick Damlo fought in the War
of 1S66.
Christian Damlo was educated, in the common schools of Gorman town-
ship, Otter Tail count)-, after which he became a farmer, working for some
time with his father on the home place. At the time of his father's retire-
ment from farm life, ('hristian' Damlo acquired a pari of the home farm.
where he now lives and engages in general agricultural pursuits.
On November 9, [904, Christian Damlo was married to Martha
666 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Buchaus, and to this marriage have been born five children. Fredrick. Adel-
bert, Herbert, Lambert and Blundine. -Mr. and Mrs. Damlo are rearing an
adopted child. Fritz Poliske. Mr. Damlo and his family are active mem-
bers of the German Lutheran church, a congregation in which they are
prominent workers and appreciated communicants.
Vs a business man. Christian Damlo has been notably successful. He
is a stockholder in a creamery company, as well as a member of the Farm-
ers Shipping Association, of Gorman township. Mr. Damlo has served his
township as a supervisor and as a member of the town board. He proved
to be a good and satisfactory official while filling these positions.
JOHN LAURITZEN.
A contractor and builder of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, is |ohn Lauritzen, whose career has been confined principally to the
erection of public buildings, and there are standing today not only in (liter
Tail countv, but throughout this and adjoining states, many buildings of
his making.
Mr. Lauritzen is a native of Denmark, having been born there in [863.
He is the son of Anders and Johanne (Johansen) Lauritzen. both of whom
are deceased.
Mr. Lauritzen was twenty years old when he came to America 111 [883
lie had learned the bricklayer's trade in his native country and. after com-
ing to America, located at Mankato. Minnesota, where he pursued his
trade for four years. In [887 he moved to St. Paul, where he remained
for one year, but in the fall of 1888 came to Fergus Falls and worked at
his trade until 1890, when he had charge of the construction work at the
-tate hospital at Fergus Falls. In [892 he was made superintendent of
the construction work.
The next year Mr. Lauritzen took his first contract on his own account
from the board of trustees of the state hospital for the insane. lie was
engaged in work there until [897 and since that period has finished several
important jobs, all awarded by the same institution. Mr. I.auritzen's work
has been devoted chiefly to public buildings throughout the states of Minne-
sota, Iowa and the Dakotas. lie constructed the postofnce at Waterloo,
Iowa, also the postoffice at Bismarck, North Dakota, and at Minot. Like-
wise, he built the dam for the (titer Tail Lower Company and the Hoot
Lake power works in Otter Tail county The postoffice ai Fergus Falls, the
inebriate asylum at VVilmar, tin- industrial school for girls at Sauk Center
and the Kaddatz hotel at Fergus Falls, were constructed by him.
Aside from his interests in construction and building work. Mr.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 667
Lauritzen is president of the Fergus Manufacturing Company, vice-presi-
dent of the Northwestern Building Association, of Fergus Falls, and trustee
of the Wright hospital. He is a trustee of the Congregational church.
Mr. Lauritzen is a director of the Minnesota Employers Association and a
director of the Minnesota Employers Mutual Liability Insurance Company.
Mr. Lauritzen was married on May 30. 1NN7. to Anne C. Bohlke, who was
born in Schleswig, which province since 1864 has been under the German
government. To this union were born rive children : Lucia, Marie. Anders
and Thomas are still living. Eleanore died in [913, at the age of twenty.
JACOB RUSCH.
Jacob Rusch, one of the best-known and most substantial retired farm-
ers of the Dent neighborhood, in this county, was born in Germany in 1850,
son of Arnold and .Anna (Schmitz) Rusch. farming people, whose lives
were spent in Germany, the land of their birth. Arnold Rusch served his
Fatherland as a soldier during the War of 1849. He and his wife were the
parents of thirteen children, five of whom are still living.
At the age of twenty-eight, in 1878, Jacob Rusch was united in mar-
riage to Sophia Serpenberg, also a native of Germany, daughter of Henry
and Louisa (Von Dusen) Serpenberg, and eleven years later, in 1889, came
to America, proceeding immediately to Minnesota. For the first year of
their residence in this state they lived in Carver county and then came to
Otter Tail county, locating in Edna township, on section 10, where they
bought forty-five acres. Upon this small farm Jacob Rusch pursued his
agricultural labors with such diligence that he presently was enabled to
enlarge his holdings by the purchase of adjoining tracts, until he became the
owner of four hundred acres of fine land, all of which has been well
improved and is being profitably tilled lie gave one hundred and eightv
acres of the home farm to his sons, retaining the rest for his own use and
on this be erected a fine brick house and other good buildings. There he
lived until the fall of 1014. at which tune he and his wife retired from the
farm and moved into the village of Dent, where they purchased a tract of
two acres on the edge of tin- village and erected on it a comfortable home
in which they are now b\ing. enjoying the rewards of their active lives of
earnest endeavor.
Mr. and Mr-. Rusch are the parents of seven children, all of whom are
living, as follow: Henry, \rnold, Louisa. Anna, podfrey, Jacob and
Sophia, who as well as their parents, are members of the Evangelical church
and active in good works. The Rusch family is one of the most substantial
in the Dent neighborhood and all are held in high regard b) their many
friends thereabout
668 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Ml
FREDERICK VOGEL.
The late Frederick Vogel, who for years was one of the best-known
residents of Star Lake township, this county, came here in 1878, taking a
soldier's claim of government land, he having been a veteran of the Civil
War. and there he proceeded to make a home in the forest wilderness, soon
becoming one of the most influential men in that part of the county.
Frederick Vogel was a German by birth, horn in Germany, on April i_.
[828, son of Philip and Catherine (German) Vogel, he a native of Ger-
many and his wife of French origin. Philip Vogel had been for more
than forty years a school teacher. He and his wife were the parents of
twelve or fifteen children, one of their sons, Frank, a soldier in the German
army, having seen active service in the African campaign. Frank Vogel
was reported slain in Africa, and was mourned as dead by his family. This
w.i- a false report, however, and upon his return home he was greeted as
one from the grave. One of his sisters was in a tree, picking fruit, and the
appearance of what she thought was an apparition so startled her that she
fell from the tree and broke her arm.
After receiving an excellent education in the schools of his home town,
Frederick Vogel supplemented his schooling by a course in the Paris schools
and became a highly cultivated French scholar. In Paris he learned the
trade of gilder, which he followed in that city for three years, after which
lie started out as a journeyman gilder, traveling over Europe for several
years. \t the age of twenty-eight he came to America and located at Holli-
daysburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained for twenty years, working at
the rolls in a rolling-mill. He was living there when the Civil War broke
out. and in 1804 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-
second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with which he served
until the close of the war.
Xot long after his arrival in 1 Iollidaysburg, Frederick Vogel was united
in marriage to Susan Smith, who was born in Germany, daughter of Martin
and Mary (Miller) Smith, both natives of Germany, who came to America
in [841, settling in Hollidayshurg, where the rest of their lives were spent.
Martin Smith was a master mason and worked at his trade as a stone-cutter
in Hollidaysburg. lie and his wife were the parents of six children, Bar-
bara, Martin. George, Sn-;m. Anna Mary and Magdaline. They were ardent
1 atholics and their children were reared in the faith of the mother church.
I 'pon die death of Susan 1 Smith | Vogel, Frederick Vogel married, secondly.
\1111a Mary Smith, who was born in Germany on February 7. 1840. To
the first union two children wire horn. Philip and Martin (twins). To the
second union ten children were horn. George, Frederick'. Kate. Joseph, Anna,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 669
Frank, John, Adam, William and Susan, all of whom were born in Holli-
daysburg, Pennsylvania, save the latter two, who were horn on the Vogel
homestead in Otter Tail county.
In 1878 Frederick Vogel decided to test his fortune in the great North-
west, of which region such glowing reports then were being heard in the
Fast, and he and his wife and their ten children started for "Minnesota.
They were able to come by rail as far as Perham. They located in Star
Fake township, where Mr. Vogel entered a soldier's claim to a quarter of a
section of land and there he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring
on Fine 22, 1898. When he entered his homestead the tract was heavily
timbered, but he cleared the forest and made a comfortable home, presently
having one of the best-tilled farms in that section of the county. Mr. Vogel
took a prominent part in the development of that region and was active in
all movements having- to do with the betterment of conditions thereabout,
lie was a Democrat and for several terms served the public as township
treasurer. Mr. Vogel was an affable, genial man, an accomplished singer,
and he and his family early became recognized as among the leaders in the
social life of the community.
Frederick Vogel's widow still owns the home place and continued to
make her home there until 1904, in which year she moved to Perham and
since then has lived about with her children. She is a devout Catholic and
all her children likewise are adherents to that faith, the family being held
in high regard bv their manv friends in this count-,'.
HENRY TENTER.
Henry Tenter, well-known farmer and stockman of Edna township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Germain' on January 1 X, 1857,
the son of Henry and Katherine (Rademaker) Tenter, both natives of
Germany, the former a member of a family of prosperous landowners and
the latter a daughter of Arnold and Margaret (Bishopf) Rademaker.
Arnold Rademaker was a cattle dealer and spent his entire life in Germany.
Henry Tenter was educated in Germany, after which he worked as a
coal-miner for some time and as an employee of a rolling-mill, of which his
father was foreman, for five years. In [889 he came to America and
settled in Edna township, ('tier Tail county. Mr. Tenter homesteaded
twenty-eight acres of land in Edna township, a place to which he added
and now has three hundred acres in his original farm and •me hundred and
sixty acres in Battle Lake township. Mr. Tenter has greatly improved his
farm and now engages in farming and in the raising of cattle, making a
specialty of Red-Polled cattle.
(,-n OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Iii iNSj, Henry Tenter was married to Gertrude Ichoff, a native of
Germany, and to this marriage have heen born the following children:
ferry, Henry. Arnold, Katherine, \nna, William (deceased). Maggie. Will-
iam (deceased), Dedrick, Lizzie, Emma and Lawrence Mr. Tenter and
his family are members of the German Evangelical church.
GEORGE W. ROBINSON.
George W. Robinson, retired farmer and prominent citizen of Rich-
ville, Otter Tail enmity. Minnesota, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March
2j, 1839, the son of David and Mindwell (Hodgman) Robinson, the former
horn mi March 12, 1815, in Xew York state, and the latter born in the year
[823, in Ohio. In the year 1857, David Robinson moved to Michigan,
where be lived until bis death, at Sturgis, in 1899. Mindwell Robinson
died mar Cleveland, Ohio, in 1855. David and Mindwell Robinson were
the parents of six children, George W., and David Newton, who are living,
and Lucinda, Mary Jane. Sarah and Emily, who are deceased.
George W. Robinson was educated in the township schools of Sherman
township, St. Joe county, Michigan, after which he established the first
saw-mill and grist-mill, of St. Joe county, locating the mill about four miles
northwest of Sturgis. In December, 1862, George W. Robinson enlisted
for service in the Civil War with Independent Company A. Volunteer
Infantry, with which command he served until the end of the war. Later,
Mr. Robinson went to Three Rivers. St. Joe county, where he lived until
187J. Afterwards, he moved to Osage. Iowa, lived there until 1879. and
then went to Wilkens county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded a farm
in Roberts township, and lived there for some time, after which he moved
to Richville, and now lives a retired life. As a farmer for twenty-two years
Mr. Robinson was thoroughly successful and be is now one of the well-to-do
men of the community, being not only the owner of farm land, but also
owns property in Kent, Minnesota, as well as the desirable property in
which be lives.
( )n July 7, 1861, George W. Robinson was married at Centerville, St.
Joe county, Michigan, to Mary A. Wolfinger, who was born in Bucks
count). Pennsylvania, in 1814. To the marriage of George and Marv
Robinson were born seven children as follow: James 1 deceased 1. Ida.
Ebin, Edith, Reuben. Jennie and Clarence. Marv. the wife of George VV.
Robinson died at Richville, in [913.
Mr Robinson has had a most conspicuous and prominent part in the
public and official life of the communities in which he has resided. In
[892, Mr. Robinson was elected as probate judge and in 1894 was re-elected.
I'Kl-
Ml COUNTY, MINNESOTA. (,j
serving with dignity and efficiency in this capacity until [896, when he was
appointed as postmaster at Kent. Minnesota, an office which he occupied
until [904. While living in Roberts and in McColville townships. Wilkens
county. Minnesota. Mr. Robinson served as justice of the peace, and in
the day- of his residence in the State of Iowa. Mr. Robinson was a citizen
who held various offices of honor and trust.
CHARLES A. PETERSON.
Charles A. Peterson is one of the influential and progressive citizens of
Vergas, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who has achieved success in his
chosen calling. He is a native of the southern part of Sweden, where his
birth occurred on Jul}' 1 4, [869. I lis parents were Andrew A. and Christine
Peterson, also natives of Sweden, who were horn in 1837 and [840,
respectively. Andrew A. Peterson was a millwright by profession and fol-
lowed that trade until 1905, at which time he retired and is now living on
a farm near Nashuit. Christine Peterson, his wife, passed away in 1903.
They were both members of the German Lutheran church and were the par-
ents of three children, whose names follow: August, who died in Sweden
in km 1 : Charles V and Elias. Elias is a farmer and lives with his father.
Charles A. Peterson received his early education in the schools of his
native land, immigrating to America when twelve years of age. I le came
alone to the United States and located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where an
uncle. John Molt, was then living. For four years he lived with his relative
and attended the public schools of Elizabeth, Minnesota, following which he
was employed as a farm hand on the surrounding farms, for more than
four years. lie then accepted a position as a clerk in a store in Elizabeth,
Minnesota, and continued in this occupation until 1904. About this time.
it became evident that the town of Vergas was an assured fact and he
immediately began erecting a small store, with the intention of entering the
mercantile business in the new town. Building operations were begun in
March. 11104. anil a store, twenty- four by forty feet, was soon completed.
Two years later an addition was built and in [908 another addition, twenty-
six by eighty feet, was erected, which now makes the entire building fift)
by eighty feet, with more than half of it two stories in height. The fust
stock of g Is was valued at two thousand dollars anil the present stock
at twenty thousand dollars, and is the largest store in the locality. It draws
a trade from a radius of ten miles west and six miles east and south. Four
clerks are constantly employed to serve the public and part of the time five
are employed.
fn 1000. Charles A. Peterson was muted in marriage t • > Martha \or<>-
ren an
il they arc the parei
neth a
nd Helen. Martha
count>
Minnesota, and is
of Eli
Ailieib, who now lis
dead.
Charles A. Petersi
church
Politically, he is
a men
ber of the Modern \
in the
Farmers State Bank
a part
lership was formed
Peters
.n & Nesbit, hut on
and h
■ has continued the
availec
himself of a much
I Ml i nrXTY, MINNESOTA.
i's of five children: Ethel, Elmer, Donald, Ken-
(Norgren) E'eterson is a native of Utter Tail
the daughter of Andrew Norgren, an old settler
/es in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Her mother is
hi and his wife arc members of the Lutheran
a Republican and in his fraternal relations he is
Woodmen of America. He is also a stockholder
Soon after he entered the mercantile business,
with James Nesbit and the firm was known as
i January t, mu, the partnership was dissolved
business .alone. In [913, Charles A. Peterson
needed vacation and visited his native land.
CHARLES J. and CHARLES ROLLA WRIGHT.
The late Charles J. Wright, whose early life and career is so fully and
interestingh set out by his mother, the late Mrs. C. C. Clement, in a remini-
scent narrative contained in the biographical sketch of Charles Rolla Wright,
Sr., presented elsewhere in this volume, was horn in West Milton. Vermont,
November 2, [852, the son of Charles Rolla and Elsie (Johnson) Wright,
and died at battle Creek', Michigan, on December 24. 1913.
Upon arriving at Fergus Falls, while still in his 'teens, Charles J.
Wright decided to make that place his home. He did some surveying and.
as opportunity offered, picked up a little government land. In the mean-
time he was engaged setting type for the Weekly Journal, during which
time he also wrote some poetry and occasionally contributed articles of gen-
eral interest for the newspaper. Later he became fully established as a sur-
veyor and land examiner, and in time was elected to the office of county
surveyor, later being elected to the office of clerk of the district court, in
both of which positions of public trust and responsibility he proved himself
of large service to the general good of the pioneer community. He then
became real-estate agent for the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern
railways, both of which roads had large landownings. He invested in
Minnesota and Dakota lands in the pioneer days, not only on his own account.
but also as agent for a number of Eastern linns and in partnership with
Thomas S. Buckham and George W. Batchelder, of Faribault. Mr. Wright
was greatly interested in agriculture and gradually developed most of his
extensive landholdings into productive farms. At the time of his death he
was said to have been the largest real-estate owner in Otter Tail county
lie ever exhibited great interest in. public affairs and was regarded as among
the most influential and useful men of affairs in this pari of the state. He
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 673
served several terms as a member of the city council at Fergus Falls, his ser-
vice in that connection undoubtedly having been productive of much good
to the rapidly growing city, and in 1908 was elected as a member of the
state Legislature from this district where his duties were honorably and con-
scientiously performed.
In 1904 Charles J. Wright organized his business into a corporation
under the name of the Charles Wright Company, C. J. Wright, president;
C. R. Wright, vice-president, and Mrs. M. F. Wright, secretary and treasurer.
On December 23. 1879, Charles J. Wright was united in marriage to
LeMyra Martha Fuller, who was born on October 31, 1856, daughter of
Leman and Abigail (Parker) Fuller, and to this union three children were
born, namely: Charles Rolla, Klsie L. and Vernon F.
Charles Roila Wright, secretary of the Charles Wright Company, of
Fergus Falls, was graduated from the Fergus Falls high school, after which
he entered the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated.
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1905. One year later he received
his degree of Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the bar. Mr. Wright
also took a course in agriculture at the University of Minnesota. On June
10, 1908, he was united in marriage to Florence McLean, of Duluth, Minne-
sota.
Rolla Wright, as he is familiarly known throughout this section of
Minnesota, is one of the "live wires" of Fergus Falls and of this county.
He has inherited the clear business vision of his father and keeps in close
touch with all movements having to do with the general welfare of his home
city and the county in general, being regarded as one of the most active
promoters of the common good hereabout. Mr. Wright is a careful and
conscientious business man and public-spirited citizen.
THEODORE STORDAL.
Theodore Sjordal, of Underwood, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, well
known throughout that section as a public-spirited citizen and dealer in live
stock, is a native of Norway, born near Trondhjem, December 24, i860.,
son of Ole T. and Guriana (Sundby) Sjordal. The father, who was born
near Trondhjem, June 17, 1829, was a son of Thor and Ingebor Sjordal,
natives of that place, where they were farmers and lived their entire live-.
Ole T. Sjordal was the eldesl of a family of seven children, the others
being Martin, Johannes, Olaus. who still lives in Norwaj : Martin and
Johannes died in their native land, as did also three others in childhood. Mr.
Sjordal's mother, Guriana Sundby, was born on February 19, 1833, a
daughter of Joe and Karen Sundby. natives of the same section of Nor-
(43b)
6/4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
way, where they were farmers. Joe Sundby died in earl)- life, leaving three
children and his widow. Lars, the eldest child, lived and died in Norway;
the second child was Mr. Sjordal's mother. Guriana, and the youngest was
Hannah, who still lives in Norway, widow of Sefenies Gudding. After the
death of Joe Sundby, his widow remarried, having one child by that union,
who is Bernt Oluf, a farmer residing near Underwood.
Mr. Sjordal's parents grew to maturity in the same community and
were married in 1858. Ole T. Sjordal was a farmer and landowner and
he continued to follow that vocation in his native locality until 1867. when
he emigrated to America, leaving bis wife and family, consisting at that
time of four children, in their old home. Ole T. Sjordal came to Minne-
apolis, where he remained until 1871, his family joining him in the fall of
1870, and in March, 1871, he came to Otter Tail county and entered a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres in Sverdrup township, his family again
joining him in June of that year. He started in on the gigantic task of
making good farming lands out of the wild land he had obtained and cleared
and erected buildings until be had made a comfortable home. He sold out
in March of 1895 ar,d purchased a smaller farm nearer Underwood, where
he spent the remainder of his days, having retired from active labor foi
the last few years of bis life. He died in March, T902.
Ole T. Sjordal took an active interest in the affairs of the community
where he had chosen to make his home and was the first township assessor
of Tordenskjold township, which at that time included the present town
of Sverdrup. and later was active in the management of the affairs of that
town. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Lutheran church
and were among the few founders of the local societ) of that faith. I He
T. Sjordal took great interest in the cause of education and was a school
director and supervisor for many years. When young bis own educational
advantages bad been very meager and he educated himself after attaining
maturity. After twenty years of age he taught himself to read and write
in two languages, and Mr. Sjordal still has in his possession an old diary
which his father kept when learning to write. He made family records, a
history of his community, and did much other writing as practice work in
his effort to perfect himself in that accomplishment. In every sense ol the
word Ole T. Sjordal was a self-educated man and his store of general in-
formation would do credit to many possessing university degrees.
Theodore Sjordal is one of a family of six children, being the second
child in order of birth. Jonette. the eldest, born on June 9, 1859, is the
wife of Hans P. Bjorge, of Dulutb, this state: Christine, June 3. 1863. is
Mrs. C. J. Moen, of Underwood; Ole, June 13. 1866, was a merchant at
Ada, this state, where bis death occurred; Odin, Tune 8, 1872, lives at
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 675
Kremlin, Montana, where he is a merchant, and Gustav, the youngest of
the family, May 30, 1875, is a banker, living in Clay county, this state.
Theodore Sjordal received his education in the little old log school house
of district No. 5 and later attended school at Fergus Falls one year. He
was early trained in the work of the farm, but has never followed that
vocation. For one year he gave his attention to the photographers' art,
and in 1885 entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Hans P.
Bjorge, for the transaction of a general merchandise business, including
building materials and farm machinery. The firm style was Bjorge &
Sjordal, and they had a big store. They also operated an elevator and
bought and sold wheat. Their partnership lasted until 1909, and during
the latter years of this connection Mr. Sjordal devoted much of his time
to buying and shipping milch cows to Michigan, being the first to engage
in the stock-shipping business in this section. In 1909 he severed his con-
nection with Mr. Bjorge and had since devoted his time mainly to the buy-
ing and shipping of live stock. For about five years he operated a retail
meat market, doing well in that venture, lie was one of the rive men who
founded the Underwood Grain Association, adding an elevator to the farm-
ers' grain house. He is still connected with that enterprise and is in -ad-
dition a member of the building committee and acting foreman of the local
Co-operative Creamery Company, the second largest in the county, and is
also a director in that concern. For the past ten years he has also acted as
president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Independent in politics,
Mr. Sjordal has taken an active interest in community affairs, although never
having been a seeker after office. Mr. Sjordal is a member of the Unitarian
church, taking a commendable interest in the affairs of that society. He
holds fraternal affiliation with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Modern Woodmen of America.
On July 25, 1885, Theodore Sjordal was united in marriage with Inga
Maria Lein, a native of Norway, daughter of John and Merit Lein. who
came to the United States and settled in Hesper, Iowa. They remained
there but a short time and then came on to this state, locating at Argyle,
at which place the mother died. The father still lives there. Mrs. Sjordal
passed from this life January 18, 1905, leaving her husband and eight
children, as follow: Elmer, born on March 13, [886, residing at East Grand
Forks, this state, where he is a telegraph operator; Conrad, December 15,
1888, lives at Kremlin, Montana, where he has a homestead and is in part-
nership with his brother. Richard, in a retail meat market; Richard, October
20, 1890; Edwin, July 13, 1892, remains with the father and is a salesman
in the store of the Otter Tail Co-operative Company ; Mabel Louise, October
18, 1894, is a student at Faribault, this state; while the other three, Hjalmer,
676 OTTEK TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
September 16, 1897; Gudrum Eleanor, October 22, 1901, and Harold I'.ur-
dette, August 15, 1904, remain at home with the father.
Mr. Sjordal is a man of excellent parts, who has filled an important
place in bringing about the development of the commercial life of this sec-
tion. He possesses genial manners and a kindly disposition and this in con-
nection with his business integrity has won for him the respect and genuine
liking of a large circle of friends.
HANS O. OLSON.
Hans O. Olson, one of the leading citizens of Underwood, this county,
was born in Norway, March 8, 1856, near Tromso, son of Ole C. and Guri
(Olsen) Olson. Both parents were born in Norway, and there spent their
entire lives. The father was a carpenter and shoemaker by trade, which
he followed all the active years of his life, his death occurring when he
was seventy years of age. Both he and his good wife were faithful mem-
bers of the Lutheran church, and gave careful attention to the rearing of
their seven children. Of these, Hans O.. the immediate subject of this
sketch, is the eldest; Ole still lives in Norway, where he is a laborer; Olia
is the wife of Nils Thygesen of Underwood; Karoline still remains in Nor-
way, the wife of Johan Hendrickson; Kristopher also remains in his native
land, a laborer, and two died in infancy.
Hans O. Olson attended the public schools of his native land, but meager
was the opportunity for education given, there being but seven school weeks
in the year. At the age of fourteen or fifteen he began life for himself as
a fisherman and also worked at farming. In 1881, at the age of twenty-five,
he emigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail county. Here he secured
work on the Northern Pacific railroad, then in course of construction, re-
maining at that work for some two years. He quit that work to accept a
position in the store of Severson & Evanson, the first merchants of Under-
wood, and in 1889 he left them and returned to Norway, intending to re-
main in his native land. However, a few months later found him back in
Underwood and he then went to work for Ole Loseth in his general store
and later was with Bjorge & Sjordal. He was with Mr. Loseth for five
years and severed his connection to return to his native land. Again he
intended to remain permanently, but in four months was back in America
again, and it was then he entered the employ of Bjorge & Sjordal.
Again in i8qq Hans O. Olson returned to his native land, but this time
he went for a wife, and while there was united in marriage with Henrietta
Hanson, daughter of Hans Olsen. Mr. Olson then brought his wife to
Underwood and again began clerking for Bjorge & Sjordal, remaining with
them about three years. After a trip to the Pacific coast, where he had
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. fyjy
intended to locate, he returned to Underwood, and early in 1904 was elected
secretary and treasurer of the Sverdrup Scandinavian Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, which position he still fills. The business has grown in a most
gratifying manner and there are now about three thousand applications in
force with twenty-four hundred members.
Mr. Olson is a very public-spirited man and remains independent in his
politics. His interest and ability are appreciated, and upon the incorporation
of the village of Underwood he was made treasurer of the town, which
place he still occupies. In 191 5 he was appointed village assessor, dis-
charging his various duties in a manner which meets with the approval of
all. Mr. Olson holds fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of
America and takes an active interest in the work of that order. There are
four children in the Olson family. Clara, the eldest, is at home; Hilda
died when a child of two and one-half years; Helmar also died in infancy,
and Dagny H., the youngest of the family, is a girl in school. Mr. Olson
has prospered and has a comfortable home which he erected himself. He
is well liked and is eminently worthy of the high esteem in which he is held
by all who know him.
HENRY O. ROBERTSON.
Henry O. Robertson, well known as manager of the Underwood Lum-
ber Company, dealers in retail lumber and building supplies, was born at
Fergus Falls, this county, January 8. 1878, eldest child of Christian and
•Marie (Nelson) Robertson. His father was a native of Denmark and the
mother was born in Norway. Each came to America when young and
settled in Fergus Falls, where they married and lived for a number of years.
Christian Robertson was proprietor of one of the first retail meat markets
in Fergus Falls, but continued in that business only a short time. Then for
a couple of years he clerked in Sundahl's general store, and for some three
years was proprietor of the old West House, one of the earliest hotels of
that locality. Ill health forced him to live in the open, and in 1885 he left
the town and homesteaded a claim of fifty-six acres in Sverdrup township,
this county. There he passed the remaining years of his life, his death
occurring on February 12, 1897. The mother is still living on the old
homestead at the age of sixty-six years.
Christian Robertson was always keenly interested in political quesfions
and was among the earliest advocates of the principles of the Populist party
in this section. He was one of the organizers of the Underwood Farmers'
Alliance and displayed a commendable interest in all that made for the
general advancement of the community. Both he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Free Lutheran church, governing their lives carefully by its
678 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
teachings. Other children of the family are Thora, wife of Charles Holt,
living in Canada; William, of Marshall, this state; Jane, who died in in-
fancy, and a surviving daughter of the same name, who is the wife of
Oliver Lee, a farmer of Canada.
Henry O. Robertson received his elementary education in the school near
his boyhood home, district No. 5, of Sverdrup township, and later had one
term in higher studies at the Park Region Lutheran College at Fergus
Falls. He took up farming on the family homestead and managed it for
some years. In September of 1909 he became connected with the Under-
wood Lumber Company as manager, which position he has since retained.
This company is the leading one of its kind in this vicinity and carries from
rive to six thousand dollars worth of stock at all times, carrying brick,
cement, lime, etc., in addition to lumber.
Mr. Robertson is independent in politics and as an evidence of the
regard in which he was held in his boyhood home he served as super-
visor of Sverdrup township to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Rohertson has
displayed more than ordinary business ability, and in view of his genial
manner is well liked by personal friends as well as represented by busi-
ness associates.
EDWARD WENDT.
Edward Wendt, a native of Oderberg, Germany, was born on Decem-
ber 11, 1853, the son of Henry and Henrietta (Riebe) Wendt, both of
whom were natives of Germany. Henry Wendt died in his native country.
The widow came to the United States in 1887, accompanied by some of
her children and located in Buffalo, New York, where she died some years
later. Mr. and Mrs. Wendt were the parents of the following children:
August, Wilhelmina, Louise, Caroline, Emma and Edward.
Edward Wendt was educated in the public schools of his native country,
after which he served three years in the German army. After his term
with the military forces expired he became a maker of brick, which occu-
pation he followed until 1892, when he came to America. On coming to
the United States he came at once to Pine Lake township, where he pur-
chased eighty acres of land, which is his home at the present time. He de-
voted the greater part of his time during the first three years to work in
the making of brick at Perham.
Since the purchase of his first land, on coming to his new home, he lias
added one hundred and twenty acres to his farm. The land was without
buildings and undeveloped, but by hard and diligent labor he today has
the present buildings and the well cultivated fields, the greater part of the
clearing and breaking of the land being done by Mr. Wendt. He practices
OTTER TAIL COUNTY,. MINNESOTA. 6/9
general farming with success and his fields are among the best cultivated
in the community.
Edward Wendt was married in 1876 to Ulriecke Lehman at Oderberg,
Germany. Mrs. Wendt has been of much assistance to her husband in his
successful and active life. They are the parents of the following children:
Clara, Bernard, Louise, George, Emma, Paul, Robert, Mary, Frieda, Ed-
ward and Otto.
EVEN S. EVENSON.
Even S. Evenson, ex-postmaster at Underwood, Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, was bom in Norway, September 25, 1861, near Trondhjem, which
is the second largest city in that country. He is a son of Sivert and Kjersti
(Lodin) Eveson, the former born on the same farm in April of 1828, and
the latter born in the same neighborhood in 1841. Sivert Evenson was a
son of Even Moshong, who lived and died on the old homestead near Trond-
hjem, which had been in the family for several generations.
In 1867 Sivert Evenson brought his family to America, there being
at that time three children, Even S. being the eldest. They located at
Menominee, Wisconsin, where they remained but a year and then located
on a farm in St. Croix county, about nine miles east of the town of New
Richmond, Wisconsin. Their farm consisted of one hundred and sixty
acres and the family lived there for a number of years. The father's death
occurred on August 31, 1908, when in his eightieth year and the mother
yet lives at Deer Park, Wisconsin, at the age of seventy-four years. Both
were from early childhood members of the Lutheran church and were
anion- the organizers of the first church of that belief in their neighborhood.
Sivert Evenson was a man of quiet and industrious habits, who gave the
best efforts of his life to his private affairs and to the careful training of
his large family.
Even S. Evenson, as before stated, was the eldest of his family; and
the second is Ole, who is a blacksmith and lives at Deer Park, Wisconsin;
Ella became the wife of Clarence Benedict and made her home at New
Richmond until the time of her death; Olaf has been unheard of for the
past eighteen years; Sivert is a farmer, located at Turtle lake, Wisconsin;
l?.mma is the wife of Hans Jenson and lives at South Stillwater, this state;
Charles resides at Hudson, Wisconsin, where he is a stationary engineer;
Ernest, who is unmarried, makes his home with Charles and is employed
in a planing-mill ; Martin also lives at Hudson and follows the carpenter
trade; the youngest member of the family was Minnie (deceased), wife of
Giis Gunderson, now residing at Grand Forks. North Dakota; two children
died in earlv infancy.
680 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Even S. Evenson received his education in the common schools of
Deer Park, Wisconsin and in 1885 came to Underwood and secured employ-
ment as salesman in one of the local general stores, where he remained for
some eight years. In 1905 the bank of Underwood was organized and Mr.
Evenson was elected to the position of cashier, which he filled for some
four years. He was active in the organization of the Park Region Tele-
phone Company and acted as its treasurer until February of 1914, at which
time he resigned. Mr. Evenson is independent in politics and takes consider-
able interest in local matters, having served as clerk of Sverdrup township
for some years past. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and also of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On December 8, 1888, Even S. Evenson was united in marriage with
Anna Gunderson, also a native of Norway, and a daughter of Ingebret and
Marie Gunderson. They, too, were among the earliest settlers of this sec-
tion, coming here in 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. Evenson have been born six
children, of whom Edna, the eldest, is the wife of Edward E. Hanson, of
Mackintosh, this state, and superintendent of that city's schools; Carl, who
was educated in the Underwood schools, makes his home with his parents
and is employed in the Fanners' Mercantile Corporation Store at Un-
derwood; Hilda, a graduate of the Stillwater high school, is at home, as
are also Arthur, Mildred and Nora.
On January 3, 19 16, the Farmers' State Bank of Underwood opened
its doors for business with Mr. Evenson as cashier. Since first coming to
Underwood, Mr. Evenson has shown himself to be interested in all that
concerns the proper development of the town and its kindred interests and
has given generously of his time to bring about many improvements.
CHARLES ROLLA WRIGHT, SR.
There died on June 13. 1 9 1 5 , at Fergus halls, this county, a splendid
woman eighty-four years of age, who had enjoyed, (luring the course of
her long life, a varied and interesting series of experiences, both in the
staid and conservative hast, where she was burn, and in the frontier life
of several Western states. The late Mrs. C. C. Clement's first husband was
Charles Rolla Wright. Sr., father of the late Charles J. Wright, for years
one of the most prominent citizens of Fergus Falls. Mrs. Clement, who
was a most interesting conversationalist and who was possessed of a most
remarkable memory, often entertained her friends with many interesting
reminiscences of her early life.
Charles Rolla Wright, Sr.. was born on February 17. 1825, at Williston,
Vermont, and died in Forest City, Iowa, on September [3, 1850.
"My acquaintance with Charles Rolla Wright." said Mrs. C. C. Clement.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 68 1
not long before her death, "began in the fall of 1847, when I was nearly
sixteen years of age. He had just been graduated from the Highland
Military School at Norwich, Vermont, and was engaged to teach a select
school for advanced pupils in Enfield, Xew Hampshire. During the fol-
lowing winter he taught the village school, which I attended. During this
time, while teaching, he studied law in the office of my uncle, Judge West-
gate. When Mr. Wright's school closed for the season, he went to Orwell,
Vermont, where his brother, Murray, lived and there he taught and studied.
During a part of this time, he also worked in a telegraph office, which was
considered in that time something new. His health, however, became
impaired and he went to his home in West Milton, but continued the study
of law with a Burlington lawyer. Finally, he was compelled to give up
study altogether and he then turned his attention to the farm, which change
proved of great benefit to his physical state. On August 2j, 1851, he
returned to Enfield and on the following day we were married.
"For a time we remained on one of the farms belonging to Mr. Wright's
father, in West Milton, Vermont, and it was there that Charles J. was born,
November 2, 1852, the date upon which Franklin Pierce was elected Presi-
dent of the United States. After farming for four years or more, Mr.
Wright got the 'Western fever,' so I took our young son back to my old
home, while my husband made the trip to Iowa. There he entered a tract
of government land near Forest City and, in the spring of the following
year, T joined him with our son. Our early experiences there would seem
hard today. Father and son were much together and this companionship
helped to make Charles J. the man he grew to be. Charles Rolla Wright
was elected county surveyor and his brother. George P.. Wright, came to
Iowa to work for him.
"In the summer of i!"\;<)," continued Mrs. Clement, "Mr. Wright died
during an epidemic of fever and I was left alone with our seven-year-old
son. George B. Wright came to Forest City and taught school that winter,
during which time he remained with us. Our affairs were finally arranged
so that Charles J. and ] could go back to New Hampshire in the spring.
George B. Wright accompanied us as far as Chicago and, from Chicago.
my sister, Hannah. Charles and I went on to New Hampshire, George B.
going to Bloomington, Illinois, where not long afterward he was married to
Serina Ames, the adopted daughter of Rev. Charles G. Ames, well known
as pastor of the Unitarian church in Boston.
" \ year or two later. George B, Wright and wife went to Minneapolis,
where Mr. Wright pursued his profession as surveyor, and Charles and 1
returned to the West and made our home with them. We lived in Minne
68.2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
February 28, [868, when \ was married to C. C.
in Minneapolis, Charles attended the schools there
lools at Winona and Hastings. He also frequently
■ George on surveying trips and spent some time in
office in St. Paul before coming to Fergus Falls.
1, Charles corresponded for the North Star, the Young
Ylinncsotan and The Otvl, and at that time was a member of the Amateur
Association of Journalists."
Thus closes this brief but interesting chapter of reminiscences in the
life of a noble pioneer woman, whose personal history was so intimately
identified with the rapid succession of events in this great Northwest country.
apo
is, togetl
ter
until
tie
nent.
and
"While
we
,1 t
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he se
acci
impanied
his
Cue
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When still in
his
'teen
CHRISTIAN J. MOEN.
Christian J. Moen, horn in Norway, February 29, [864, son of John
and Martene (Korsgaard) Moen, was the first of his family to come to
this country. Both parents were natives of Norway, born at Thrystad
Smaalenene, about six miles from Christiania. They married in their
native home and the father turned to farming as the means of livelihood
for his growing family. Christian J. Moen emigrated to America in 1882,
and in 1889 the father and mother followed and joined him. They lived
on a small farm of forty acres in section 36, of Sverdrup township, this
county, and there both parents finished their lives and are buried in Sverdrup
cemetery. Both were strong adherents to the Lutheran faith and were de-
voted to their family of six children. Anne, the eldest of the family, is
the wife of P. C. Renfjord, of Fergus Falls; Louise is the widow of Ole
O. Sjordal and lives in Ada, this state, where her husband was for many
years engaged in the hardware business, and at his death was succeeded by
his three sons; Anton is a section foreman on the Northern Pacific railway
and is located at Battle Lake, this state; Martin, who makes his home with
Christian J., is a carpenter by trade and owns a farm in this vicinity; Han-
nah, wife of Carl Sundby, resides in Sverdrup township, where they are
engaged in farming.
Christian J. .Moen attended the public schools of his native land until
the age of fourteen, when he took up part of the work of the family home
under the direction of his father. Upon coming to this country in [882,
he located at Battle Lake, this state, and found employment with a sec-
tion gang of the Northern Pacific railroad. A year later he was made
foreman of his section gang, which position he held for eighteen years.
Upon the organization of the Farmers' Mercantile Corporation in 1892,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 683
he was made secretary, in recognition of the service he rendered as one
of its organizers. He filled that position until 1900, when he became man-
ager of the company, which position made such demands upon his time that
he was forced to give up his railroad work. At that time the company
rented the building which it occupied and since then has purchased the
building in question and built an addition of equal size to the original
portion. The business has increased to four times the volume handled in
1900, carrying a stock valued from eleven to fifteen thousand dollars. Mr.
Moen is also a director of the Farmers' Elevator Company, is president
of the Farmers' State Bank of Underwood and interested in the Co-op-
erative Creamery at that place.
Mr. Moen owns a farm which lays at the outskirts of Underwood, a
portion of it coming within the corporation limits. This farm he pur-
chased in 1903 and it was formerly owned by his father-in-law, it having
been their family homestead. This farm contains one hundred and sixty
acres and is beautifully located on the shores of Bass lake. Mr. Moen rents
the land for farming purposes, but keeps considerable stock himself on it.
In politics Mr. Moen is independent and has always been rather active
in local affairs. For twelve years he acted as treasurer of Sverdrup town-
ship, prior to the incorporation of the village, and has been active in many
ways since. His religious membership is held with the Lutheran church,
and fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, act-
ing as treasurer for that organization. Mr. Moen displays a commendable
interest in all that makes for public welfare and the best advancement of
the various phases of community life.
On October 25, 1885, Christian J. Moen was united in marriage with
Christena Sjordal, who was born in Norway and brought to this country
by her parents when a little girl of four or five years. Her parents are Ole
T. and Guriana Sjordal. who were among the early settlers of Otter Tail
county, where they hometseaded a farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoen have been
born ten children, the eldest of whom is Hans Emil, living in Fergus Falls,
where he sells insurance: May is the wife of Arthur Olson, of Big Lake,
this state; Gilmar O. resides at Bellingham, Washington, and is a traveling
salesman; Carl J. lives at Fargo, North Dakota, where he is connected
with the J. I. Case Thresher Company, acting as cashier of the Fargo
office; William is assistant cashier in the same office; Ella, Ruth, Roy,
Thelma and Stanton remain at home.
Mr. Moen has proven himself worthy of the many responsibilities
which have fallen upon him since he became a citizen of this county, and in
view of the exemplary manner in which he has discharged his various ob-
ligations he is eminently worthy of respect.
684 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
I \( !OB S. BIXBY
Jacob S. Bixby, farmer and stockman of Dead Lake township, Otter
Tail county. Minnesota, is one of the representative agriculturists of the
county. He was born on November 8, 1840, in Cabot, Vermont, and is
the son of John and Malinda (Schagel) Bixby.
The paternal grandparents of Jacob S. Bixby were Theophilus and
Anna (Fiske) Bixby, he a native of Germany and she of England.
Theophilus Bixby, for forty years, was captain of a whaling vessel and
bad entered the service when a boy of fourteen years, being promoted from
first mate to captain, on the death of his predecessor, at the age of eighteen
years. After his immigration to America, he located in Salem, Massachu-
setts, afterward marrying and making his permanent home in that town.
Anna (Fiske) Bixby, his wife, desirous of having her children know the
love and companionship of a father, entreated him to resign the perils of
ocean life for the pleasures of home, but imbued with the spirit which all
sailors feel for the life of the sea, he wished to make one more trip be-
fore granting her wish. This would-be last cruise extended over a period
of three years, finally resulting in poor returns and, determined to recoup
his losses, another voyage was planned and executed, this time bringing
with it the most unusual success. They found whales galore and, while
Theophilus Bixby was not a professional harpooner, he narrowly escaped
death in the attempt to harpoon a whale. Upon his return home, he re-
moved to the state of Vermont, where the family settled on a farm near
Fayston, and there he remained until his death. He served in the War of
[812. Theophilus and Anna (Fiske) Bixby were the parents of twelve
children, all of whom are now deceased. Beside his four sons, William.
George, John and Luther, he was the father of eight daughters.
The maternal grandparents of Jacob S. Bixby were Jacob and Polly
Schagel, he a native of Germany and she a native of England. He immi-
grated to Canada when a young man and became paymaster, a position
demanding great courage and efficiency. The money was carried in kegs
and a large guard always accompanied him. After many years of loyal
service t" the army, he resigned and retired to private life and became
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Polly Schagel was a native of England,
removing to Canada when verj young, and it was there that her marriage was
solemnized. They were the parents of one son. Jacob, and eleven daughters.
They remained in Canada until their deaths.
John Bixby, father of Jacob S. Bixby, was a millwright in his native
state, and while there met and married Malinda Schagel, a native of Cushin,
Quebec, Canada. He was engaged in the construction of mill machinery
until his health became impaired and he was forced to retire from this work
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 685
at the age of forty years. Following his retirement, he engaged in fanning
and purchased land near Fayston, Vermont, cultivating that property until
1854, at which time he removed to Wisconsin and thence to Steele county,
Minnesota, and settled on a homestead in Aurora township. The farm
consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and John Bixby continued to
cultivate it until his death on January 15, 1890. Five years later his wife
and beloved companion passed to her eternal rest on July 26, 1895. Dur-
ing life they had been respected members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and were the parents of rive children: Jacob S., Harriette, Henry, George
and Addie. Harriette became the wife of George Curtis and their home
was for many years in I >watonna, Minnesota. Henry was a miner early in
life, but later followed the vocation of farmer, in Montana, where his death
occurred. George was a farmer in Minnesota and his death occurred in St.
Paul. Addie became the wife of Warren Upham, of this county.
Jacob S. Bixby received his education in the schools of Fayston, Ver-
mont, until the age of sixteen, at which time he removed to Eureka, Wis-
consin, where he remained during the summer and then with his parents
removed to Steele county, Minnesota, continuing his schooling for one term.
In August, 1862, Jacob S. Bixby enlisted in Company A, Tenth Regiment,
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He served with Sibley during the Indian
campaign and then went south with his regiment, serving most of the time
with the Sixteenth Army Corps. He was in sixteen regular battles besides
numerous skirmishes, receiving one wound. He was honorably discharged
in August, [865, having served a few days over three years. The next year
he married and settled on a homestead, which he improved and on which
he resided until 1898. He then sold the farm and removed to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he purchased two hundred and twenty acres of un-
improved land, located in Dead Lake township, on the south shore of Dead
lake. A great deal of this land has been cleared and fifty acres are under
cultivation. The products of this farm are Poland China hogs and high
grade Galloway cattle, as well as general farming.
On November 29, 1866, Jacob S. Bixby was united in marriage to \nn
Elizabeth Eichler, daughter of John and Christina Fichler. and a native of
I 1 Fayette, I (nondaga county, New York. She died on March 24. 1879, and
on November to, [880, Mr. Bixby was united in marriage to Gertrude Five-
son, a native of Norway and daughter of Live and Sophia Liveson. To
the first union of Jacob S. Bixby live children were horn: Katie, who died
in infancy; Lottie, who also died in infancy; Jennie, who married William
Boyle, and later became the wife of Emil Erickson, died at the age of
twenty-four years: Henry, a fanner living in Dead Lake township; Jessie,
whr> became the wife of Reynold Zimmerman and now lives in Owatonna,
686 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Minnesota. The names of the children born to the second union of Jacob
S. Bixby are: John L., Jacob \\\, Lottie A., Abraham V., Isaac and
Gertrude X. John L. follows the vocations 'if farming and school teaching
and lives in Dead Lake township; Jacob W. is engaged in the same interests;
Lottie died at the age of fourteen years; Abraham Y. died at the age of
thirteen; Isaac and Gertrude are at borne. The parents of the second wife
of facob S. Bixby, Live and Sophia Liveson, immigrated to America in
[872 and settled in Dodge county, where they remained until their deaths.
Gertrude Liveson was born on March 3, 1S50. in Norway.
At the age of twenty-one. Jacob S. Bixby became a licensed class leader
of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has always been a mem-
ber and active supporter, and for the past twelve years has been a licensed
pastor for that denomination and has served the local congregation. Jacob
S. Bixby is an "Abraham Lincoln Republican" and has been honored with
nearly every office in the township, also serving his section of the country
by acting as a delegate to the county conventions, lie is interested in the
creamery and the telephone companies of Richville, in which companies he
is a stockholder.
[ohn L. Bixby was burn on December _'(>, 1882, in Steele county,
Minnesota, the son of Jacob S. and Gertrude (Liveson) Bixby. He re-
ceived his education in the public schools of his native town and later be-
came a student in the Moorhead Normal School, for two years. After com-
pleting his education he engaged in teaching school, which he followed for
a period of six years. About 1905 he purchased one hundred and six acres
of land in section 34, in Dead Lake township, which he has improved with
buildings and other things needful for the proper cultivation of same. He
pursues general farming and stock-raising. Politically, John L. Bixby is an
independent voter. He has served his fellow citizens in the capacity of jus-
tice of the peace and is at present serving as county assessor.
On June 1. 1910, John L. Bixby was united in marriage to Cora E.
Davis, daughter of James and Eliza (Epler) Davis, and they are the parents
of one child, Paul \\ .. who was burn on December 22, 11)13.
Jacob W. Bixby, second son of Jacob S. Bixby. has also followed his
father's example and taken up fanning as his vocation in life. He was
born on August 16. [885, in Steele county, Minnesota, and received his
education in the schools of Otter Tail county. He also attended the Moor-
head Normal School, as did his brother. John L. Bixby, and began teaching
school in K)io. In 1915 he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifteen
acres, located in Amor township, this county, and has spent much of the
time since in clearing and improving it.
For three years past, Jacob \V. Bixby has acted as an agent ot the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY., MINNESOTA. 687
Waterman- Waterbury Supply Company, covering territory in Minnesota.
Very active for the furtherance of all educational improvements he has
served those interests as principal of the graded schools for a period oi two
years, and has discharged the duties connected with that office in a very
able manner. He is a member and actively engaged in the work ol the
Consolidated School Principals Organization. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church and is much interested in all church affairs
and lends his generous support to that denomination.
EVER <). GRINA.
Iver O. Grina, who has been a resident of Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, for over forty years, has played a prominent part in the agricultural
development of the state in which he resides. He was born in Hadeland,
Norway, on the 1st of April, 1851, and is the son of Die H. and Martha O.
(Moger) Grina, natives of the same country. The parents of Iver O.
Grina came to America in 1854, only a few years after their marriage.
After crossing the Atlantic, a journey that covered a period of fifteen
weeks, the couple took up their residence in Clayton county, Iowa, where"
for a short time Air. Grina worked on the farms in that locality. He pos-
sessed a character which was eager to seize opportunities for advancement,
and had only resided in Iowa a short while when he was able to buy a farm
containing one hundred and sixty acres. On this farm he lived with his
family twenty years and at the expiration of that time came to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he joined his son, Iver, who is the subject of this
sketch.
In Norwegian Grove township Ole H. Grina bought two hundred and
fifty acres of school land, thirty-four acres of which was in timber. While
employed at the occupation of clearing the new tract of land Mr. Grina
became ill and died. The first wife of Mr. Grina died in 1874. and he was
married, secondly, to Betsey O. Hougtvet, who has also passed away. By
his first wife the following children were born into the Grina family: Hans,
who before his death followed the occupation of a fanner in Trondhjem
township; Ole, a retired fanner of Pelican Rapids; her ( >., the subject of
this sketch; Peter, a retired farmer who resides in North Dakota; Martin,
also a farmer of North Dakota; Ellen, who died in Iowa; Edward, who
lives in North Dakota; Mary, who passed away in Iowa; Mary, who also
died when young, in Iowa, and cine who died when very small.
Iver (). Grina was educated in the public schools in Iowa, and was
reared to the sturdy discipline of the Iowa farm. At the age of twenty-one
years he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he settled in Trond-
hjem township, after purchasing the homestead owned by the I fans Broth-
'I VI 1 MIXM.SOTA.
ers. The land, which was only slightly improved, was located in section 21.
After much time and labor spent in clearing and improving the land, Mr.
Grina bought one hundred and twenty acres of railroad land adjoining the
home place. In the fall of H114 Mr. Grina sold his place in Trondhjem
township and bought the homestead originally owned by his father in Nor-
wegian Grove township. This farm has never been occupied by the sub-
ject of this sketch, but he rents it to his son. Joseph. Mr. Grina retired
from active farm work in March of 1914 and moved to Pelican Rapids,
where he has erected a thoroughly modern residence.
Mr. Grina is a man of broad understanding who has given his atten-
tion to civic affairs, in [913 he helped in organizing the Erhard State
Bank, in which he is a director. \s an enthusiastic member of the Republi-
can party he has served in the office of road supervisor and of clerk of the
school district. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
On the 17th of July, 1&72, the marriage of her ( ). Grina to Olena L.
Ohe took place. She was the daughter of Lars and Ingebor (Waterud)
Ohe, among the earliest settlers of Erhard Grove township. Mrs. Grina
passed away on the 22nd of February, 1014. She was the mother of the
following children: Ole, who has lumber interests in Ualstad, Minnesota;
Lars, who is also interested in lumber, and who lives in Felton, Minnesota ;
Melvin, who deals in implements, hardware and lumber in Erhard; Conrad,
who assists his brother, Melvin, at the Borup branch store: Joseph, who
died in infancy; Joseph, who is a farmer on tin- place of his father: Inga
and Theodore, who are occupied in the work for their brother. Melvin;
Emma, the vouneest child, is at home with her father.
ANDREW 0. QUAM
Andrew 0. Qiiani is one of the progressive agriculturists of Fergus
halls township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who operate their holdings on
a large scale, and his keen business ability and exceptionally pleasing per-
sonality have been dominant factors in his success. He is a native of Nor-
way and his birth occurred on October 6, 1 S 5 5 , in Tronjam, Norway. He
is the son of <He and Johanna Quam, both natives of Norway. Ole Quam
was a farmer, cattle dealer and general trader. In 1871 he immigrated to
America with the intention of locating here but after a temporary location
in Chicago, Illinois, he removed to Minneapolis. Minnesota, investigated
the county and returned to his native land, content to remain in the land
of his birth.
Andrew < ). Quam received his preliminary education in the common
schools in the land of his nativity, and studied geometry, surveying, engin-
eering and general studies, under the tutelage < 4 a Norwegian army officer.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 689
He also studied English while in Norway and received a very good educa-
tion. He immigrated to America in 1872 and engaged as a clerk in a
grocery store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, attending school during the first
winter. He then learned the painter's trade, under his uncle's instruction,
and later was employed in the harvest fields. In 1874 he established a store,
in partnership with his uncle, which he sold in the fall and removed to Chi-
cago where he was employed as a dishwasher in a restaurant, for three
dollars per week. Two months of this was night work. Soon after this
experience, he established a small restaurant of his own which he operated
on North Clark street, Chicago, Illinois, and later at 109 East Randolph
street for five years. This place of business was on unclaimed property and
was soon established after the famous Chicago fire. The undertaking proved
to be a profitable one and he was soon doing business in a spacious building,
which had been erected by the owner.
In 1880 Mr. Quam removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after
having made several thousand dollars, and purchased two hundred and
seventy acres of land in Carlisle township. This was added to until he now
owns eight hundred acres of well improved land in Fergus Falls and Cary-
lisle townships.
Andrew ( >. Quam was united, in marriage to Joanna Newhouse and
they are the parents of the following children: Ole, Ingwall, James M..
Julian E., Adeline. Josephine, Edith C. Mabel D. and Dwight L. ; two
infants are deceased. Andrew ( >. Quam is a trustee of the Methodist Epis-
copal church which he attends and is also clerk of the school board. Politic-
allv, he votes an independent ticket.
LUDYYIG PILGER.
Ludwig 1'ilger was born in Prussia, Germany, May 16, 1844, the son
of Ernest Pilger and wife, who were born in that province, where Ernest
Pilger followed his trade as a weaver until, during an epidemic of cholera,
he and his wife succumbed to this pestilence. Ernest Pilger and wife were
the parents of the following children: Wilhelmina, who died when a child;
Amelia, who married Ferdinand Vitholm and lives in the state of Nebraska:
William, who came to America and afterwards became lost to the knowledge
of his relatives; Ludwig, the subject of this sketch.
Following his education in the public schools of his native land, Ludwig
Pilger worked for a time on a farm and then was employed in a brewery
until about the year 1872, when he came to America and went to the state
m|' towa, where he settled near < irundy City and there worked on a farm
during the next seven years, after which, in the year 1882, came to the
(44b)
69O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
state of Minnesota and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Otter
Tail county, where he has since lived. On taking possession of his farm in
Otter Tail county Ludwig Pilger found it necessary to clear the land of
brush and timber and to replace an old log cabin with a more sub-
stantial building. At a later time this progressive farmer added a modern
barn and other buildings to his conveniences until now the farm of Mr.
Pilger is among the best of the community for general farming purposes.
During the year 1N71. Ludwig I'ilger was married to Dora Effald,
who was a native of Prussia. To this marriage were born the following
children: Ernest, who is a railway worker of Bluffton, Minnesota; Wil-
liam, who is a railroad worker of Bronson, Minnesota; Huldah, who mar-
ried H. W. Kile, a farmer of North Dakota; France, a farmer of the state
of North Dakota, and George and Otto, who live at home.
Ludwig I'ilger in religious affiliation is of the Lutheran church. In
politics, Mr. Pilger is a Republican, one who serves his party well in those
efforts which are put forth for the general good of Otter Tail county.
ALBERT WIESE.
Albert Wiese, farmer and stockman of Gorman township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born on January 3, 1874, in German}', the son of
Fredrick and Henrietta ( Flatau ) Wiese, natives of Germany. Fredrick
Wiese came to America in 1893, am' located in this county, where he en-
gaged in farming in Gorman township, where he now lives a retired life.
Fredrick and Henrietta Wiese are the parents of seven children : Gusta, John,
Albert, Minnie, Matilda, Amelia and Ida.
Following his education in the public schools of Germany, Albert Wiese
came to America, in 1892. and located in Otter Tail county. Minnesota.
where he engaged in farm work for some time. In 11)04 he bought a farm
in Gorman township, which he has greatly improved ami to which he has
added land until now he owns three hundred anil sixty-five acres of land
which he cultivates as a general farmer, together with the raising of con-
siderable good grade live stock.
On May [3, 1898, Albert Wiese was married to Louise Flatau, a
native of Germany, ami to this marriage have been born the following
children: Alma. Otto, Alfred. Herman, Theodore. Paul, Martha and Amanda.
Albert Wiese and his family are active members of the German Lutheran
church at Perham, Minnesota.
\lliirt Wiese has served as a trustee for the town of Luce, ami has
taken an important part in the business interests of the community, at the
present time being a stockholder of the Luce Creamery Company, of Luce.
Minnesota.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 6gi
CARL K. PEDERSON.
( 'arl K. Pederson is a native of this county, having been born in
Sverdrup township, March 18, 1876, son of Knud and Marit (Gulbranstad
Datter Onstad) Pederson, the former born at Aaberg 'and the latter at
Onstad, Valdris, Norway. They were friends from early life and were
married in their native land, coming to this country in 1866. They located
in Mower county, this state, where for some three years he worked at farm
labor and other things, and in 1870 came to this county and settled on a
homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Sverdrup township. His farm
was mostly wild land and he set about clearing it and getting it ready for
the plow and also erected most of the buildings which are standing on the
tract today, lie purchased additional land from time to time until at his
death, in November of 1903. he owned three hundred and twenty-eight
acres. The mother died some years previous — in July of 1896, and the
father never remarried. Knud Pederson was a man who took a most active
interest in political affairs. Originally a member of the Farmers Alliance,
he later became a Populist and was filling one office or another over a
goodly stretch of years. He served as county commissioner of the third
district for thirteen years in succession and filled many other local offices.
In addition to this, he served two terms as a member of the state Legislature
( 1897-190 1 ). and was always actively interested in the political issues of the
day. Both Knud Pederson and his wife embraced the Lutheran faith
(members of the Xorwegian church) and were active in religious circles.
('arl K. Pederson is a member of a famih of nine children, being the
sixth child in order of birth. Peter, the eldest, is a farmer living on the old
homestead; Edward died in ioo_>; Matilda lives in Seattle, Washington,
the wife of Ferdinand De Flon; Dinah and Geline are both deceased; Gil-
bert is a farmer of this county, living about five miles north of Underwood;
Clara lives in Oregon, the wife of Ole Nygaard, and Ella, the youngest of
the family, is the wife of a Mr. Parson, and lives in Seattle, Washington.
Carl K. Pederson received his education in the public schools of this county,
attending district No. 5, in the little old log school house located on his
father's farm. He was raised on the farm and after school days were
over he followed that vocation until [902, when he became a stockholder in
the Farmers Mercantile Corporation and at the same time took a clerkship
in the company's store under its manager, C. J. Moen, a sketch of whose life
appears elsewhere in the pages of this hook. This relationship continues
to the present time and Mr. Pederson now holds a responsible position.
having long since demonstrated the fact that he possesses those qualities
which especially lit him to eater to the needs of the public. With his
692 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
brother, Peter, Mr. Pederson purchased the old homestead and together
they (In general farming and give especial attention to the raising of live
stock for the market.
Mr. Pederson is independent in politics, but has never given the time
to that phase of citizenship which his father gave. He is affiliated with the
Modern Woodmen of America and both be and his wife hold their religious
membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mrs. Pederson, before
her marriage in 1903, was Marie Nygaard, daughter of Lars and Ingeborg
Nygaard, both natives of Norway, who came to this country in the early
eighties, Marie being born not long after they settled in this country. Mr.
and Mrs. Pederson have two children, Kenneth and Irvin. The family is
considered among tbe representative families of this section and move in the
best social circles. Mr. Pederson, because of his business connection, has a
wide acquaintance throughout this part of tbe county and is universally
liked.
NILS WILSON.
One of the citizens of Underwood, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who
has taken an active part in its civic life and is one of its leading business
men, is Nils Wilson, the subject of this biographical sketch. Mr. Wilson
was born in Denmark on January 15, 1866, son of Jens and Christina
(Graveson) Wilson. Both parents were born near Aalborg, Denmark, and
were reared there. All of the father's active years were given to the voca-
tion of farming, and be is still living at the old home, at an advanced age.
having been born in 1827. The mother has been dead for a number of
years, having passed from this life in 1876, when about forty-six years old.
The father has never remarried. Both were from earliest childhood mem-
bers of the Lutheran church and so reared their family of five children.
Nils is the fourth child in order of birth, the others being: Fredericka,
wife of Jens C. Wesse. still living in Denmark, where Mr. Wesse is con-
nected with the public schools, having the reputation of being an excellent
teacher and active in school organization; Jens Christian, who emigrated
to America in [880 or 1881 and has never been heard from since the year
[898; Oscar, who followed Jens to this country about a year later and is
living on his farm in Otter Tail count}': and \nna. the youngest of the
family, who is the widow of a Mr. Larson and still lives in her native land.
X'ils Wilson came to America in [888 and in the spring of thai year
located in Otter Tail county, where for some ten or twelve years he hired
out to farm labor. lie then became connected with the Andrews-Gates
Grain Company, of Minneapolis, being their manager and local represent.!-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 693
tive for some fourteen years. In the meantime (about 1898) Mr. Wilson
began to deal in feed on his own account. For thirty-four dollars he pur-
chased a lot in Underwood with a house on it which cost him twenty-five
dollars, and in that small building, size twelve by fourteen feet, he con-
ducted his business for some time. He prospered in his undertaking and
was forced to enlarge his building in 1900, 1901 and 1903, and now has a
building twenty-four by one hundred and ten feet, and since 1912 has been
forced to give his entire attention to his private business. He is interested
in the general advancement of the community and was one of the- organizers
of the Otter Tail County Co-operative Company, having served as director
since its organization.
Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics and ever since the incorporation
of the town of Underwood, December 23, 1912, he has served as president
of the village. For the past five years he has been treasurer of the local
school board and in other ways has given evidence of the wholesome inter-
est he feels in the proper growth of the community. Mr. Wilson holds his
fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of America and also with
the Danish Brotherhood. Mr. Wilson has never married. An honorable
man in all the affairs of life, he is well deserving of the esteem in which he
is held by all who know him.
ERIC P. LING.
Fric P. Ling was born in Sweden on February 16, 1862, son of Eric
Olson and Ingeborg Nelson. Both parents were also natives of Sweden
and passed their entire lives there. They were landowners and farmers
and lived quiet and retired lives. Both were members of the Swedish
Lutheran church and highly esteemed in every particular.
Mr. Ling is one of a family of five children: Nils, the eldest remain-
ing in Sweden, where he is engaged in farming; John lives at Kelsey. this
state, as does also Anna; Bertha died in her native land, the wife of Peter
Newkvist. Mr. Ling was educated in the public schools near his home and
emigrated to America in 1894. settling first in southern Minnesota. From
there he went to Duluth. where he worked at the carpenter's trade for some
time and in [910 came to bis farm of eighty acres in Dane Prairie town-
ship, Otter Tail county, where he has since made his home. Since taking
possession of the farm he has made many improvements. He has erected
a seventy-two foot barn and has otherwise added to the general appearance
of the place. In addition to his farming, he is a breeder of mixed stock for
the market and is universally successful in whatever be undertakes. Mr.
Ling endorses the principles of the Republican party, although he has never
taken especial interest in such matters.
694 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Eric P. Ling was married in 1906 to Selma Haag, also a native of
Sweden, and her death occurred in October of 1910. She left two young
children, Nellie and Arthur, and these little ones Mr. Ling is worthily trying
to properly guide through the perilous years of childhood. .Mr. Ling has the
respect of the entire community, a fitting tribute to his worthy character-
istics.
F. E. SALOMONSEN.
F. E. Salomonsen, cashier of the First State Bank, of Underwood,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is recognized as one of the leading husiness
men of that locality. In 1907 Mr. Salomonsen first hecame connected with
the bank in question, known at that time as the Bank of Underwood, and
it was then capitalized at five thousand dollars. On reorganization it was
given the name by which it is now known and the capital stock increased to
ten thousand dollars. It has an average of six hundred depositors, placing
within its keeping one hundred and seventy thousand dollars, with a capital
and surplus of nineteen thousand dollars. Charles D. Wright is president
of the organization; E. A. Jewett, vice-president, and Mr. Salomonsen is
cashier. The hanking husiness now occupies its own building, erected in
1 914, and designed especially to meet the needs of the business.
Mr. Salomonsen is a native of Denmark, born in the city of Copenhagen
on March 22, [872, son of John A. and Bina Salomonsen. both of whom
were horn in Sweden. While Mr. Salomonsen's parents were yet children
they were taken to Denmark by their respective parents, where they grew
to maturity and were married. They made their first home in Copenhagen,
where the father was engaged in managing a dray line, at which he con-
tinued for a number of years. He was successful in his business and in
later life purchased a farm near his old home in Sweden, where both are
living at the present time. They are members of the Lutheran church and
the parents of a family of four children, Mr. Salomonsen being the only
one of the family who has come to America. Fie is the second child of the
family, the first and third having died in infancy. The youngest is a sister,
Amanda, who still remains at home with her parents.
Mr. Salomonsen received his education in the Burger pay schools of
Copenhagen and al the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to the car-
penter trade. lie mastered this and worked al it for a time in his old home
previous to coining to America in [892. lie came directly to this state and
settled for a time at Pelican Rapids and later at Fergus Falls, 111 both places
following his trade. \t the latter place he became foreman for John
Lauritzen, which position he filled for some three and one-half years. In
OTTER TAIL. COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 605
1N99 he entered into a partnership with W. L. Winslow and engaged in the
retail lumber business at Underwood. That relationship lasted for some
eighteen months, when both sold out to M. T. McMahon, of Fergus Falls,
and Mr. Salomonsen managed the business for that gentleman for some six
and one-half years. Then, in 1907, followed his connection with the bank,
as first stated, to which business he now gives his undivided attention.
F. E. Salomonsen was married in 1900 to Ellen M. Erickson, who was
horn in Sweden, daughter of Charles Erickson. of Pelican Rapids. To this
union a family of five has been born, namely: Elmer F., Clarence E.,
Vernon E. (deceased). Files G. and Esmer If. Both Air. and Mrs. Salomon-
sen and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he is independent in
politics. He takes more than a passing interest in local political matters
and has filled various local offices, among them being justice of the peace.
Mr. Salomonsen can well boast the title of "self-made man," and his way in
life is such as to win the confidence and regard of both business associates
and persona] friends.
OLE AXNESS.
Although the parents of Ole Axness were born and married in Norway,
lie was born in America on December 7, 1871, at Norwegian Grove town-
ship. Otter Tail county. His father and mother. M. O. and Herbor (Moe)
Axness, braved the sea voyage necessary to bring them to America in 1869,
and immediately established their new home in Fillmore county, Minnesota.
Today they are living on the same farm in Norwegian Grove township
which they occupied in the spring of 1871. On these two hundred acres.
which .Mr. Axness has improved, he has made his living by general farming,
lie and his wife are prominent members of the North Emmanuel church.
Their home has been blessed by the birth of six children, namely: Ole,
whose history is briefly presented here; Xels. Julius. Melvin. Bernard and
Hilda.
Ole Axness was educated in the common schools and the high school
.11 Pelican Rapids, and was a student in the Lutheran College at Fergus
falls during the Inst year of that institution's existence. Ambitious to
acquire a profession, he then went to the .Minnesota Institute of Pharmacy,
located at Minneapolis. \t that time this was the only school of its kind
ninth of Chicago. After graduating from this institution in iNoj. Mr.
\xncss worked for four years each in Minneapolis and Fergus balls, after
which he went into business for himself in Pelican Rapids, where he still
lives and is a well-known druggisl
The marriage of ( )le Axness and Rhoda kinder was solemnized 111
6g6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
[905. Airs. Axness, a native of Norway, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Linder. On coming with them to America she located in Pelican
Rapids, where she met and married Mr. Axness. Their home has been
blessed by the birth of tour children, namely: Clarice, Clayton, Royland
and Venice.
Mr. and Mrs. Axness are united with the Lutheran church. Mr.
Axness believes in the effectiveness of social organization, and is active in
both the Knights of the Maccabees and Knights of Pythias. Mis long resi-
dence and his standing in the community as a business man entitle him to
a place among those who represent commercial interests in this township.
He has always been ready to support the movements which he considered
were conducive to the general welfare.
O. A. E. BLYBERG.
When Mr. Blyberg first came to Pelican Rapids he found the village
consisting of a few groups of small houses inhabited by men and women
not afraid to risk their lives to protect their newly established homes. Mr.
Blyberg joined with them, and added to the wealth of the village by starting
a general merchandise store. Coming with his father, Carl Blyberg, from
Norway in 1865, he had located at North McGregor, Iowa, at the age of
fifteen, having been born in 1850. From his sixth year he had attended
school in his native country, where his mother, Louise Blyberg, died after
her husband and son emigrated to America. The father at first was com-
pelled to work at anything he could find todo, and in 1868 O. A. E. Bly-
berg began a three years' residence in Sauk Center, Minnesota, where he
was employed as a clerk. The same year his father located in St. Olaf
township. Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded a quarter section of
land and remained three years. He then went to Becker county, in the same
state, pre-empting a claim, but he died soon after, in the year 1877.
In 1871 the younger Mr. Blyberg left Sauk Center in order to live in
Pelican Rapids, where he became a dealer in general merchandise, under the
firm name of Pendergast X: Blyberg, a partnership that lasted For eight
years. In 1S81 the company became known as Blyberg & Haugen. This
partnership was dissolved in to<>8. when Mr. Blyberg retired from mercan-
tile pursuits. During his career as a merchant in Pelican Rapids, Mr. I'.ly-
berg also had business interests in a number of other places, where he was
equally successful. But he was the first merchant in Pelican Rapids.
The marriage of ( ). \ !•'. Blyberg and \1111a G. < )lson was solemnized
in [873, Mrs. Blyberg being a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Peter
Olson. Their first-born, a daughter named Laura, is deceased; the younger
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 6l)J
daughter, Lottie M., became the wife of C. D. Haugen, of Pelican Rapids.
.Mr. Blyberg is a valued member of the Norwegian Lutheran Synodical
church in whose welfare and work he has been actively interested for many
years, as was also .Mrs. Blyberg. Mrs. Blyberg died on January 5, 1905.
Among the public offices held by Mr. Blyberg is that of justice of the
peace, he being the first man to hold that office in Pelican Rapids. The
term extended from 1S71 to [874. lie was at one time president of the
village council. Mr. Blyberg is known for miles around for his sincere
interest in public affairs, his business integrity and his upright character.
CHARLES R. FRAZEE.
Randolph L. Frazee, the father of the subject of this sketch, who estab-
lished the Frazee family in Otter Tail count}-, was horn in Vinton county.
Ohio, on July 3, 1S41, and as a young man followed the occupation of a
farmer in the state where he was horn. He came to Minnesota in [866,
where for a short time he stopped in St. ('loud. In 1868 he came to Otter
Tail county, and settled in Ottertail, when the place just mentioned was
a village, whose inhabitants lived in tents. In Ottertail village, Randolph
Frazee built the first saw- and grist-mill ever known in the place. After a
few years the railroad, which was being put through that section of the
county, failed to take account of Ottertail village as a possible station, and
Mr. Frazee, on account of better business possibilities, was obliged to move
his mill to Frazee's mills (now New York Mills), stationed on the Northern
Pacific railroad. From the Frazee mill was furnished the first bridge
material used by Northern Pacific railroad in Minnesota.
In [872, Randolph Frazee sold his interest in Frazee mills and moved
to Detroit. Minnesota, where he lived just one year. Upon returning to
( )tter Tail county, he bought the water rights of the town now named Frazee.
At this place he built a saw-mill and also a flour-mill. After establishing
a blacksmith shop, a general store and the two mills. Mr. Frazee found it
impossible to persuade the railroad officials to move the railroad station
from Mohart. where it was then located, to Frazee. However, he took the
matter into his own hands, by persuading the train crew to accompany him
to llohart one night, where they loaded the depot on a tlat car and brought
it to !■' razee. In 1890, Mr. Frazee moved to Minneapolis, where he resided
for three years. During that time he built the first concrete elevator ever
erected there. From there he came to Pelican Rapids, where he had pur-
chased the water rights of the place about 1N74. In this location he b
the Frazee mill and elevator. In iSNj. Mr. Frazee established the hank of
Pelican Rapids and also the Rivers
nit 1S74.
In this lo<
Mr. Frazee
establishe
ink, which 1
,vas reorga
698 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
First National Bank in [902, with Mr. Frazee as president. At the time
of his death, which occurred in 1906, he was also president of the Great
Eastern Elevator Company, of Minneapolis
Randolph Frazee married Alary Brant, a native of Germany, and to
their union the following children were born: Charles, the subject of this
sketch; .Mary A.; VY. E. ; Harry E. ; Paul C. and Cora. In his political
relations, Mr. Frazee gave support to the Democratic party.
Charles Frazee was horn in Richland county. Ohio, on May 21, 1865.
lie was educated by a tutor and received private instruction in the early
days of his boyhood in Frazee. From [879 to 1883, he attended school at
Faribault, Minnesota, where he was a student in the Shaftuck mill school.
Upon completing hi- education. Charles Frazee came to Pelican Rapids as
bookkeeper in his father's mill. Tie continued at this employment tor three
years and at the end of that time he went to Twin Valley, Minnesota, where
he conducted a general store and a drug store until [890, when he returned
to Pelican Rapids, lie remained there, working in his father's mill until
[895, when he was appointed postmaster at Pelican Rapids, a position he
still retains.
Charles Frazee has established himself in many lines of business, and
in each field of endeavor he has met with unusual success. In December,
1912, he established the Pelican Rapids State Rank, of which he is now
president, lie is also president of the Frazee Brothers Company and holds
the office of secretary in the Frazee Real Estate Company, of Pelican
Rapids.
< )n August 2<), 1887. Charles Frazee and Clissie Kinney were united in
marriage. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazee are. Wilfred K .
Ethel, Kathleen and Charles R.. Jr. The members of the Frazee family
attend religious services at the Episcopal church, of which they are mem-
bers. Mr. Frazee, in his political relations, is a Democrat. Fraternally,
he i- associated with the Knights of Pythias.
P. C. FRAZEE.
A career of constanl application to business interests and .consecutive
industry has been that of P. C. Frazee, whose famil) carries with it prestige
and honor in (titer Tail county, Minnesota. The Frazee family, which was
founded in this community in [868, was established by Randolph Frazee, a
native of Vinton county, Ohio, who is the father of the subject of this
sketch.
I1 1 Frazee was horn in Frazee City. Pecker county, Minnesota, on
April iv 1875. lie received his early education in the common schools of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA. 699
Frazee, and in 1886 entered the Bishop Whipple school, at Moorhead.
Upon completing the course in this school he attended the Moorhead Nor-
mal school from 1888 to 1889, and in the Minneapolis center high school,
from [890 until 1894, he received his high school training.
P. C. Frazee began his business career the year he left school, when
he returned to Pelican Rapids and was employed by his father in the Frazee
mill. In [895 he went to Staples, where he entered the employment of the
Northern Pacific railroad, as a fireman. He remained at this occupation
until [898, when he left for California, and in that section of the country,
worked for the Southern Pacific railroad. He returned to Pelican Rapids,
where until the fall of 1009, he worked in his father's mill. Since 1909,
Mr. Frazee has been interested in real estate, loans and fire insurance and
has built up an extensive business in this line. He is president and treasurer
of the Frazee Fstate Company, and secretary and treasurer of the Frazee
Brothers Company.
On July 4, 1900, the marriage of P. C. Frazee to Flora M. Cole was
celebrated. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazee:
Dortha, Paul, Merle, Ralph and Louise. In lodge affairs Mr. PTazee is
affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.
REV. ELLEND J. OVRI.
From earliest historical time, the place of the clergyman in the com-
munity has been one of influence and power. Of this type is Ellend J.
Ovri, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, a man and a minister who, because of
his work among the people of Pelican township, and among the people of
Otter Tail county, has win the esteem and love, not only of the com-
municants of his own church, but among all the people with whom he is
associated, or thrown in contact.
Ellend 1. Ovri, the honored minister of the Norwegian Lutheran
church at Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born in Norway "ii Janu-
ary 25, i860, the son of John A. ami Martha (Stadheim) Ovri, who were
born in Norway, in which country they lived until the year 1864, and then
came to America, locating in Freeborn count)', Minnesota, where John A.
Ovri homesteaded a farm on which he and his wife lived for the remainder
of their days.
Ellend J. Ovri received Ins early education in the public schools oi
Freeborn county, Minnesota, after which he became a student at the Nor-
wegian Lutheran College, <<i Decorah, Iowa, from which he was graduated
in the year [886; he then studied theology for two years at Madison, Wis-
consin, and for one year at Minneapolis, which was known as tin- Lutheran
Seminary.
J(X) OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Following his graduation and ordination as a minister of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church, the Rev. Ellend J. Ovri, came to the town of Peli-
can Rapids, Minnesota, to accept his first call at the local Ringsaker Nor-
wegian Lutheran church and adjacent congregations, on August 4, [889,
since which time the Rev. Mr. Ovri has served the people of his church and
of the community, in a most helpful manner.
( )n September i_. 1894, the Rev. Ellend J. Ovri, was married to Chris-
tine Haugen, the daughter of X. X. Haugen, of Pelican Rapids, and to
this marriage has been born one son. Norman, on July 2. 1899.
During his residence and service as a minister in the town of Pelican
Rapids Minnesota, the Rev. Ellend J. Ovri, has been of much value to the
community, not only with his ministrations and his teachings, hut as a man
and as a citizen, the Rev. .Mr. ( )vri has taken an influential position in
those efforts for a 1 tetter and more advanced life among the people of the
town and township.
( )T E G. HELSETH.
To possess one of the finest farms in a neighborhood famed for its
good farms, is the good fortune of ( )le G. Helseth, a native of Norway.
who was born on October u. [849. His parents lived and died in the
country of his birth.
Mr. Helseth received a technical education. After attending the com-
mon schools of Norway from his ninth to his fifteenth year, he went to the
Hedemarken Amts Landbrugoskole, an agricultural school, which he
attended from [868 to [870 and graduated. The following ten years he
engaged in agricultural pursuits and then left his native land for America,
coming direct to this county. Here, however, for the next three years he
worked in the capacity of carpenter in the vicinity of Pelican Rapids, hav-
ing learned the carpenter's trade in Norway. In 1883 he returned to his
original occupation and purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Nor-
wegian Grove township, which was state university land and was unculti-
vated. He later added forty acres of cultivated land and made extensive
improvements on the entire tract. Here he lived ami worked as a general
farmer until 1913, when his success enabled him to retire and to live in
Pelican Rapids. For the past four years he has been vice-president of the
Pelican Rapids Telephone Company and was an organizer of the Farmers
Elevator Company. For twenty years he held a township office in Xor-
wegian < Irove township.
Mr. Helseth's marriage to Alma Anderson, a native of Norway, took
place m [881. Five children haw blessed this union. These are. Martin,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Jul
Agnes, Oscar, Edwin and Sophia. Martin is a farmer of Burke county,
North Dakota; Agnes is now Mrs. I. 1!. Rossum, and she and her husband
live mi her father's farm, which they bought; Oscar and his brother, Edwin,
are partners, living on a farm in Sheridan county. Montana; Sophia is Mrs.
Edwin (Jolnes, the wife of a farmer living in Saskatchewan, Canada. Mr. and
Mrs. Helseth are prominent members of the Norwegian Synodical church.
Mr. Helseth, who has attracted many friends, and whose upright life has
won general respect, is one of this county's best known agriculturists.
JOHN M. RANGER.
Although a native of Vermont, and of English parentage, the subject
of this sketch has developed into a thoroughbred middle westerner, where
his efforts have been crowned with more than ordinary success. Mr.
Ranger, whose resourcefulness stands out in the following sketch, has
amply demonstrated a claim to he mentioned as a leading citizen of Pelican
Rapids.
John M. Ranger, contractor, 1'elican Rapids, Otter Tail count)', was
born mi April 28, 185.]. in Vermont, and is a son of James S. and Lucy F.
I .Morse) Ranger. James S. Ranger, father of John M., was born in 1820,
in England, and came with his parents to America in 1823, locating in
( (rleans count}-. Vermont, where he received his education. As a young
man, he followed the vocation of a sawyer, and later engaged his services
in a sash and door factory. At the age of twenty-seven years, he came to
Wisconsin, locating at Horicon, Dodge enmity, where he followed agricul-
ture for three years. He served in the Civil War in Company ( '. Twenty-
ninth Wisconsin Infantry, remaining out three years, during which time
he participated in all the battles of his regiment. After the war he returned
to Horicon, and soon afterward settled at Janesville, Wisconsin, where he
lived live years, and then moved to Chicago, where he was employed in a
planing-mill. Two years later he came to Lyon county. Minnesota, near
Marshall, and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, living
there five years, and in 1882, he came to Otter Tail county, and located
near Pelican Rapids, where he farmed for the remainder of his active life.
The children born to James S., and Lucy 1". ( Morse) Ranger, were: Jennie.
John M. and William.
John M. Ranger received his early education at the public schools of
Janesville, Wisconsin, and later, in [872, attended the high school at that
place. As a young man. he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed
at Janesville and Chicago. In 1882 he came to Otter Tail county, where
he took up a homestead in l.ida township, consisting of one hundred and
JOJ. OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
sixty acres, on which he put all the improvements, including good and suit-
able buildings of every description, and while following his agricultural pur-
suits, Mr. Ranger also worked for the Great Northern railroad, as timber
inspector. In kjoi. he came to Pelican Rapids, where he built a planing-
niill. which he sold about seven years later, in 1908, since which time he has
been a contractor in concrete work, in addition to which he owns a fine
farm of one hundred acres in Lida township. Politically, Mr. Ranger is in
sympathy with the policies of the Republican party, and has taken an active
interest in local politics, holding the office of township assessor for about
ten years, and has been assessor for the village of Pelican Rapids for five
years. He also served on the school board during the entire time he lived
in Lida township.
fohn M. Ranger was united in marriage to Minnie J. Herrman, by
whom he has had the following children: Merton, Lester, Jennie, Harry,
Earl, John. William. Violet and Donald.
Mr. Ranger is a man in whom everyone has confidence, and one true
to every trust reposed in him.
HARRY E. FRAZEE.
Ilarrv E. Erazee was born in Xew York Mills, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, on January 18, 1873. Me is the son of Randolph L. and Mary
( Brant) Frazee, the former was a native of Vinton county, Ohio, and the
latter was born in Germain-. Randolph Frazee was looked upon as one of
the most prominent men of his time, in the county in which he resided.
Having played a part in the very beginning of community life around
Pelican Rapids, he became widely known throughout that section of the
slate which marked the scene of his endeavors.
The educational training of Harry E. Erazee was begun in the common
schools of Frazee City. Later, he attended the Bishop Whipple school at
Vloorhead, Minnesota, from 1N85 until 1888. From 1888 to 1890, he took
a course at the Moorhead Normal school, and after leaving that institution,
took some work in the high school at Minneapolis, where he remained only
a short time. In June, 1801. he joined his father in Pelican Rapids, where
he became an assistant in the Frazee mill of that place. Since that lime his
interest in the mill has never abated. In 181)7, Harry E. Frazee, in part-
nership with Ins brother, P. C. Frazee, leased the mill belonging to their
father tor a period of one year. At the end of that time the father turned
over the ownership and management of the mill to these two son- In
1908, ll:nr\ Frazee boughl from Ins brother. P. C. Frazee, the latter's share
111 the business, and since thai time has been sole owner and operator of the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. JOT,
concern. Mr. Frazee handles chiefly, flour, feed and grain, and he is also
interested in coal. Mr. Frazee is a man of rare t business ability, of broad
judgment and progressive spirit, and his success in business has been due
chiefly to habits of thrift, industry and application to duty.
In June, njoo, Harry Frazee was united in marriage to Susie A. Swien,
a native of Xorthfield and the daughter of John Swien. Mr. and Mrs.
1'Yazee are the parents of the following children: Robert E., Douglas L.,
and Harold E. In the social life of Pelican Rapids, Mrs. Frazee has also
played a part. Mr. Frazee is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Order
of United Workmen, and also holds membership in the Elks lodge, at Fergus
balls.
XELS W. NELSON.
To the combined efforts of the representative and progressive business
men, is the success of a community due. and to this class belongs the sub-
ject of this sketch.
Xels \Y. Nelson, clothing merchant, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county,
was born March 13, 18(14. at Decorah, Iowa, and is a son of Knute and
Gunel (Holen) Nelson. His education was obtained at the public schools
of Ridgeway, Iowa, where he lived with his grandfather Nelson, assisting
him on the farm. In 1X84. he went to South Dakota, engaging his services
as a clerk in a country store. In 1887 he went to Dell Rapids, South
Dakota, where he clerked for about eleven years, and in the fall of 1902,
he came to Pelican Rapids, and on October 17. of that year, he opened a
clothing store, in which business he is still engaged.
Knute Nelson, father of Nels \\\. was born in Norway, as was also
his wife, Gunel Holen. He was educated in the public schools of Norway,
and came to America in 1859, locating for one year at Decorah, Iowa. In
[860, he moved to Rushford, Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of
his life. About 1806, the cholera struck Rushford. and Mr. Nelson's
brother, his wife, eldest daughter and youngest son. all died within three
weeks. To Knute and Gunel ( 1 Iolen ) Nelson were born the following
children: Pars, Martha, deceased: Bertha, Xels \Y., and Andrew, deceased.
Xels W. Nelson was united in marriage, November 15, 1893, to Carrie
Blanes, to which union have been born three children, Guy, Ferdinand, and
Cathleen.
Mr. Nelson is an intelligent, wide-awake men-bant, ami a pleasanl man
to meet, to which characteristic is largely due his business success His
reputation for square dealing has also had its share in building up his busi-
ness.
704 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ALFRED K. BONDY.
Although not an old man in years, the gentleman whose life record is
herein outlined has stamped his individuality upon the locality in which he
resides in no uncertain manner, being a true type of the progressive and
hustling American business man. The success attained by Alfred K. Bondy
in his business affairs has been due much to his steady persistence, stern
integrity and excellent judgment, qualities which have also won for him the
confidence and esteem of the public to a marked degree. Personally, he is
genial and friendly in his relations with others and has a wide acquaintance.
Alfred K. Bondy was horn on .May 3, 1882, in Otter Tail county, Minne
sota, and is the son of Knut W. and Anna Gurie (Osmundeson) Bondy,
both of whom were natives of Norway, they having come to America in an
early day and were married in Rich county. Minnesota. The elder .Mr.
Bondy changed Ins name from "Bonde" to "Bondy" after coming to America,
to avoid confusion with many other settlers by the former name. He was
a man of much force and character and attained considerable prominence
in his community, having been a member of the state board of equalization
and a member of the state Legislature, which positions he filled with credit
to himself and with entire satisfaction to the people he represented.
Alfred K. Bondy, as a young boy, developed a desire for an education
and after completing his common school course in Battle Lake he entered
the Park Region Lutheran College where he finished the course in com-
mercial work.
At the age of twenty Air. Bondy engaged in business for himself as a
meat merchant and the buying and selling of live stock, in which business he
was successful. Tn 1910 he became associated with the Independent Silo
and Milking Machine Company, of St. Paul. In this work he has advanced
through the various stages of development, until he is at present the state
representative for the company with offices in St. Paul. I lis work has been
most satisfactory to the company and his advancement has been the result
of diligent and conscientious desires to make good for the company and
himself.
On November 28, 1007, Alfred K. Bondy was married to Geneva
I '.cruc the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George J. Berge, of Fergus Falls,
Minnesota. They are the parents of one child, Gordon F. Mr. and Mrs.
Bondy are loyal to the interests of their home community and take an active
interest in all that lends to the betterment of the moral and social conditions
of the locality. They arc public spirited and their efforts are manifested in
many enterprises in which they are interested. Mr. and Mrs. Bondy are
active and influential members of the Lutheran church, taking much interest
in the activities of the various departments.
~~
lain, Fo
A N AERIAL VIEW of th»
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 705
Fraternally, Mr. Bondy is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Battle Lake, and of the
Elks at Fergus Falls. Mr. Bondy is progressive and active in all his work
and the organizations to which he is identified are much benefited by his
wise, business like and prudent counsel.
MELVIN LEONARD.
The sketch here presented is that of an honored veteran of the Civil
War, in addition to which he has long been known as one of the public-
spirited and successful men of Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county.
Melvin Leonard, farmer and Standard Oil agent, Pelican Rapids, was
born on October n, 1843, at Lexington, Somerset county, Maine, and is a
son of Evander W., and Emelie ( Mariah) Leonard. His early education
was received in the public schools of Maine, and he later attended the pub-
lic schools in Juneau county, Wisconsin, where he moved with his parents
in i860. As a young man, he began farming for himself, and in December,
1863, he went to the Civil War in Company F, Thirty-fifth Regiment, Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry, remaining out until the close of the war, and
participating in all the battles of his regiment, the hottest of which was the
siege of Spanish Fort. He went through without being wounded at
any time, but was laid up for two months with the fever at the Marine
hospital at New Orleans. After the close of the war, Mr. Leonard returned
to his farming interests in Juneau county, Wisconsin, coming to Otter Tail
county in November, 1874, and locating at Pelican Rapids, where he took
up a homestead of eighty acres in Pelican township, section 22, to which he
later added eighty acres, adjoining, all of which he improved and lived on
fur many years, finally selling it in 1895. He has owned two farms since
that time, and is now engaged in farming, in addition to holding the agency
for the Standard Oil Company, at Pelican Rapids, which management he
has had since 1899. Politically, his support is given to the Republican
party, in the local politics of which he has had an active interest, serving
for a term as commissioner of Otter Tail county, and many years on the
village board, as well as officiating as a member of the school board for
several terms.
Evander W.. and Emelie (.Mariah) Leonard, parents of our subject,
were both natives of Maine. Mr. Leonard followed the mercantile business
nearly all his life. In i860, he came to Juneau county, Wisconsin, settling
at Mauston, where he opened and conducted the drug business for about
sixteen years. About 1876, he came to Pelican Rapids, where he also opened
a drug store, and served as county surveyor for about four years.
(45b)
J06 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Melvin Leonard was united in marriage, in 1868, to Sarah J. Dibble,
which union has been blest with three children, Bertha Lee; Myrtie, and
B. F. Mr. Leonard is a man on whom the citizens of his community have
alwavs been able to rely, having his support in any movement for the
advancement of moral and educational welfare.
WILLIAM E. INGALLS.
William E. Ingalls, retired merchant and farmer. Pelican Rapids, was
born on April 10. 1852, in Columbia county. Wisconsin, and is a son of
J. B. and Julia A. ( Robinson) Ingalls. His opportunities for an education
were limited. As a young man he was employed on a farm and later learned
the blacksmith trade. About 1880 he came to Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail
county, where he built a blacksmith shop, following that trade until about
1802. during which time he had bought a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in section 34, in Pelican township, on which he put all the improve-
ments. Mr. Ingalls gave up his blacksmith trade, and grubbed and farmed
his place for about five years, at the end of which time he moved to Ackley
and engaged in the general mercantile business for five and a half years.
Giving up this business, he went to Canada to look the country over, and on
his return, he built a store at Spooner, Minnesota. The opportunities offered
in Canada appealed to him, and he returned there, taking up a half section,
which he still owns and on which he has put all the improvements, includ-
ing suitable buildings of every description. Politically. Mr. Ingalls has
alwavs given his support to the Republican party, and has been actively
interested in local politics, holding the office of village marshal for one term.
His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Masonic lodge, the Elks, at Fergus Falls and the Knights of
Pythias, at Pelican Rapids.
J. B. Ingalls, father of William E., was born at Cleveland, Ohio, and
his wife, Julia A. I R obi son ) Ingalls, was born in the state of \ew York.
Mr. Tngalls was educated at the public schools of Cleveland, and as a young
man he learned the jeweler's trade. After leaving Cleveland, he went to
Wisconsin and followed farming for ten or twelve years, just north of
Portage, after which he moved to Trenealeau, where he again entered the
jeweler's business, which he followed the remainder of his life. To I. P..
and Julia A. (Robison) Ingalls were born nine children. Laurette P.. Luther
L., Joshua P., William P.. Eva, Eri, Alfred P.. Frank A. and Julian M.
Religiously. Mr. Tngalls was a Seventh-Day Adventist.
William E. Ingalls was united in marriage. November 4, 1876. to Alice
Sanderson, daughter of Cyrus L. and Phoebe J. (Weston) Sanderson.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 707
Alice Sanderson was born on October 17, 1858. This union has been blest
with one daughter, Ada, who became the wife of Frank Leonard, and is the
mother of two children, Scott C, and Zelda L. Scott C. Leonard has been
adopted by his grandparents, who think and speak of him as if he were their
own child. Cyrus L. and Phoebe J. (Weston) Sanderson were the parents
of four children, Eva S., Alice (Ingalls), Georgia and Hester L.
NELS LANGSJOEN.
Nels Langsjoen received his early education in the common schools of
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, June 3, 1884, the son of. Peder and
Gertrude Svendson, mother of the subject of this sketch, is the daughter of
Langsjoen was a farmer until the year 1880, when he came to America iJid
three years later was married to Gertrude Svendson, after which he oper-
ated the Svendson farm, engaging in general farming and stock raising.
Gertrude (Svendson) Langsjoen, who were natives of Norway, where Peder
Xels Svendson and wife, Sigrid, who in the year 1871, left their native
home in Norway and came to America, locating on a place of one hundred
and thirty-five acres which Nels Svendson homesteaded in St. Olaf town-
ship, this county. Two years following his settlement in Otter Tail county,
the elder Svendson met a tragic death in the timber land of his locality, as a
result of which his widow was left with the care of four children: Sven,
who died at the age of about fifteen years; Gertrude, mother of the subject
of this sketch; Carrie and Nilsine Nels who are deceased. With much
effort and care the widow of Nels Svendson succeeded in rearing her chil-
dren, giving them a good home and providing for their needs. She died on
September 12, 1915. To the marriage of Peder and Gertrude Langsjoen
were born the following children: Nels, the subject of this sketch; Serena,
Caroline, Sven, Jacob, Pernille, who died in 1908; Liv Ottelia, George
Julius and Carrie Eleonora. '
Nels Langsjoen was born on the old Svendson homestead, in St. Olaf
St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, after which he attended Northwestern
College, at Fergus Falls, graduating from that school in the year 1906. In
191 1 he received his degree as Bachelor of Arts from the Gustavus Adolphus
College, at St. Peter. Minnesota, later during the year 191 5, attaining (he
degree as Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota
Following the completion of his schooling Nels Langsjoen, during the
years TO06-7. taught school in district No. 19, of Otter Tail countv, after
which he taught for three years in the Pelican Rapids high school and then
the following year he was elected to the chair of Latin and science in North-
western College, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he is now engaged.
708 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In the church life of St. Olaf township, Utter Tail county, Minnesota,
Professor Langsjoen has taken a prominent and conspicuous part, not only-
being a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, but lending of his
talents and abilities for the promotion of the works and efforts of this
congregation, in which he is thoroughly appreciated for his part. In poli-
tics, Nels Langsjoen supports the Democratic party and while this valued
citizen has taken no especial part in the political or official life of the town-
ship and county, he has been of no little use as an advisor and counsellor
in matters of general interest and for the public welfare.
MARTIN E. FLOEN.
Martin E. Floen was born in Stavanger, Norway, October 10, 1871,
the son of Andrew and Rachel (Rasmussen) Floen, who were born at the
same place and spent their entire lives in that vicinity. Andrew Floen was
a farmer and cattle buyer of his native land, a vocation which he followed
until his death about the year 1879, his wife surviving him until the year
1883. To the marriage of Andrew and Rachel Floen were born the fol-
lowing children: Ole, who died as a boy of sixteen years, in Norway;
Barney, a sailor, who lives in Norway; Edward, who is a mine worker in
the state of Montana ; Martha, who married Ole Rasmussen, and lives in
Norway ; Gertrude, who married Anton Olson, a carpenter who lives near
Christiania. Norway: Rachel, who married Ingwald Rasmussen and lives
at Stavanger, Norway, and Martin, the subject of this sketch.
Martin E. Floen was educated in the schools of Norway. He was left
an orphan at an early age and during his young manhood was engaged in
various kinds of work, which he continued until the year 1890, when he
came to America and located in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for the
next six or seven years he was employed generally on the farms of the com-
munity. In the year 1895 Martin E. Floen bought eighty acres of land
in section 24. of Nidaros township, a farm to which he moved later and on
which he put many improvements, among which were a new house and barn,
these replacing a one-room house which was the only building on the island
when he took possession of it, in its uncleared and uncultivated condition.
Later Mr. Floen added one hundred and sixty acres to his original farm,
on which he now lives. Martin E. Floen greatly enlarged the house on
his farm, built a new granary, put up a splendid barn, in size twenty-six
by fortv feet, constructed with a hip roof and a concrete foundation. On
this farm, with its excellent conveniences and equipment, Martin F. Floen
now engages in general farming and in the breeding of Duroc- Jersey hogs.
Durinsr the year 1806 Martin E. Floen was married to Gunda Amelia
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 709
Moen, who was born in Todd county, Minnesota, the daughter of Thorsten
Aloen and wife, who later came to Otter Tail county, where they now live,
as residents of Nidaros township. Thorsten Moen has for many years
been a clergyman of the Lutheran church. To the marriage of Martin E.
and Gunda Floen have been l>orn the following children : Tony Alexander,
who lives at Lowry, Minnesota; Edward, Alma, Ruth, Obert, Amanda,
Martha, David, and George Mervin.
Martin E. Floen is a shareholder of the Vining Co-operative Creamery
Company, an industry in which the part taken by Mr. Floen has had its
influence towards its success. Mr. Floen is a member of the Lutheran
church. In politics he is an ardent Republican.
REV. ANDREW MELAND.
The vocation of preacher of the Gospel, is not one which offers a wide
field for exciting incidents, but it is one in which his friends and descend-
ants take just pride. The Rev. Andrew Meland is modest and retiring in
his manner, forceful in his delivery, and earnest in the discharge of his
ministerial duties.
Andrew Meland. minister at Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was
born November n, 1856, in Norway, and is a son of Ole and Bergete
Anderson. His education was received at the public schools of his native
land, after which he assisted his father on the farm. At the age of four-
teen years, he started out as a seaman and later came to America in August,
1879. He entered the Augberg Seminary at Minneapolis, from which insti-
tution he was graduated in June, 1886, his first charge being at Carbon,
Iowa, where he remained two years. On January 7, 1888, he came to
Pelican Rapids, where he has since been pastor of the Pelican Valley church.
Many of the Rev. Meland'- ancestors lived to the advanced age of ninety
years and over.
Ole Anderson, father of Rev. Andrew Meland, was born in Norvvav,
as was also his wife, Bergete. Mr. Anderson followed farming in his
native land, where he lived and died. To this union were born six children,
Bergete, Malene, Andrea, Andreas, Andrew, the subject of this sketch, and
Ole!
Rev. Andrew Meland was united in marriage. March 7. 1887, to Anna
Newton, by whom he has had four children, Orvalle X.. Richard, Avin and
Ernest. Orvalle Meland is a practicing physician, at Dawson. Minnesota;
Richard Meland is a druggist, at Pelican Rapids: Avin Meland is employed
in the Wallace State Bank, at Pelican Rapids. Rev. Meland has won many
warm and loyal friends at Pelican Rapids, and the surrounding territorv,
where he is well and prominently known.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
MR. and MRS. LOUIS P. LARSON.
Mrs. Annie C. Larson is one of the few women farmers of Buse town-
ship, Otter Tail county, and is highly successful in her undertaking. She
possesses unusual business judgment and for the past eight or ten years has
most capably managed the home farm. She divides her attention between
general farming and stock raising, has also built a fine barn and granary,
set out a large orchard, and has a good well, equipped with windmills. She
not only manages the place, but also owns it and has long since proven her-
self a woman of unusual ability, not only in such works as usually falls to the
lot of man, but also in those things which are essentially womanly accom-
plishments. Mr. Larson spends most of his time in Canada, looking after
interests there.
Louis P. Larson is a native of Norway, born on August 12, 1848. and
at the age of seven vears was brought to this country by his parents, who
for a time lived in Chicago. From there the family moved to Goodhue.
this state, and at that place Mr. Larson passed his youth. He learned the
miller's trade and followed it for a few years, but gave it up shortly after
the time of his marriage, when, in 1871, he came to Otter Tail county and
purchased a tract of land containing two hundred and forty acres. It was
then all raw prairie land and he brought it to its present excellent condition.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson were married on January 21, 1867, and before
her marriage she was Annie C. Otterness, born on November 23, 1850, in
Columbia county, Wisconsin, daughter of Elef and Johanna (Lee) Otter-
ness. Johanna Lee was a daughter of Christ Lee and Elef Otterness was a
son of Ole Otterness, who emigrated to America from Norway and settled
in this section at a very early day in local history. He located in Wis-
consin, right among the Indians, the nearest town being Otsego, about three
miles distant. That, however, was very close at hand for those times. Ole
Otterness passed his entire life in that section.
Both of Mrs. Larson's parents were born in Norway and were brought
to this country by their respective parents while still young, and it was in
this land they grew to maturity and were married. After their marriage
they secured a new location in Wisconsin and gave their attention to farm-
ing. They were pioneers in the section they chose, and their land when
they obtained possession of it was all covered with virgin forest. They set
about the difficult task of preparing the land for cultivation and in the
course of time made a good farm out of it. They later sold out and moved
to Willmar, this state, where the father died about the year 1901 and the
mother passed away in 191 2 at the age of seventy-six years. Both parents
were life-long members of the Lutheran church. They had a family of
fourteen children. The first-born was a daughter named Annie, who died
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. J\ I
in early childhood and the same name was given to the second child, who is
Airs. Larson, of this sketch; then followed Bartwell, Christ (who died
young), John, Martin, Phetrina, George, Robert, Rosa (who died in child-
hood ) , Christ, Samuel, Henry and Joseph.
Mrs. Larson was reared at the family home in Wisconsin, having but
meager advantages in the way of education, and when fourteen years of
age came to make her home in this state. At the age of seventeen she was
married to Mr. Larson, and to their union has been born a family of nine
children. The eldest is Charles, who is a farmer and lives near Church's
Ferry, North Dakota; Ellen is the wife of Edwin Engen and resides at
Knox, North Dakota; Rosa is the wife of Charles Chambers, of Lakota,
this state; Josephine makes her home in Seattle, Washington, where she is
employed as a teacher in the public schools; Leonard remains at home and
assists in the work of the farm, as does also William; Arthur is located in
Canada, where he is engaged in agricultural work; Lillian, wife of Martin
W olden, lives at Landsford, North Dakota, and Floyd, the youngest of the
family, who has recently attained his majority, is also at home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Larson were reared in the Lutheran faith, and
have also brought up their children in that church. The entire family has
always been numbered among the most progressive citizens of their com-
munity all the children being well trained and educated and all are deserv-
ing of the high esteem in which they are held.
JOSEPH DAIKER.
Joseph Daiker, farmer, stock raiser and pioneer citizen of Pine Lake
township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Germany, February 5,
1847, the. son of Richard and Veronica (Gulden) Daiker, natives of Ger-
man v. Richard Daiker was a farmer of his native country, an occupation
which he followed his entire life. Richard and Veronica Daiker were the
parents of the following children : Walburga, Barbara, Mary, Christina,
Blandina, Joseph and Anton.
Joseph Daiker was educated in the public schools of Germany, and in
1866 came to America and located at St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he fol-
lowed his trade as a stone-cutter and mason for three years, after which he
went to Alexandria and engaged in the hotel business until the year 1871.
After his business career Mr. Daiker came to Otter Tail county and home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pine Lake township, prior
to the time when the township was organized. Joseph Daiker cleared about
forty acres of timber land and improved his place with substantial buildings.
He added to his land until now he is the owner of five hundred and sixty
712 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
acres of land in Otto. Butler and Pine Lake townships. Joseph Daiker is
now one of the successful farmers of the county, as well as being an exten-
sive feeder and dealer in live stock.
On September u, r866, Joseph Daiker was married to Regina Struett,
who was born in Germany, tbe daughter of Adolph and Katherine (Maier)
Struett. To the marriage of Joseph and Regina Daiker have been born six
children: Joseph L., Maria S., Adolph B., Katherine R., John A. and
Barbara V. Joseph Daiker and his family are members of the Catholic
church.
Regina Struett came to America with her parents early in 1866 and
located at St. Cloud. Minnesota, where she lived with her parents until
September 11, 186C when she was married to Joseph Daiker.
Mr. Daiker has not only been a successful farmer, but he has been a
valued citizen of the community, lending his aid to all public matters as
well has having served in various township offices, among which was his
term of twenty-live years as a supervisor of Pine Lake township.
WILLIAM B. DFAVEY.
A farmer of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who has taken an important
part in the public life of the community, and a man who in church circles
and in the movement for, and the support of general welfare project, has
heen a leader of plan and a regulator of action, as well as being a citizen
who because of his zeal and his energy, which he has expended for the
development and advancement of local life, has won a host of admiring
friends and an enviable place in the ranks of Western township citizenship,
1-. William B. Dewey, the subject of this sketch.
William B. Dewey was born in Hopkinton, Xew York, on May 12,
1S5-, he being the son of William W. and Harriett (Blanchard) Dewey,
both of whom were born in the town of Hopkinton, or went to the locality
when young. William W. Dewey was the son of Jerod Dewey and wife,
who were residents of Hopkinton, Xew York, during their entire lives,
Jerod Dewey being a farmer of St. Lawrence county, Xew York. Harriett
Dewey, the wife of William W. Dewey, and the mother of the subject of
this sketch, was of the well-known and pioneer Blanchard family of Hop-
kinton. St. Lawrence county, Xew York.
William W. Dewey, father of the subject of this sketch, was educated
in Hopkinton. Xew York, after which he became a farmer in the locality.
Tn the year 1872 he came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Western township, which has been
a home of the Dewey family since. William W. Dewey spending his last
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 713
days on the place and then handing it down to his son. William B. Dewey.
William W. and Harriett Dewey were the parents of five children,
Alzina, Martha. Mary, Rhoda and William B. William W. Dewey and his
wife were devoted and prominent members of the Presbyterian church, Mr.
Dewey being largely responsible for the organization of the church in the
community, and he being a member who served as an elder for many years.
William B. Dewey, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the com-
mon schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after which he became a
farmer on the home place, where he has lived since. William B. Dewey has
added to his land until he now cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of
well improved and productive soil.
On December 2, 1884. William B. Dewey was married to Ella Toombs,
who was a native of the state of Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Crane) Toombs, who moved to Grant county, Minnesota, at an early day.
To this marriage were born the following children: Jennie H., Ruth E.,
Edith H.. Hubert W. and Ira T.
William B. Dewey is a leading member of the Presbyterian church,
he. for some years, having served as an elder. In public life Mr. Dewey
has served with dignity and with notable efficiency on the school board of
Western township for some years.
The life and conduct of William B. Dewey and his excellent family in
the community has been progressive and good, and of a type worthy of emu-
lation. They are among the esteemed and honored people of Western town-
ship and Otter Tail county.
PETER LINDALL
Peter Liridall was born in Sweden. August 17. 1846, the son of
Johannes and Mary (Johnson) T.indall. both of whom were natives of
Sweden.
Johannes Lindall and his wife sailed fur America in 1856. They
arrived at Quebec in the fall after a tempestuous trip and during the journev
they were obliged to push their boat away from the icebergs which they
encountered. From Quebec (hey then went westward as far as Moline.
Illinois, which was the terminus of the railroad, traveling in a boxcar. Later
this sturdy pioneer decided to settle in Minnesota and about the vear 1858
he pre-empted eighty acres in Franconia township, Chisago county, this
stale. In order to arrive there they made the trip on foot from St. Paul to
Stillwater. lie and his wife finding it necessary to ford all the streams
which they encountered. Their goods followed later. Mr. Lindall there
accumulated a line farm. Johannes Lindall died in 1 80N Mrs. Johannes
Lindall died in 1900 "ii this farm
-14 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
These early pioneers were not unacquainted with tears occasioned by
their Indian neighbors but nothing serious happened from this source. Mr.
and Mrs. Lindall were members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Airs.
Lindall gave birth to nine children of whom the eldest was Jonas, who
became a soldier in Company D, Third Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer
Infantry, and later joined Company 11, in which he became first lieutenant.
Peter is the subject of the present article. Gustave and John, who became
ill cm the boat en route to America from Sweden, died and were buried at
sea. Mary, the first daughter, was born on the boat coming over, and died
shortly after in Illinois. The other children are Gustave William. Frank
John. Emma Marie and Oscar. Jonas, the eldest son. remained near Moline
for one and one-half years after his parents left there in order to attend
school. He was well educated and in after life became a state senator, being
the first Swedish-born senator in the state of Minnesota. He lived in Chi-
sago county.
Peter Lindall attended school in Sweden about three months, when at
the age of eight he started for America with his parents. He attended
school in this country, but being in the far North among pioneer settlements
his educational advantages were meager and because of his large family of
brothers and sister it became necessary for him early in life to care for him-
self. Therefore, when -till a youth, he became a "lumber-jack," working
in the pine woods of Minnesota and becoming an expert as a log-driver on
the rivers. He worked as a river-man all the way from the northern part
of Minnesota to Fergus Falls, as well as on the Mississippi and other rivers.
He followed this line of work for fourteen years. After investigating
lands in Minnesota for one year, especially in Meeker county, he finally took
a homestead claim in ( >tter Tail county and located in Parker's Prairie town-
ship about the year [868. Beginning with eighty acres he has been able to
accumulate land until he now owns three hundred and fifty-seven acres, well
cultivated and equipped with good buildings.
After he located on this farm in the early days, Mr. Lindall joined an
engineering party and helped survey the Great Northern railroad from Mel-
rose to Fergus Falls. About this time he had many interesting experiences
as a pioneer. When he first traveled from Chisago county to this county
he was hauled in an ox team. About two years later he returned on a plea-
sure trip traveling on the same prairie schooner. Wishing to see again the
pinery in which he had spent so many days he retraced his steps during the
hitter cold weather of midwinter. Reaching the camp, he found that the
rest of tin- party had not arrived and he was compelled to ask for shelter
for the night at the door of an Indian tepee. As he could talk the Chippewa
language he was welcomed to the Indian tent. When bed-time came his
OTTER TAN. COUNTY; MINNESOTA. 715
Indian host took his place on one side of the fire while his guest reclined on
the other. Suddenly the Indian woke up and crawled on all fours toward
the white man. who, not being asleep, saw with consternation the stealthy
movements of the redskin. His blood ran cold as the Indian leaned silently
over him and suddenly jerked from under his head the blanket on which
he rested. Jumping up, the white man found that his blanket, which was
made partly of cotton, had come in contact with the coals and had. caught on
lire. The Indian was only trying to save his life. It was during this
period of his life that Air. Lindall took part in a council which was held
between the officials of Otter Tail county and the Indians at Ottertail. the
council being called to discuss the placing of the Indians in what was called
White Earth reservation.
In 1SS2 Peter Lindall became the husband of Ida Charlotte Lincpiist,
daughter of John and Augusta (Olson) Linquist of Sweden. Her grand-
father on the paternal side was Johannes Peterson, who lived and died in
Sweden. The grandparents on the maternal side were Ole Olson and Inger
( Pesa ) Olson, both of whom lived and died in their native country of
Sweden. John Lincpiist came to America about i860 and engaged in his
trade of blacksmith at Hastings, Minnesota. After five years residence in
this country he returned to his native country and there died. During his
lifetime, however, he managed to accumulate sufficient funds to live in ease
the latter years of his life and to send all of his children to America. The
children torn to Mr. and Mrs. Linquist were four in number: Ida. who
became Mrs. Lindhall : Carl, of Minneapolis, Minnesota: Wilhelmina. who
remained in Sweden, and Matilda.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lindall are the parents of eight children. Walter
Jonas Alphonso, who studied law in the University of Minnesota, was taken
sick during his senior year and died on December 25, 1915. Carl Oscar
Regner is a graduate of the college of agriculture in the Lhuversity of Minne-
sota. Junetta Eugenia Hildegarde is deceased. Albin Lothard Lefler is a
student of the medical department of the University of Minnesota and will
graduate in the class of 1916. He has completed the necessary course in
less than the schedule time, receiving credit for two and one-half years of
high school work, having graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College before
entering the State University. ( liTord Joseph Fayton is a carpenter living
in Minneapolis. Inez Geneva Elizabeth is a student in the agricultural col-
lege at St. Paul. Minnesota. The remaining two children are living at
home. They are Ernest Herbert Elsworth and Lawrence Ruben John.
By their heroic example Mr. and Mrs. Lindall have handed down to
their children an inheritance perhaps more valuable than landed estates.
Undaunted, Mr, Lindall and his young wife braved the toil, the danger and
716 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the poverty incident to pioneer life and they were victors over all adverse
conditions. Mr. Lindall is esteemed by his many friends, both personal and
business associates, for his strong personality and his genial nature and his
wife is known as a woman devoted to the welfare of her home and loved
ones.
JOHN I. NESS A.
Among the well-known and prosperous farmers of Otter Tail county
is John J. Nessa, of Pelican township.
John J. Xessa was born in Norway, June 13, 1861, the son of John
Olson and Susana Chentlang, both of whom were natives of Norway, in
which country they lived their entire lives, John Olson being a farmer in
that country. John Olson and wife were the parents of the following chil-
dren: Ole and Peter, who live in \Torway; Susan, who came to America
and lives in the state of Illinois; Malinda, Christinia and Mary, who live in
Norway; John ]., the subject of this sketch; Johnan and Ludwig, who live
in Norway, and William, who came to America and lives in the state of
( alifornia.
John J. Xessa received his education in the schools of Norway, after
which, in the year 1881, he came to America and went to Kendall county,
Illinois, where he worked for nine years and then moved to Palo Alto
county, Iowa, working there for ten years on his farm of one hundred and
sixty acres. In 1902 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Pelican township, a farm which
he now owns, and where his son. John, now lives. After four years on
his first farm in Otter Tail county, John J. Nessa bought a second farm
of one hundred and forty acres, this also located in Pelican township, where
he now lives, and engages in general farming and in the breeding of Short-
horn cattle. The farm is among the best improved of the localitv, having
a g 1 house, a modern barn and other buildings to make the place con-
venient and well equipped for agricultural life.
During the year [896 John J. Xessa was married to Christinia Peter-
son, who was born in Norway, the daughter of Knnt and Christinia (Ostrus)
Peterson, who came to America when their daughter, Christinia, was nine
years of age, and located in the state of Illinois, later moving to Badger,
Iowa, where they died. To the marriage of John and Christinia Xessa were
born ten children: John. Martin. Knnt. Susan. Dortha, Carl. Gladys, Clara.
Marv and Willie. John J. Xessa and his family are members of the United
Lutheran church at Pelican Rapids, a church in which they are well known
and appreciated for their activity in the work of the congregation.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. JIJ
In the public life of Pelcain township, Otter Tail county, John J. Nessa
has served with notable ability and efficiency as school treasurer, and as a
private citizen Mr. Nessa is known as one ready at all times to give of his
effort and his time in order that the interests of the locality may be advanced.
OTTO UMLAND.
A well-known and prosperous farmer, who is a native of Otter Tail
county, where he has lived until the present time and during which time he
has been a high type of citizen, serving well and unselfishly in all possible
ways and aiding in the development of the life and interests of the town-
ship and county, is Otto Umland, who was born on the Umland homestead
in Western township, during the year 1880, the son of Richard and Augusta
(Mittlestad) Umland, both of whom were natives of Germany, where the
father lived until the year 1869, when he came to America, and during the
year 1873 the mother came to America and settled in the state of Wisconsin,
where they were married. Richard Umland was employed in a saw-mill
of the state of Wisconsin for some years, and then in the year 1879 he came
to the state of Minnesota and homesteaded a claim in Western township, a
place which he improved with buildings and by the setting out of trees in a
country which previously was void of such. Later, Richard Umland bought
one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining his original farm, in Wilkin
county, Minnesota. The elder Umland now lives a retired life on his farm,
a son managing the place. To the marriage of Richard and Augusta
Umland were born the following children : Anna, Otto, the subject of this
sketch; Ida and Lena.
Richard Umland and his wife are prominent and active members of
the F.vangelical church of the township, being highly respected and honored
people for their long life of service to the congregation. Richard Umland
has had no small part in the development of Otter Tail county from its
early days to the present time, with its enterprising and prosperous farmers
and farms. The elder Umland among other things introduced the first stone
well in the county, digging the well with a spade in the year 1879.
Richard Umland, father of the subject of this sketch, is the son of
Augusta (Rodtke) Umland. who were natives of Germany, where August
Richard was employed as a woodsman on a large estate of his country.
Richard Umland was one of the following children: Albert, who lives in
the state of Wisconsin: Henry, who lives in Germany: Otto, a soldier of
Germany, and Emilia, who came to America, where she died.
Augusta Umland. mother of Otto Umland, is the daughter of John
and Louisa (Galer) Mittlestad. who were natives of Germany, where John
7iS
MINNESOTA.
Mittlestad was engaged in general work. Augusta Umland was one of
four children, the others heing Minnie, Bertha and August.
Otto Umland, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public
schools of Otter Tail county, after which for nine years he rented a farm
near the home place. In the year 1913 Otto Umland succeeded his father
as owner of the family homestead, a place where he has lived and a farm
which he has operated in an efficient and successful manner since that time.
Mr. I 'inland gives his efforts to general farming and to the raising of good
grade stock. '
On November 3, [904, Otto Umland was married to Margaret Mann,
the daughter of William Mann and wife, who came to Western township.
< >tter Tail county, Minnesota, from the state of Iowa. To the marriage of
Otto and Margaret Umland have been born five children: Alma, Arthur,
Macie. Addie and Elvin.
Otto Umland is recognized as one of Otter Tail county's leading and
most progressive citizens, being a man who is a leader for action in the
advancement of the county interests, and a man who has spread the fame
of Otter Tail county in other localities 111 public addresses on the life and
advantages of this community. In political life, though Mr. Umland has
not aspired to public office, be is known as a man of value to the locality in
matters of counsel and advice.
Otto Umland and bis wife are esteemed and appreciated members of
the German Lutheran church in Western township.
OLA K. HANSON.
< >la EC. Hanson, a Swede by birth, was born on April 20, 1862, but the
process of naturalization in his case was a very rapid one. His parents.
Hans Johnson and Buel Arvidson, both of Sweden, gave their children all
the education which they could afford and as a result Mr. Hanson received
but a very limited education.
Mr. Hanson came to America at the age of nineteen, and at the solicita-
tion of friends came to Minnesota and first located in St. Paul. He worked
for a time in a saw-mill 111 that city. Shortly afterward he left Minnea-
polis in company with three others for Fergus Falls for which place they
had purchased what they supposed were through tickets. However, instead
of reaching Fergus Falls they landed at Wadena and found, to their dismay,
that this was the terminus of the road. They bad little or no money, but
managed to hire a man to take them in his wagon toward Fergus Falls.
Vfter journeying twenty or thirty miles they informed their driver that they
had no money and that he might as well return to Wadena. This he did
without remuneration for bis services.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Jig
Undaunted, Mr. Hanson and his two companions started out to walk
the rest of the way. Upon reaching Clitherall a kind farmer's wife allowed
them to sleep in the woodshed, but sleep refused to come to their eyelids
that night. They could see from the shed door the Indians dancing on the
shore of the lake in the distance. The hoys, of course, thought that their
aboriginal neighbors were preparing to go on the warpath, but fortunately
for them such was not the case.
The next day the trio started out mi foot for Fergus Falls. Becoming-
very hungry when within one mile of their destination they found welcome
'in a rude hut, whose inhabitant offered them, in their famished condition,
what they considered a splendid repast. It was, in fact, nothing more than
boiled potatoes.
The surroundings were so new and strange that Mr. Hanson was almost
constantly in a state of fear, so he made up his mind to return to Sweden
as soon as he could earn enough money fur the return journey. His hopes,
however, brightened, when he was employed at two dollars a day the follow-
ing spring, grading on the Northern Pacific railroad. Fater he went to
North Dakota and pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. This
was in [884, hut after hi Fling the claim fur a short time he sold it and bought
a tree claim, which he also sold after Ik Fling a short time. His next ven-
ture was to homestead a tract.
Mr. Hanson, however, found it more profitable to work on the rail-
road, and be was soon promoted to the position of a grading contractor,
both on the main line and on tin branches running out of Fergus Falls.
For seven years lie remained in the employ of the railroad company, and by
this time all of the lines in the vicinity of Fergus Falls were completed.
He had (luring this time been investing his money in land, and when he
quit the contracting business he owned a farm of four hundred acres. He
not only farmed this extensive tract, but also had charge of an additional
two hundred and forty acres. He prospered from year to year and when
the cyclone of [896 struck Fitter Tail county he was in a flourishing condi-
tion. This disaster not only completely destroyed all of his fine buildings
but also his extensive collection of farm machinery. He at once rebuilt
on a larger scale.
After engaging in the transfer business in Oaks, North Dakota, for
five years, Mr. Hanson returned to the farm for three years. In 1908 he
purchased the land on which his present home is situated in Otter Tail
county. His farm consists of nearly four hundred acres and is equipped
with excellent farm buildings.
In January. [885. Ola lx. Hans,,,, became the husband of Christiana
Anderson, a native of Sweden and daughter of Andrew Larson. A family
720 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of five children grew up in the home thus established, these being in the
order of their birth as follow: Selma, Henry, Emil, Andrew and Leonard.
Mr. and Mrs. Hanson are prominent members of the local Swedish Luth-
eran church, of which Mr. Hanson is the treasurer.
Mr. Hanson has been a member of the township board of trustees for
six years, and was formerly president of the creamery which he organized.
The blood of sturdy old ancestors flows in the veins of the man whose
life record has been briefly presented here. Born of a strong, energetic and
a pious. God-fearing mother. Mr. Hanson combines in his nature the ele-
ments necessary for pioneer life. He has been, in the true sense of the
word, a self-made man, and by his strong character and his honorable,
upright living he has reflected credit upon that parenthood. Coming of
sturdy old Swedish stock, which has settled many sections of this country
with dauntless pioneers, he has made each community the better for having
lived in it, and in every enterprise which he has undertaken he has met with
marked success.
TAMES P. WALLACE.
He who has attained a high type of citizenship is worthy of a place
among those whom the world likes .to honor. James P. Wallace, organizer
of the village in which he lives and for four years its first president, also a
member of the board of education for thirty-two years, is practically a self-
made man. While the conditions of his youth and early manhood were such
a- to call out his physical strength and moral resolution, he overcame the
difficulties and won the right later to be called a leading citizen and farmer.
Mr. Wallace was born in Washtenaw county. Michigan, January 6. 1844.
and is the son of Daniel D. and Laura (Ripley) Wallace, be being- a native
of Vermont and she of New York state.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Wallace were Daniel and Abigail
(Plum ) Wallace, both of whom were natives of Vermont. He was a farmer
by occupation. They bad sons who served in the War of 1812. Mr. ami
Mrs. Wallace died in Michigan. The maternal grandparents of the subject
were James and Susan Ripley, of Xew York state, he being a fanner.
Thev lived and died in that state.
Daniel D. Wallace, father of the subject of this biography, was edu-
cated in Vermont and took up the occupation of farming there but in 1830
acquired one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Washtenaw
county, Michigan. He later moved to the village of Saline where he became
a merchant, builder and contractor. He put up many buildings in that
town which during its early days was plentifully supplied with Indians who
lived nearby, and came there to trade. He and his wife died there as did
JAMES P. WALLACE.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. J2\
also his parents. He was an active member of the Baptist church and was
an honest, God-fearing man. The children born to him and his wife were
mx in number, namely : Edwin, Lyman, Martin, Martha, Mary and James P.
After attending the common schools of Michigan, James P. Wallace
went to a business college in Detroit where he studied banking. He accepted
a position in a Detroit bank and later went to Chicago where he was employed
by the Union Trust Company. In 1882 he moved to Pelican Rapids where,
the same year, he organized the bank which was known as the State Bank.
After Mr. Wallace, in 1905, assumed the entire business the banking institu-
tion was named J. P. Wallace State Bank.
James P. Wallace was united in marriage to Jennie Scott, of Kalama-
zoo. Michigan, she being the daughter of John Scott. Mrs. Wallace passed
away on March 26, 19 14, leaving a son, a physician of Chattanooga, Tennes-
see, and an adopted daughter. Clara C. Strand, who lives at home.
Jt may be said truthfully of Mr. Wallace that he has held every office
which it is in the power of the village to bestow upon one of its citizens.
In 1883 ne helped to incorporate the town of Pelican Rapids and was hon-
ored by being made its chief executive for the first four years of its incor-
porated existence. The confidence in which Air. Wallace is held by his
townspeople is evidenced by the fact that for thirty-two years he was retained
as a member of the school board. Mr. Wallace, in all of life's relation-
ships, lias measured up to the standard of excellence which he early set for
himself. He can now look back upon a well-spent life, a life guided by the
desire to be not only successful but useful as well and such opportunities he
has never ignored.
WILLIAM PERSON.
William Person is one of five children born of the union of Andrew
and F.lma Person, both natives of Sweden, who immigrated to America in
[869 and [871, respectively, Andrew immigrating first in order to prepare
the home for the occupancy of the wife and children. The names of the
children follow: Celia, William, Matilda. Axel and Lena. Andrew Per-
son secured a homestead, shortly after his arrival in this country, located in
Eagle Lake and Clitherall townships. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, which
consisted of eighty acres. After preparing the soil for cultivation and mak-
ing the improvements necessary for the proper housing of the family,
Andrew Person sent for them and. upon their arrival, met them at St.
Cloud, Minnesota, and transported them, by ox-team, to their destination.
This team he had hired of Nels Morrow, who still resides in Clitherall.
( 46b )
72'.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
With the exception of two years spent near Henning, Minnesota, Andrew
Person has lived for forty-six years on the homestead farm.
William Person was born on July 3, 1865, in Sweden, and immigrated
to America, accompanied by his mother and other members of the family,
when only a child of six years. His education was received in the schools
of Otter Tail county, following which he engaged in agriculture and has
continued in this vocation until the present time. He began his initial
experiences in this line when a lad of nine years by hauling wheat to market
at Perham, Minnesota, using an ox-team as the means of transportation
and. on account of the severe winter weather, remained in the woods over
night, reaching home1 sonic time the following day. In 1888, at the age of
twenty-three years, he purchased his first farm, which consisted of one hun-
dred and twenty acres of school land and eighty acres of railroad land, on
which farm he still resides. A small portion of this land has been disposed
of, his present holdings consisting of one hundred and sixty acres.
In [889 William Person was united in marriage to Stena Lundy, a
native of Sweden and daughter of Ole Lundy, and to them have been born
ten children: Oscar, Esther (deceased), Esther, Minnie, Alfred, Carl,
Robert, Otto, August and Lller.
Stena Lundy, the mother of these children, was born near Grant Lake.
Minnesota, and her father was a pioneer of that township. William Per-
son and his wife arc devout members of the Swedish Lutheran church and
are highly respected as good citizens of community.
HENRY W. [ONES.
Henry W. Jones, fanner, Parkers I'rairie township, this county, was
horn on lune 30, 1871. on the old homestead in the township where he now
resides, and is a son of John R. and Rachel (Palmer) Jones. His early
education was received at the public schools of the district, after which he
attended high school at Alexandria. On completing his studies he began
teaching school, and continued in that work for eight years. In 1895 he
quit teaching and went to Roseau county. Minnesota, where he engaged in
general merchandising for a period of about seven years. In 1904 he
returned to Parkers Prairie and began farming. In 1912 he bought eighty
which he resides and does general
Mr. Jones is 'a stanch Republican.
[6; 1844. in Nova Scotia, and his
in January to. 1848, near Oil City,
lie came to Otter Tail county in
mestead, consisting of one hundred and
acres, adjoining the old hot
k stead. 1
farming and stock raising.
Political!
John R. Jones was bor
1 on Apr
wife, Rachel 1 Palmer 1 Jone
. w as bor
Pennsylvania, and died on Ji
llv Mi. [9
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. J2^
sixty acres. Prior to coming to Minnesota, Mr. Jones had located for a
time in Wisconsin. He was a Civil War soldier, and served in the Third
Wisconsin Cavalry, remaining out about two years and serving in Arkansas
and the west. After the war was over Mr. Jones returned to Wisconsin,
where he was married. In 1870 he brought his wife to the homestead which
he had previously taken up, and on which he put all the improvements, fol-
lowing general farming and stock raising, and lived there until 1913, when
he sold his entire property. The children born to John R. and Rachel
(Palmer) Jones, were: Henry W., Harry R., Nellie H., Lucretia, Cora
and L. Mae. Politically, Mr. Jones has always been a stanch Republican,
taking an active interest in local politics and serving on the board of town-
ship trustees for many years. He was for a time township assessor.
Henry W. Jones was united in marriage with Delia L. Barber, daugh-
ter of A. H. Barber, of Otter Tail county. The children born to this union
are as follow: Theron P.. Cecil G.. Myles S.. Harley B., E. Helen and
( 'orwin A.
In the essentials of good citizenship, Mr. Jones is a man deserving of
special mention as representing sound business methods in all his business
transactions, and by his sturdy integrity has retained the high regard of all
who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
TOHN O. TOHNSON.
John (J. Johnson, the well-known station agent at Henning, Minnesota,
i> a native of Norway, where he was born on October 7, 1877.
Air. Johnson is the son of Ole and Mary (Nelsen) Johnson, who were
also natives of Norway. Air Johnson's father was bom in 1842 and his
mother in 1846. After their marriage in Norway in 1871, they came to
America ten years later, in 1881, and settled in Lyon county, Minnesota.
Still later they moved to Pipestone county and in 1906 settled at Henning.
Here Mr. Johnson's father died in 1912 and his mother in 1914. They
were the parents of eight children, of whom two, John and Gertie, are
deceased. The living children are Carrie. John O., Nels S., Lucile, Lena
and Olaf.
John (). Johnson was educated in the public schools of Pipestone county.
Minnesota, and in [896, when he was nineteen years old, took up railroad-
ing at Pipestone, in Pipestone county. After working as an operator at
Pipestone for three months, he worked four months at Corson, in Minne-
haha county. South Dakota. Later he worked at Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
where he was nighl operator for one month and then at Marshall, Minne-
sota, for one and one-half years. Still later he worked .11 Green Vallev as
J24 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
agent for four months and then moved to Manley, Minnesota, where he was
agent for nine months. All of these positions were given to Mr. Johnson
by the Great Northern railroad. From Manley, Minnesota, Mr. Johnson
moved to Armstrong Creek, on the Soo Line railroad, but was there only
one month, when he went to North Escanaba, Michigan, and worked for
'six months as the agent. Later he worked at Cavour, Wisconsin, for one
and une-half years and then at Dressier Junction, Wisconsin, for two
months. After that he was the agent at Kilbernie. North Dakota, for two
years and after that, at Kuhn, North Dakota, for six months. He was
operator at the front during the construction of the railroad from Ottertail,
Minnesota, to the Canadian boundary and. on July 8, 1904, came to Henning,
tins county. With the exception of three months spent at Colorado Springs,
lie has been stationed at Henning continuously ever since. While at Colo-
rado Springs he was both the operator and ticket agent.
On December 23, 1000, John O. Johnson was married at Cavour, Wis-
consin, to Dora M. Johnson, who was born at Eldora, Iowa, December 29,
[878, .Mrs. Johnson's parents were Peter and Martha Johnson, who were
natives of Denmark and Germany, respectively. After coming to the United
States they were married and lived in Iowa until 1892, when they moved to
Pipestone county, Minnesota. It was in this county that Mrs. Johnson's
father died in 1905. Her mother is now living at Ruthton, in Pipestone
county. Mr. and Mrs. John O. Johnson have five children: Oral. Myrtle,
Pearl. Harold and Richard.
The Johnson family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Henning.
EDWARD THOMPSON.
Probably no man of the town of Erhard, in Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, has taken a more conspicuous or important part in the business life
of Erhard and the vicinity than has Edward Thompson, who is cashier of
the Erhard State Bank. A man of broad experience, one who has been a
farmer, a merchant, a public officer, and now as a financier conducting the
affairs of one of the most prosperous of the smaller banking institutions of
the commonwealth, he has a record which is most enviable and one to which
his friends and many admirers point with justifiable pleasure and pride.
Edward Thompson was born in Norwood, Carver county, Minnesota,
November 13, 1877. the son of Knut D. and Mary 1 ( iunderson) Thomp-
son, the father a native of Norway, in which country he was born in 1847,
and the mother a native of Carver county. Minnesota. Knut Thompson
came to America in 1867 and settled in the state of Wisconsin, where he
lived for some years and then went to the city of Minneapolis. Minnesota,
accepting employment there for some time, after which he went to Carver
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 725
county, Minnesota, there starting a blacksmith shop, which he operated for
about five years and then came to Otter Tail county, locating in Maple-
wood township for one year. Coming to the town of Erhard, Knut Thomp-
son established the first blacksmith shop of the town, following his trade at
this place until the year 1906, when he went to Stanley, North Dakota,
there homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he lived
for a short time and then went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he has
since lived a retired life.
Mary (Gunderson) Thompson, mother of the subject of this sketch, is
the daughter of John Gunderson and wife, who shortly before the Civil
War left his native land of Norway and came to America, settling in Carver
county. Minnesota, where he engaged in general farming until the year
[883, when with his family, he moved to Erhard, Minnesota, and lived in
retirement for the next twenty years, and then, his wife having died, he
moved to Audubon and there spent the remainder of his days with a son.
To the marriage of Knut and Mary (Gunderson) Thompson were born the
following children : Edward, the subject of this sketch ; Emma, a school
principal at Jamestown, North Dakota; Juanita, who married George H.
Newbert, president of the First National Bank, at Mora, Minnesota, and
Anton, who died in 1903.
Edward Thompson was educated in the public schools of Erhard and
in the schools of Fergus Falls, after which, with his father, he conducted a
hardware store at Erhard for seven years and then accepted a position as
grain buyer for the Minneapolis and Northern Grain Company, a business
in which he continued for five years. In the year 1907 he went to Moun-
trail county. North Dakota, there taking a homestead of one hundred and
sixty acres of land, on which he lived for one year, afterward returning to
his former position as a grain buyer, a work which he followed for about
four years, then became a grain buyer for the Farmers Elevator Company,
of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the year 1913 Edward Thompson, with other progressive citizens of
Erhard and vicinity, organized the Erhard State Bank, of Erhard, Minne-
sota, he at the time being elected as cashier of the institution, an office which
he has since held to the satisfaction of all, managing this flourishing bank-
ing house with its capital of ten thousand dollars and its suq^lus of two
thousand dollars, without criticism or complaint from its one hundred and
fifty depositors, with their fifty thousand dollars of deposits. Associated
with Mr. Thompson in the conduct of this financial institution are the fol-
lowing directors, all well-known men of Otter Tail county, Minnesota: E.
A. Jewett, president: Knut Stenerson, vice-president: H. H. Knobel, Axel
Knutson, P. M. KnolT and I. O. Grina.
726 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
On June 29, [904, Edward Thompson was married to Julia Anderson,
a native of the state of Minnesota, and to this marriage have been born six
children, Janice, Marion, Ruby, Laila, Palma and George Edward.
Edward Thompson has found time to serve his township in public
office, for more than twelve years having served in his usual efficient man-
ner as township clerk. In politics, Mr. Thompson is independent of party.
In fraternal circles, Edward Thompson is a leading member of the lodge of
Ancient Order of United Workmen, an organization in which he takes a
prominent part.
PETER LOKEN.
Peter Loken, farmer, stock raiser, and man of affairs in Oscar town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born at Hedemarken, Norway, April
6, 1866, the son of Michael and Annie (Stetvold) Loken, natives of Nor-
way. Michael Loken, after his school days in his native country and fol-
lowing a term in the Norwegian army, came to America, in 1866, and
located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived for three years and
worked as a farm helper. In 1869 Michael Loken came to Otter Tail
county, making the journey from Fillmore county, a distance of four hun-
dred miles, by ox-team, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of
land in section 35, Oscar township, which place he has greatly improved and
to which farm Mr. Loken added land, until at one time he was the owner
of two hundred and forty acres of land in the community. Michael and
Annie Loken were the parents of seven children, Oline, Christie, Peter,
John, Marie, Edward and Severine. Michael Loken was active in the vari-
ous interests of his community, being a leading church worker and a man
who was especially prominent in the ranks of the Republican party in Oscar
township.
Peter Loken received his education in the public schools of Oscar town-
ship, Otter Tail county, after which he became a fanner, working on the
home farm for some time, and then later taking charge of the place, where
he now engages in general farming and in the raising of Poland China hogs
and purebred Shorthorn cattle.
On June 29, tqoo. Peter Loken was married to Christine Jacobson,
and to this marriage have been born the following children : Alfred
(deceased), Marie, Charles, Clara, Olga, Anna, Alfred and Helen. Peter
Loken and his family are active members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church of Oscar township.
Peter Loken take-~ an important place in the business life of Oscar
township and the vicinity, being president of the Elizabeth Creamery Com-
panv, an office which he has occupied for four years. Mr. Loken is a stock-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 727
holder in the Carlisle Bank, and a director of the Carlisle Farmers Elevator
Company, having been officially connected with this company for ten years.
In public circles and official life Peter Loken has served his township
as supervisor, as chairman of the township board for fifteen years, and as
school treasurer, an office in which he has served for seven vears.
CHARLIE KUPFER.
Charlie Kupfer was born in Baden, Germany, near Strasburg, on Janu
ary 25, 1854, the son of Casper and Magdalene ( (Gegg) Kupfer, both of
whum were natives of Baden, the former born in 1805 and the latter in
1811. Married in Baden, Mr. and Mrs. Casper Kupfer engaged in farming
in their native province until the former's death in 1859, after which Magda-
lena (Gegg) Kupfer was married to Erhard Ehret. She died at the age of
sixty-three years, after giving birth to eight children, four of whom died
in Germany quite early in life. The four living children are: Paulina, who
remained in Germany; Katie, who married John Strawbinger and who lives
in Mauck Chunk, Pennsylvania: John, who also lives in Mauck Chunk,
where he is engaged in blacksmithing; and Charlie, the subject of this sketch.
Charlie Kupfer was raised on his father's farm and educated in the
public schools of Baden until eighteen years old. when he emigrated to the
United States in 1872 and settled in Mauck Chunk, Pennsylvania. There
he worked as a car repairer on the Lehigh Valley railroad for a period of
six years, until 1878, when he came to Minnesota and settled in Carver
county. He began work as a section hand with a gang employed on the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and two years later was elevated
to the position of section foreman, a position he held for nine years. He
then removed to Sims, Morton county. North Dakota, and was employed
as section foreman on the Northern Pacific railroad for six years, or until
removing to Watkins, Minnesota, where he was employed as section fore-
man on the Soo Line railroad for nine years. Finally, Charlie Kupfer gave
up railroading and, in 1003, after removing to Richdale, Otter Tail county,
engaged in the hotel business for one and one-half vears. Selling out his
hotel interests in Richdale, however, he removed to Bluffton, where, after
erecting a store building and a hotel, he has since been successfully engaged
in business. Aside from his hotel and store in Bluffton, Mr. Kupfer owns
a farm of sixty acres situated near the village and takes a great interest in
the operation of this farm.
In 1880 Charlie Kupfer was married to Annie Mohrbacher, a native
of Cologne, Minnesota, and the daughter of Adam Mohrbacher. Mrs. Kup-
fer died in 1903, after having borne her husband twelve children, eight of
whom are living, as follow: Mary, the wife of Gottlieb Backenstos, lives
728 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
in Lansford, North Dakota ; Annie, who married Anton Kacosky, and who
lives in Bluffton; Clara, who married Christ Snyder, and who lives in Mor-
rillton, Arkansas; Charlie, who lives at home: Emma, who married Ben
Beachley, and who lives at Blackduck, .Minnesota; Robert, who assists his
father in the operation of the store; Joseph, who also lives at home and
who is engaged as a section hand, and Katie, who married William Geiser,
and who lives in Bluffton.
Although for many years an ardent Democrat. Mr. Kupfer has recently
cast his influence with the Republican party. He has always taken an active
interest in politics and has held various political offices of trust and respon-
sibility. While residing at Watkins, Minnesota, Mr. Kupfer served as
mayor for six years and as school director for nine years. During the past
two years Mr. Kupfer has been serving as mayor of Bluffton and was for-
merly a member of the council. The success which has accompanied his
public service is evidence of his ability and the number of important posi-
tions held by Mr. Kupfer is evidence of the esteem and trust in which he is
held by the residents of Bluffton. Mr. Kupfer is a member of St. John's
Society and is also a devoted member of the Catholic church.
FRANK T. VOGEL
Prank J. Vogel, farmer and representative citizen of Star Lake town-
ship. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is justly one of the respected men of
his community and progressively alert to the needs of his fellowmen. He is
a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, and his birth occurred on July 19,
1870. He is one of ten children born to the union of Frederick and Mary
(Smith) Vogel, who were residents of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The
maternal grandparents of Frank J. Vogel were Martin Smith and his wife,
who were natives of Germany and emigrated to America in 1840. They
located in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Smith followed the voca-
tion of mason until his death. They were both members of the Catholic
church. Their daughter. Mary Smith, was born in Germany and was brought
to America when two years of age and was reared and married in Pennsyl-
vania.
The father of Frank J. Vogel, Frederick Vogel, was probably born in
France but was reared in Germany, and it was there that his education was
received. He traveled in both countries and taught school for several vears
while a resident of Germany, and though he had been reared in Germany
lu- could speak both the French and German languages fluently. At the age
of twenty-one years he emigrated to the United States and located at Hol-
lidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where his marriage was solemnized. Thev con-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 729
tinned to live in Hollidaysburg for some years, and in 1879 they removed to
Otter Tail comity, Minnesota, where they secured one hundred and sixty
acres of land under the homestead law, on which they remained until his
death, on June 2_>, [898, the wife then residing with her children. This farm
was located in section 20. in Star Lake township and was wild, unimproved
land. A log house was built and it is still in use.
The first union of Frederick Vogel was with Susan Smith, a sister Of
the second wife, and to them were born two children, Phillip and Martin,
who were twins. Phillip is a salesman for a monument concern and lives in
Perham. .Martin died while a resident of Puyallup, Washington. The
names of the children born to the second union are: George, a realty dealer
living in Rainier, Oregon; Fred is a machinist and lives in Brainerd, Minne-
sota; Kate became the wife of James Aldrich and their home is in Nashua,
Wilkin county. Minnesota; Joseph died in Fergus Falls. Minnesota; Annie
married Wilbur Brown and they live in Dent, Minnesota; Frank J. is the
subject of this sketch; John is a farmer living in Tacoma, Washington;
Adam is a merchant in Star Lake, Minnesota; William is a bank cashier and
lives in Watkins. Minnesota, and Susan is a teacher living in Dent, Minne-
sota. The parents -if these children were both members of the Catholic
church. Frederick \ ogel having been one of the organizing members of St.
James's church and also a member of the choir while a resident of Hollidays-
burg, Pennsylvania.
Frank J. Vogel was educated in the public schools of Perham, having
been a graduate of the high school of that town at the age of twenty-three
years. After completing his education he engaged in the vocation of school
teacher and was occupied in that capacity for nearly eleven years in the
schools of Utter Tail county, Minnesota. He also was interested in agricul-
tural pursuits and in 1900 purchased one hundred anil eight acres of land,
in section 34, in Star Lake township, this county, where he resided until
[914. lie then sold the place ami purchased seventy acres one-fourth of a
mile north of the former farm hut located in the same township. This
place was not improved and he erected new buildings, making it a' very
comfortable home.
( )n January 29, 1901, Frank J. Vogel was united in marriage to Maud
Emma Dalle, a native of Arcadia. Wisconsin, and to them have been horn
four children, whose names follow: Clifford, Vincent. Clare ami Catherine.
The last two are twins. Maud Emma I Dalle) Vogel is a daughter of
Charles and Emma (Davis) Dalle, natives of Germany and Xew York-
state, respectively. They were married in Wisconsin and in 1885 removed
to Otter Tail county, -Minnesota. locating in Maine township. His death
occurred in 1912. His wife lives in Idaho. Frank J. Vogel has served his
7,V> OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
community as town assessor for nearly twelve years and has also been a
justice of the peace for lour years. In his political affiliations he is allied
with the Republican part).
OLE HANSON.
Ole Hanson was born in Elmo township, this county. May i, 1884, the
son of Ole and Ronog (Bradley) Hanson, both of whom were born in
Northfron, Norway, where they grew up and were married.
( lie Hanson, Sr., was the son of Hans P. and Marit (Olson) Ronning,
natives of Norway. Hans P. Ronning was a farmer and lived all his life in
Norway, where he died at the age of eighty-one years. His wife came to
America and spent her last days with Ole Hanson, Sr. She died in 1908, at
1 lie aye of eighty-four.
Ronog Bradley is the daughter of Nicholas and Martha Bradley, who
were also natives of Norway. Mr. Bradley died in Norway, and Mrs.
Bradley came to America and made her home with her daughter in Elmo
township, until her death.
Two years after their marriage. Air. and Airs. Ole Hanson emigrated
to the United States, leaving their home in Norway on May 31, 1S74.
They came west to Menomonie, Wisconsin, where they arrived on June 30,
the same year. There .Mr. Hanson worked on a farm for three months, after
which he secured employment in a lumber camp, at which work he remained
that following winter. In the fall of 1874 Mrs. Ronog Hanson, with her
children, traveled by rail to Wadena and from there to Otter Tail county
on a freight wagon arriving in Elmo township on October 15. 1874. where
she staved with her brother during the winter. The following spring Ole
Hanson came to this county, traveling on foot from Wadena to Elma town-
ship, where he took up a homestead claim of eighty acres in section 32.
They began to acquire what in later years became a well-equipped farm,
although it was raw prairie at the time of purchase. Their first home was
a crude log cabin built within two rods of their present modern residence.
There they lived until 1882, when ground was broken for a more commod-
ious dwelling, this also being constructed of logs, which was later remod-
eled and became the present family home which stands today. About 1892
Air. Hanson added eighty acres to his land, this being across the road in
Parkers Prairie township. This land was unimproved. Later he purchased
forty acres of timber in section 26, Elmo township. He is considered an
expert farmer and dairyman, having equipped his farm with modern improve-
ments, including a silo. He keeps about sixteen cows.
Mr. Hanson. Sr., is independent in politics and has served as super-
visor in Elmo township as well as a member of the school board. Roth he
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 73 1
and his wife belong to the Lutheran church. To them six children have
been born: Hans O. lives in Dakota, where he is a prosperous farmer;
Martha is the wife of Peter Severson, of Elmo township; Mary is the widow
of Henry Peterson and lives in Montana, where she owns a claim, and also
has a claim at Medora. North Dakota; Xels is a farmer of Elmo township;
Oscar lives in Montana, where he has taken up a claim; the youngest son is
Ole, the subject of this review.
With only a meager education, Ole Hanson has been able to acquire
the means to own his splendid farm and to become prominent in local busi-
ness and agricultural circles. He was educated in the local schools and
spent all of his spare time in his boyhood working on the farm and learning
from his father the principles of successful agriculture. Since his purchase
of part of the home place in iqoq. he has operated it on the same lines as
those followed by his father, adding perhaps more extensive dairying meth-
ods.
In 1909 Ole Hanson was married to Rosa Simonson. a native of Elmo
township, and a daughter of Simon Simonson, a pioneer settler whose bio-
graphy is presented elsewhere in this publication. To Mr. and Mrs. Han-
son have been born three children. Gladys, Orvey and Maynard.
Mr. Hanson has served as president and clerk of school district No. 99,
and takes a good citizen's interest in politics. He is an independent voter.
ANDRTAS MESNA
Andrias Mesna was born in Norway, January 14, [845, the son of
Gulbrand and Runo Mesna, who were horn in Norway, spending their entire
lives in that country, where Gulbrand Mesna was a farmer. Following his
education in the common schools of his native land, Andrias Mesna, the
subject of this sketch, in the year 1872, came to America and went to Fill-
more county. Minnesota, where he lived for three years. In 1875 he came
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixtv
acres of land in Pelican township, a place which is now the home of his
widow and family. On taking possession of his homestead in the earlv
days. Andrias Mesna found it to be uncleared and without improvement,
he therefore proceeded to clear his land, to build necessarv buildings and to
cultivate his land as conditions would permit; his determination and per-
severance in time resulting in his seeing his land become among the most
desirable farms of the community, growing not only in productiveness but
in acreage, as Mr. Mesna was able at a later time to add twenty-five acres
to his already large and well-tilled farm.
During the year 1874 Andrias Mesna was married in Fillmore county,
Minnesota, to Marie Christianson, who was horn in Norway, the daughter
73^
TER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
of Christian Anderson and Gonor Svenson, who were natives of Norway,
where they spent their entire lives, the daughter, Marie, coming to America
in the year 1874, and locating in Fillmore count). Minnesota. To the mar-
riage of Andrias and Marie Mesna were born twelve children: Gilbert,
Christian, Martin, Rudolph, Gustav, Regina, Melvin, Anna. Laura, Clara
(deceased), Clara and Alph. \ndrias Mesna was an active and devout
member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, as are his widow and family at
the present time.
In the various walks of life represented in Pelican township, Andrias
Mesna was well known and highly respected as a man of strong personality
and force of character. His many good and charitable acts as a citizen in
the community are broadly known and he is a man whose record in Pelican
town-Lip and in Otter Tail county will he of a most lasting nature.
Andrias Mesna died in igij, having lived an honorable life, and on his
demise leaving a host of admiring friends who mourned his death.
MARTIN AALBERG.
Martin Aalberg, a name of Norway, was born in 1859, being the son
oi \ndrew and Hannah (Hanson) Aalberg, both of whom were born and
died in Norway. Andrew Aalberg was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, at
which occupation he worked during most of his active life. He was a master
workman, his work commanding much attention in the community in which
he lived and labored. Mr. and Mrs. Aalberg were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Peter, Paul. Martin, Helmer and Hans. Peter is a pat-
tern-maker in Madison. Wisconsin; Paul is a farmer in Richland county.
North Dakota; Helmer is still at the old home in Norway: Hans is engaged
in the newspaper work in Madison, Wisconsin.
Martin Aalberg received his education in the schools of his native
country, which schools compare with the present high schools of the United
States. There he carefully prepared for his future life work, that of a civil
engineer. His preparation was of the very best and he has been successful.
Mr. Aalberg came to the United States when twenty years of age,
locating in Minneapolis, where he followed various occupations until he
succeeded in obtaining- a position as civil engineer. In 1887 he became
deputy count)- surveyor of Hennepin county. Minnesota, which position he
held for live years. He had worked in the surveyor's office for two years
previous to the time he became deputy. In 1802 be came to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, locating at Henning, where he has since resided. That
same fall he was elected county surveyor, which position he held for twelve
years, after which he was drainage engineer for the county. At this time
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 733
he also did much drainage work for other counties of the state. In 191 1
Mr. Aalberg was appointed district highway engineer, working under the
state highway commission. This position lie still holds, which is evidence
that his work is most satisfactory.
Martin Aalberg was married on November 8, 1884, to Trine Quam,
who has been a true helpmate to her husband in the home and in his public
life. Air. Aalberg and his family live on their onedumdred-acre farm near
Henning. -Mr. and Mrs. Aalberg are the parents of the following children:
Lily, Arthur. Harry. Florence and Leonard. Lily is now Mrs. J. Cronk-
hite, of Thief River Falls; Arthur is a civil engineer with the Burlington
railroad, with headquarters at Denver, Colorado; Harry is the present county
surveyor of the county; Florence is attending the Stout Institute at Meno-
monie, Wisconsin; Leonard is still at home with his parents.
Mr. Aalberg as an active member of the Knights of the Maccabees, a
prominent and influential citizen and a man held in high esteem by all who
know him.
CLINTON L. ERCKENBRACK.
Clinton L. Erckenbrack was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, on July
7. 1856, the son of James P. and Rachel Jane (Love) Erckenbrack. both
of whom were natives of New York state.
James P. Erckenbrack was the son of Philip and Jane Erckenbrack,
natives of New York state, who locating near Richmond, McHenry county,
Illinois, lived and died there, the father being a prosperous farmer. Their
son, James P., was educated in Illinois and learned from his father the
occupation of farming. In 1870 he and his family were hauled by three
yoke of oxen to Parkers Prairie, where they took a homestead claim just
across the lake from Clinton P. Erckenbrack's present home. After farm-
ing successfully on his tract of one hundred and sixty acres for some years,
James P. Erckenbrack had accumulated enough to retire, and moving his
family to the village remained there the rest of his days. His wife died on
the farm in 1874.
Rachel Jane Love was the daughter of Clinton and Rachel Love. They
were born in New York state and moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, where
he purchased land from the government and was a farmer the resl of his
days.
James P. and Rachel (Love) Erckenbrack were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Allen. Marjorie, John, Philip, Arthur, Orville, William
and Mary. Clinton P. was the third child born in the family. His father
and mother were members of the Baptist church and the former was fur
many years justice of the peace.
734
C ( > L" X T Y . M I N X I". S ( ) T A .
Clinton L. Erckenbrack was educated in the country schools of Minne-
sota and Illinois. Like his father he pursued the vocation of farming, hut
later engaged in the transfer business for nine years at Parkers Prairie. In
1914 he began dealing in ice, the business in which he is engaged at the
present time.
In 1878 Clinton L Erckenbrack was married to Elizabeth Waldron, of
New York Mills. Minnesota, and the union has been blessed by the birth of
seven children, Mabel and William, both deceased; Harry, Elsworth, Theo-
dore, deceased; I 'earl and Clara.
Mr. and Mrs. Erckenbrack are members of the Baptist church. He is
a member of the Independent Order of Modern Woodmen. For ten years
Mr. Erckenbrack has been constable of Parkers Prairie, and has filled the
place with satisfaction. Mr. Erckenbrack is not only a good farmer but he
is a good business man as well. Mis life has been well lived. The demands
of duty, whether personal or civic, have been cheerfully and courageously
met, and b) his progressive attitude he has been a source of help and strength
to the community.
JOHN ALGOT PETERSON.
John Algot Peterson is among the highly respected citizens and pro-
gressive farmers of Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
and his unusual ability in his chosen profession has led to a satisfactory
issue of his agricultural interests. He was born on August II, 1855, in
Sweden, the son of C. J. Peterson and his wife, Sophia, both natives of
Sweden. C. J. Peterson followed the vocation of farmer for many years,
while a resident of his native land, and emigrated to America in 186S.
Immediately after his arrival in the United States he located in Washing
ton county, Minnesota, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1871.
He then came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he located on one
hundred and sixty acres of homestead land and remained on this property
until his death. To the union of C. J. and Sophia Peterson were born four
children.
fohn Algot Peterson moved to Otter Tail county with his father and
immediately purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he
paid cash. This property has been improved and increased until, at the
present time, it is anion- the best in the locality. It now consists of one
hundred and eighty-four and one-half acres of land, and is devoted to gen-
eral farming and stock raising. In 1880 John Algot Peterson was united in
marriage to Mary Swanson, and to this union seven children have been
horn. lennie. Alice. Elbcda. Edna, Emily, Harold and Ruth. Mary (Swan-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 735
son) Peterson is the daughter of Carl Swanson. John Algot Peterson and
his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in which he has
served as deacon and trustee for mure than twenty years. John Algot Pet-
erson has been very active in educational circles and served for ten years as
a member of the township board, also acting as chairman of the same. He
has served as township assessor for fifteen years. He takes great pride in
the cultivation of his farm and keeps everything connected therewith in the
best of condition. Much credit is due him fur his unselfish interest in all
questions pertaining' to the betterment of his community.
JOHN" NICKANOR JOHNSON.
A well-known and prominent farmer of Erhards Grove township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, is John Nickanor Johnson, who was born in Pelican
Rapids, September t), [882, the son of John and Anna Johnson, both of
whom were natives of Sweden, the former born on December 29, 184J. the
latter, \ugust [6, 1 S 5 5 . In 1871). John Johnson came to America and
located in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, three years later coming to Pelican
Rapids, where he lived until 1891 and then moved to a small farm one mile
east of the town of Pelican Rapids, where John Johnson lived for eight
years. During the year [899, the elder Johnson secured a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in section _\ Erhards Grove township, a place which
is now owned by the only son of John and Anna Johnson, John Nickanor
Johnson, the subject of this sketch.
John Nickanor Johnson was educated in the schools of Pelican Rapids,
after which he became a salesman 111 the stores of the community for ten
wars and then he became a farmer, locating on the home farm of one hun-
dred and twenty acres, in P.rhards Grove township. John Nickanor John-
son is now engaged in the duties of general farm life, as well as engaging
in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.
During the year 1912, John Nickanor Johnson was married to Alma
Grahn, who was born in Sweden, January 1. 1885. Her father died in
Sweden, after which the widow came to America, with her children, and
located in ( Hter Tail county, where she spent her last days. To the mar-
riage of John Nickanor and Alma Johnson have been born two children,
Alice Violet and Albert Jewel.
John Nickanor Johnson has taken an active interest in the development
of the community and its various interests and resources, being at the present
time overseer of roads, an office which he is serving with honor to himself
and with great benefit to the township and county.
736 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
M. C. KRONEMANN.
In the honored field of agriculture in Otter Tail county, the acquire-
ment of wealth has not been a matter of extended years in the experience
of -Mr. Kronemann, whose brief history is presented to the reader in the
following sketch. His success in the agricultural direction has been one of
phenomenal growth, having started out on his own responsibility fifteen
years ago, and now controls three hundred and twenty acres of line farm
land in his own name — an achievement worthy of any man's pride.
M. C. Kronemann, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Minnesota, was born
on December 5, 1874, in Germany, and is a son of William and Ernestine
(Beske) Kronemann. His early education was obtained in Germany, and
after arriving in America, he took a commercial course in 1900. after which
he began farming for himself, on the place which he now owns, and on
which he has put practically all the improvements. In his vocation as a
farmer. Mr. Kronemann makes the dairy business one of his specialties, and
is a breeder of fine Holstein Friesian cattle. He is considered a man of
advanced ideas in his line, having made a special study of every detail in
connection therewith. Politically, he is a Republican, but has never taken
an active interest in local politics. He is president of the Live Stock Ship-
ping Association, and vice-president of the Otter Tail County Co-operative
Store, treasurer of the Farm Bureau, president of the Fergus Falls Tele-
phone Company, and director of the Oscar Insurance Company.
William Kronemann, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on
June 26. 1834, in Germany, and died on August 7, itiio. His wife. Ernestine
(Beske) Kronemann. was born on July 24. 1853. in Germany. William
was a son of John Kronemann, who was a native of Germany. His educa-
tion was received in the public schools of Germany, where he learned the
miller's trade, and operated a mill of his own until 1888. at which time he
came to America and located in Fergus Falls township, where he followed
farming on the place now owned by M. C. Kronemann. He had one hun-
dred and sixty acres at first, and two years later bought one hundred and
sixtv acres more, doing general farming. The children born to William
and Ernestine (Beske) Kronemann, were as follow: M. C. ; Ida, deceased,
who became the wife of Fred Hoffman, and Emma Kronemann. who was
married to Fred Lother. They are all members of the German Lutheran
church.
John Kronemann, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Germany,
where he spent his entire life as a farmer. The maternal grandfather.
August Beske. was also a farmer, and a native of Germany.
M. C. Kronemann was united in marriage. July 23. 1907 . with Minnie
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 737
Holthusen. daughter of John and Charlotte Holthusen. She was born on
January 13, 1883. The children born to this union were: Ruth, Esther,
Max, Herbert and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Kronemann are members of the
German Lutheran church.
Mr. Kronemann' s well-kept farm of three hundred and twenty acres
is one of the most attractive looking places in the county, and his reputation
as a business man and a citizen is beyond question.
HARRY NILES BRUCE.
Harry Niles Bruce, a well-known attorney, village recorder and justice
of the peace, has spent many years in the service of the community in which
he lives. Fortunate in having the educational opportunities to prepare him
for a life of more than ordinary usefulness, he early learned that "knowl-
edge is power," and therefore set himself to work to acquire it. His later
years have been full of conspicuous achievement, both in private legal prac-
tice and in public life. Harry Xiles Bruce was born in Vermont, Septem-
ber 7, 1846, the son of David ami Miranda (Studevant) Bruce.
David Bruce was born in Scotland but came to America when he was
about eight years old, locating in Fairlee. Vermont, where in later years he
married Miranda Studevant, a native of Pennsylvania. David Bruce was
a farmer and stock buyer, and at one time captain of the Vermont militia.
He was twice married and was the father of ten children, of whom six boys
were born of the last marriage. He died in 1851.
The eldest brother of Harry Bruce, Charles S. Bruce, was in Company
B, of the Tenth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1862,
and three years later he was honorably discharged and is now a resident of
Rock county. Minnesota, where he was county auditor from the year 1891
until January, 191 1. The next brothers, in order of their birth, are Simon
R. and George II.. who were Texas rangers during the Civil War. and after
the war lived in Oglethorpe, Georgia.
Harry Xiles Bruce went to school in Vermont until his fifteenth year,
and in June. 1861, located in Dodge count}1, Minnesota, where he attended
a select school for one year. In [865 he joined his brothers. Simon and
George, at Oglithorpe, Georgia, remaining there until 1866, when all together
they made an overland trip to Texas, by team. In 1867, leaving his broth-
ers, he traveled by a similar method from Texas to Kansas. In [869 Mr.
Bruce returned to Dodge county and settled down to the staid life of a har-
ness-maker at Mantorville. A year later he began farming and continued
this vocation until 1881. In June, of that year, he went to Pelican Rapids
(47b)
-38 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and for two years engaged in the harness business. Here also he studied
law with H. R. Day, and was admitted to the county bar in 1886, since
which time he has built up a good practice. In 1900 he ran for judge of the
probate court on the Republican ticket, running a close race with Hon. E.
Frankberg, who won at that time and has never since been defeated for that
office. Besides being justice of the peace, Mr. Bruce has held many town
offices and for a number of years has been village recorder.
The marriage of Harry Niles Bruce and Ella D. Dibble took place in
November, 1870, she being the daughter of Daniel K. Dibble, a pioneer of
Dodge county. Mr. Dibble was an early homesteader, moving to Dodge
county in 1858. where he lived until IQOO, when he moved to Owatonna.
where he still lives, at the age of eighty-seven years. He followed the occu-
pation of farmer and was for two terms county treasurer. Mr. Bruce and
his wife were the parents of Daniel R., a barber at Hotel Dakotah, at Grand
Forks, and Libbie Grace, who married E. A. Williams, of Pelican Rapids.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams are Howard B., Harry Niles
and Nellie Grace. Daniel R. Bruce married Ella Robinson, and to them
were born three children. Vera, Lee and Ruth. Vera married David Fair-
weather, and they have one son, Lloyd. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce are active
members of the local Congregational church.
SYVER OLSON RONNINGEN.
Syver Olson Ronningen is one of the pioneer agriculturists of Norweg-
ian Grove township, this county, and passed through what was expected to
be an Indian outbreak, although no one was injured but all were excited.
The Indians made frequent hunting trips through the Otter Tail county
region, and it was while they were on one of these expeditions that they
surprised the Norwegian Grove community in the fall of 1871.
Syver Olson Ronningen is a native of Norway and was born on April
21, [841. He is the son of Ole Hanson and Martha (Hanson) Ronningen,
both natives of Norwav. who lived and died in that country. They were
the parents of ten children. Syver Olson Ronningen received his education
in the common schools of his native land and, after completing same, entered
the Norwegian army. He emigrated to America in 1867, locating for three
years in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and thence on to his present location
in 1870. Upon his arrival in this section he secured one hundred and sixty
acres of land under the homestead law, later adding one hundred and sev-
enty-eight acres more. This place has been improved and is devoted to
general farming. In 1905 Syver Olson Ronningen retired from farming,
but is still living on the farm with his daughter and her husband. If is wife
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 739
is Kam (Paulson) Ronningen and they are the parents of three children,
Ole, Hans and Emma. Syver Olson Ronningen and his wife are members
of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which church he has served in many
offices.
ANTON KAUFMANN.
Anton Kan f maim was born at Rusdorf, Germany, on October 24,
18OO, the sou of Nicholas and Susanna (Rolling; Raufmann, the former
born on July 17, 1840, in Vackschweiler, Rhine Province, Germany, the son
of John and Alary Raufmann, and the latter born at Rusdorf, Germany.
Nicholas Raufmann was reared to manhood on his father's farm and, upon
reaching his majority became a farmer and landowner in the Fatherland.
He was married, secondly, to Mary Raufmann, March 1, 1878, and soon
afterward emigrated to the United States and settled near Hastings, Dakota
county, Minnesota, where he worked on various neighboring farms and
rented land for a period of several years. In 1883 he removed to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of railroad
land situated in section 7, of Bluffton township, all of which land was cov-
ered with timber ami brush. After erecting a log cabin on the present site
of the farm house, Mr. Raufmann began to clear and to improve and still
later to add by purchase an additional forty acres located in section 5, of
Bluffton township. He now lives retired on his home farm and, after spend-
ing a great many years of hard work in the development of his land, enjoys
the fruits of his labors. By his first marriage to Susanna Rolling, there
were burn live children, namely: Anton, the subject of this sketch; Ratie,
the widow of Joe Sadlier, who lives at Akeley, Minnesota; Susie, the wife
of Martin Schmidt, who resides in section 7, of Bluffton township; Chris-
tian, who is employed in a saw-mill at Akeley, Minnesota, and Annie, the
widow of John Goldie, who resides in Bluffton township.
After the death of his first wife, Nicholas Raufmann was married to
Alary Raufmann, who was born on June 13, 1845, m Olmschad, Prim,
Rhine Province, Germany, the daughter of John and Theresa ( Rohman )
Raufmann. By this second marriage there Avere born four children, namely:
John, a liveryman of Bluffton; Martin, a farmer of Bluffton township;
Theodore, also a farmer of Bluffton township, and Ratie, the wife of Ben
Weohle, who lives in Bismarck, North Dakota. While still living in Ger-
many. Nicholas Raufmann took an active part in the Danish and Franco-
Prussian Wars and was a participant in the siege of Paris, near the close of
the latter war. He and his family are devoted members of the Catholic
church.
-40 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
After being educated in the public schools of Germany and spending
one year in school at Hastings, Minnesota, Anton Kaufmann began to work
on neighboring farms for about fifteen dollars per month. Subsequently he
came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1883, with his parents, but removed
during the same year to North Dakota, where he worked on various farms
and ranches for a period of twenty-one years. Finally, in 1904, lie returned
to Otter Tail county, where, at the age of sixteen years, he had bought forty
acres of land adjoining his father's farm on the south and to which tract he
had been adding land until at the time of his return to this county he pos-
sessed one hundred and sixty acres. Since living on his farm he has
improved it both by the erection of a house and barn and by the develop-
ment of its state of productivity. He makes a specialty of breeding a milk-
ing strain of Durham cattle and raising Chester White hogs.
In 189] Anton Kaufmann was united in marriage to Katrina Mirkes, a
native of Rusdorf, and the daughter of William Mirkes. who spent his
entire life in Germany. To this union there bave been no children born,
but an adopted daughter. Grace kosher, has taken the name of Kaufmann
as her own.
Anton Kaufmann is a Democrat and as a member of this party has
served as chairman of the school board and as pathmaster. Aside from his
agricultural interests, Mr. Kaufmann has dealt extensively m land in both
Bluff ton and Newton townships.
ANDREW HANSON.
Mulrew Hanson, farmer, Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county,
was born on September 12, 184.), in Sweden, and is a son of Hans and Sisi
(Johnson) Anderson. He attended the public schools of Sweden, and as a
young man worked for his father on the farm. In 1868 he came to America
and located in Parkers Prairie township, where he took up a homestead.
Mis passage to ibis country was paid by Carl Swanson, for whom he worked
the first few years after landing. He had no money when he came, and
was obliged to work in the timber. His homestead consisted of one hundred
and sixty acres, on which he put all the improvements. He afterward added
eighty acres more to bis farm, and about 1878 he gave seventeen acres to
his church. His special attention is now directed to general farming and
stock raising, in which lines he has become financially successful. Politi-
cally, Mr. Hanson is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Swedish
Lutheran church.
Hans and Sisi (Johnson) Anderson were both born in Sweden, where
they followed farming, coming to America about 1870, when they located
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 74 1
at Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, where they spent the
remainder of their lives. They reared a family of eight children, all of
whom came to America.
Andrew Hanson was united in marriage in 1875 with Christine Swan-
sun, daughter of Carl Swanson, by win mi he has had hve children, Frank
O., Henry, August, Edmund and Julia.
Mr. Hanson is a fine old gentleman, well known and well liked by the
entire community in which he resides, and where his success has been
achieved.
ALPHUS STILLMAN.
Alphus Stillman was born in Indian Creek township, Mills county,
Iowa, May 15. [852, the son of Clark Stillman. who was born in Avon,
Xew York. August 17, 1S27, and of Amelia Ann (Sperry) Stillman, who
was born in Monroe county, Xew York, February 7, 183 1. Clark Stillman
was the son of Dexter Stillman, who was born in Colebrook, Connecticut,
March 23, 1804, and of Barbara ( Red Held ) Stillman. who was burn in
Lexington, Vermont, February 5, 1808, Dexter and Barbara Stillman being
the parents of four children. Clark, father of the subject of this sketch,
Franklin, Elizabeth and Mary. Dexter Stillman was a carpenter and
farmer of Mills county, Iowa, a trade which be followed until his death.
during the year 1852. Amelia Ann Sperry was the daughter of I harles
Sperry and wife, Charles Sperry being a school teacher and later the iirst
probate judge of Otter Tail count). Minnesota, dying in this county during
the year 1870. Charles Sperry and his family were members of the Latter-
Day Saints church, a congregation in which they were actively engaged in
the work.
Clark Stillman. father of the subject of this sketch, following his edu-
cation in the common schools of New York state, went to the state of Iowa
with his parents, there becoming a farmer in Mills county, where he lived
for some time and then moved to Fremont county, Iowa, later coming to
( )tter Tail county. Minnesota, in the year 1865, soon after which time he
died as the result of disease contracted while serving as a soldier in the
various campaigns of the Mexican War in the years 1846-47. Clark and
Amelia Ann Stillman were the parents oi the following children: \lphiis.
the subject of this, sketch; Harriett 1... who was born in Mills county, Iowa,
February 1. 1854: Bainbridge, who was born in Fremont county, Iowa,
February 20, 1^5(1; Barbara, who was born in Fremont county, Iowa, July
-'(1. [857; Ann. who was born on May 16. 1850, in Fremont county, [owa;
Charles 11.. who was born on June 11. 1861. in Fremont countv, Iowa;
74-2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Cynthia, who was born in Fremont county, Iowa. November -'3. 1863, and
Albert, who was born in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, September 30, 1865.
Mrs. Amelia Stillman died on September 16. 1890, in Deer Creek, Otter
Tail count)-, being titty-nine years of age.
Alphus Stillman was educated in the public schools of Fremont county,
Iowa, after which he came with his parents to Otter Tail county, during the
year 1865, and homesteaded a farm in Deer Creek township, where he lived
for some years. He then acquired eighty acres in section 14, same town-
ship, which he later sold and moved, in 1871, to his present farm of eighty
acres, in section 26, adjoining his homestead in Deer Creek township. The
present well improved and highly cultivated state of the farm of Alphus
Stillman is due to the determination and perseverance of this hardy farmer,
who on taking possession of his land found it to be uncleared of timber and
of heavy brush, and who proceeded to care for his place in such a manner
that it is now one of the desirable farms in the township. In addition to the
raising of large quantities of potatoes, barley and corn, Mr. Stillman gives
of his time to the dairy business, keeping for this purpose five cows.
OLE O. HOUG.
Ole O. Houg, a successful and prosperous citizen of Otter Tail county,
was born in Norway on May 3, 1864, the son of Ole O. Houg and Conner
Gresby. The senior Mr. Houg was a farmer in his native country. He
and his family made the long ocean voyage in 1869 and traveled direct to
La Crosse, Wisconsin, where they lived for one year, the father working
on a farm. The next year the little family left La Crosse with an ox team
on their long journey of some four hundred miles to Otter Tail county,
where Mr. Houg homesteaded one hundred and fifty-four acres of land in
sections 26 and 27, of Oscar township. By the united efforts and hard
work of the family the farm was developed and improved, good and sub-
stantial buildings erected and here the father and mother lived until their
death, some years ago.
Ole O. Houg was but five years of age when he came to the United
States with his parents. He was reared on the home farm and received his
education in the common schools of his home township. He has devoted his
entire life to agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1885 to Anne A.
Lerbakken and they are the parents of the following children: Alfred,
Clara, Olga, Otto. Frances. Regina, Arnold, Arthur and Cochin. Alfred
and Clara are married. The family are all active members of the Lutheran
church.
The family located on the present farm some twenty-two years ago,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 743
which Mr. Houg purchased after the death of his father. The original farm
consisted of but one hundred and fifty-four acres. Mr. Houg now owns
three hundred and thirty-nine acres of well-improved land, with well-kept
buildings, the frame barn having been built in 1914. He does general
farming and is a breeder of Shorthorn and Durham cattle and Poland
China hogs.
Mr. Houg is a stockholder in the Carlisle Bank and the Farmers Ele-
vator Company. He is progressive and takes a keen interest in all public,
educational and religious work, lie has been a school officer of his school
district for the past ten years.
FRANCIS R. JACOBS.
Francis R. Jacobs, a native of Rice county, Minnesota, was born in
Faribault, December i_>, 1868, the son of Royal W. and Catherine (Nichols)
Jacobs, the former being a native of southern Ohio and the latter having
been born near Elmira, Xew York.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Jacobs was Milo Jacobs, who, though
burn m Pennsylvania, spent all of his active life working as a millwright in
Ohio. The parents of Francis R. Jacobs were married in South Bend, Indi-
ana, and later the father served in the Civil War, enlisting in Company K,
of the Twelfth Michigan Cavalry. His brother, Milo F. Jacobs, was in the
Eighth Regiment, .Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He moved to Faribault,
Minnesota, in 1855, and now at the age of eighty years lives in Portland,
Oregon.
Royal W. Jacobs was left an orphan at the age of five years and was
brought up by an aunt living 111 Xew York state. He attended school until
his twentieth year, including a course in law at the seminary in Elmira,
Xew York, and later he became a sawyer. His ambition to become a law-
yer was thwarted on account of the Civil War, and after its close, in 1867,
he came to Minnesota. He previously had gone from New York to Mich-
igan, then to Illinois and from there to Rice county, Minnesota. Here he
engaged in running saws until 1N70, when lie moved to his present location
in Pelican Rapids, lie followed the same occupation for three years, mean-
time building the first dam in this locality. He early became a homesteader,
taking a claim of one hundred and twenty acres one-half mile west of Pelican
Rapids, which is called to this day the "Jacobs Place." When he first came
to this locality it was in company with his uncle, Asa II. Jacobs, who had
made the trip previously and who was the first white man to set foot on the
soil of 1'elican township. The claim which Royal Jacobs held for his uncle
was part of the site Upon which the town is now situated. As the uncle
744 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
had no legal right to a homestead, having obtained all that was due him,
his young nephew held the claim for him. In 1870, Asa H. Jacobs sold
his claim, and Royal Jacobs homesteaded a claim tor himself, one-half mile
west of Pelican Rapids anil to this he brought his family in 1S71. Being
an early settler, and capable, he held a number of the local offices. He died
suddenly while engaged in harvesting grain, his death taking place on the
farm now owned by Fred Damschen. To him and his wife were born three
children. Mice, Catherine May and Francis. All were of the Protestant
faith.
Francis R. Jacobs was educated in the village schools of Pelican town-
ship. From his eighteenth to twentieth year he taught school, and then
became a contractor and builder, a line of work which he has followed ever
since. With the exception of two years during which he lived in Brainerd.
Minnesota, and two years when he lived in Clay county, Minnesota. Mr.
Jacobs has lived his entire life in this township.
number of business interests. Me is interested in
the First National Bank of Pelican Rapids and also in the telephone com-
if the Knights of Pythias and of the United Work-
rved his community by being for two years a mem-
cation. A man of excellent character. Mr. Jacobs
of the business world of Pelican Rapids and has
'd for his life of strenuous effort in which honor
the guiding principle-.
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WILLIAM X1MMLR
Descending from German lineage, the gentleman whose name heads the
following brief biographical sketch hears out the reputation of his country-
men for thrift and keen foresight along agricultural lines. They seem to
possess that inborn ability to successfully conduct their farming interests,
which is no doubt due to the fact that their ancestors lor generations in the
past have been skillfully trained to this life.
William Zimmer, farmer. Fergus halls. Carlisle township, Otter Tail
county, was born on April 14. 1854. at Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and
i-. a son of Joseph Zimmer. His early education was secured at the district
schools (if his native township and later he attended school at Menomonee
Falls, and at Milwaukee, where he attended in company with the editor of
the Milwaukee News. In r873, he left home and found employment in
railroad construction work at Winona, Minnesota, for a short time, at the
end of which he went to Minneapolis, and from there to Oceo, where he
worked on a farm for one season, and in the winter of 1 cSr ? lie went to St.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 745
Paul, moving in 1874 to Iowa, where he followed farming for five years.
In [881, Air. Zimmer bonght his present home place, consisting of one
hundred and fifty-live acres, located in section 25, Carlisle township, Otter
Tail county. He has put all the improvements on the place, including a
commodious dwelling, which was erected in 1895, and a good, substantial
barn, built in [914, his entire real-estate holdings consisting of about three
hundred acres. Politically, Mr. Zimmer is a stanch Republican.
Joseph Zimmer. father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ger-
many, and came to New York City in 1X24 as a young man. employing the
first eight years of his time in America, in a piano factory at that city, mov-
ing in 1832 to Wisconsin, where he lived On a farm the remainder of his
life, his death occuring in 1SS0. He was united in marriage with Mary
Haerter. by whom he had two children, William and Henry, who still reside
on the old homestead in Wisconsin.
William Zimmer was united in marriage, in 1S81, with Louisa Klinger,
daughter of Justin Klinger, which union has been blest with nine children.
Justus, I.ydia. Dora. Jennie, Ida. Hattie, Henry, Agnes and Alice.
Mr. Zimmer is a gentleman of splendid qualities, and is one whose
presence wields a beneficial influence in his community, where he has gained
a large circle of sincere friends.
ANDREW LIND.
Judging from the condition-, which surround his attractive farm in
Inman township, Andrew Lind is one of the most enterprising citizens of
the township. Having started with nothing. Mr. Lind is now a prosperous
and progressive farmer, and the owner of one hundred and Mxtv acres of
splendid farming land.
Andrew Lind was born in Sweden, February 5. [869, a son of Peter
and \11na Monson, the former of whom died in Sweden in 1871;, and the
latter came to America and settled in Otter Tail county in [889. Mr
Lind's mother died in [910, at the age of .about seventy years. Mr. and
Mrs. Peter Monson were the parents of four children, of whom Andrew,
the subject of this review, was the second in order of birth. Hannah, the
eldest, is deceased. The other children are Ole and Ingre. After the death
of her first husband. Mrs. Anna Monson married the second time, and by
this marriage had one son. John.
Andrew Lind received bis education in the public schools of his native
land. lie came to \merica in 1880. and in a short time thereafter settled
in Battle Lake, Otter Tail count). Minnesota. For some time Mr. Lind
worked by the month, and in fact, had worked to pay for his passage from
Sweden to America. In [898 Mr. Kind was able to purchase eighty acres
746 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of land in section 12, of Ininan township, and to this tract he lias since
added eighty acres, of which forty is situated in section 12, and forty in
section 1, of Inman township. Mr. Lind is a general farmer and stock-
man. All of his land is under a high state of cultivation and he has erected
good buildings on his farm. In 1915 he constructed one of the best barns
in the county.
About five years after coming to the United States, in 1891, Andrew
Lind was married to Anna Rap]), who was born in Sweden in i860 Mrs.
Hind's parents died in Sweden. .Mr. and Mrs. Lind are the parents of six
children : Gust, Ida. Esther, Agnes. ( )tto and Hilda, all of whom are living.
Mr. Lind and family are active and faithful members of the Swedish
Lutheran church. Mr. Lind has served on the school board of his town-
ship, and also as supervisor. He is rated as a self-made man, a successful
farmer and a congenial and popular citizen.
JONAS O. HALLAN.
One of the most prosperous fanners of Aurdal township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and one of its most intelligent and highly respected
citizens, is Jonas O. Hallan, who was born on January 2j, 1876, on the farm
on which he now lives, and which he owns, consisting of three hundred and
forty acres.
Mr. Hallan is the son of Ole and Helena (Hanan) Hallan. both of
whom were born in Norway. Mr. Hallan's father was born on July 16,
1837, and his mother on October 6, 1840. The former immigrated to Red
Wing, Goodhue count}-. Minnesota, in 1865. and his wife to Houston county,
in 1873. I" tne summer of 1869 Ole Hallan came to Otter Tail county and
purchased eighty acre- of school land, the north half of the southwest
quarter of section 36, in Aurdal township. Later he added another eighty
acres and later another forty, and another quarter was added by his son,
Jonas, in 1902, and now has diree hundred and sixty acres. This farm has
been cleared and substantial improvements have been made upon it. Ole
Hallan is now living retired on this farm.
Of the children born to Ole and Helena (Hanan) Hallan, Jonas O. and
Christian are twins; Ole, Jr., died in i<)Oi at the age of twenty-one years;
Lena, who died in March. [914, was the wife of Jacob Lyng and had three
children. Ilarald. Helen and Jean. Christian, the twin brother of Jonas O.,
is married and resides in Minneapolis. He is a civil engineer by profession
and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.
Jonas O. Hallan was reared on a farm and educated in the public
-rh.MiL and at the Lark Region Lutheran College, of Fergus Falls. In
OTTER TAIL OH'XTV, MINNESOTA. 74/
1900 Mr. Hallan went to < )klahoma and took up a homestead fourteen miles
west of Lawton, which he still owns. After living' in that state for two and
one-half years, Mr. Hallan returned to his old home and has since had
charge of the farm. He keeps Holstein cattle and Berkshire swine. Air.
Hallan is a prominent member of the Lutheran church, holds many places of
trust in local affairs, is a true booster of home development and is always
willing to help a home enterprise. He likes to tell of Otter Tail county as
the best place on earth to live to be happy, wealthy and wise.
THEODORE JACOBSON.
Theodore Jacobson. farrner. Pelican Rapids. Norwegian Grove town-
ship, was born on October a, 1854, in Vernon county, Wisconsin, and is a
son of Jacob and Karen (Olson) Torkelson. His opportunities for obtain-
ing an education were extremely limited, and as a young man he began
farming for himself on bis father'- farm. About 1883, he and his brother,
George, became joint owners of the old home place, and, he now owns in
his own name one hundred acres, farming, in all, about three hundred acres
of land. Mr. Jacobson is an Independent voter and takes a deep interest
in the public welfare of his township, being its present supervisor.
Jacob Torkelson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on Janu-
ary 12, 1821, in Norway, and his wife, Karen (Olson) Torkelson, also a
native of that country, was born on March 8. 1824. In his native land he
followed the sea. which vocation he gave up in 1846 and came to America,
settling at Chicago for a few years, where he was married. From that city
he went to Vernon count). Wisconsin, and lived on a farm. In 1869 he
came to Otter Tail county and located in Norwegian Grove township, buy-
ing at first a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and later he
took up a homestead of forty acres, on which he put all buildings and other
improvements, and where he spent the remainder of his life. Jacob and
Karen Torkelson were the parents of four children: Mena, deceased;
Theodore, the subject of this sketch: George, deceased, and Caroline. Mr.
and Mrs. Torkelson were members of the Norwegian Grove Lutheran
church, of which he was one of the trustees and to which he contributed
liberally.
Theodore Jacobson was united in marriage, in 1882, with Gena John-
son, by whom he has had the following children: Nathan, Clara, Alma,
Inga. James. Clarence and Ella.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson are affable, genial people, holding the respect
and friendship of the entire community in which they make their home,
and where their success has been achieved.
748 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
FRANK S. PUTNAM.
Frank S. Putnam was born in Wright county, Minnesota, February 17,
1859, the son of Luinan and Levina (Van Dwark) Putnam, both of whom
were born at Jamestown, New York; Luinan Putnam being the son of Orin
Putnam and wife, Orin Putnam having been, for fifty years, a minister in
the Free Will Baptist church of Xew York state. Levina Putnam was the
daughter of John Van Dwark, a farmer living in the state of New York.
human Putnam was educated in the public schools of Jamestown. New
York, after which he became a farmer pursuing a general agricultural life
in New York state until the year 1857, when he moved to Wright county,
Minnesota, being one of the pioneers of that county, and living there until
forced to leave as a result of the Indian uprising of 1862, the elder Putnam
escaping t<> Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, only as the result of warning that the
Indians were on the warpath and moving in the direction of his farm.
After some hardships, including a period of six weeks when the family was
compelled to live entirely on fish, for which no salt could be obtained, human
Putnam was able to make his farm a safe and productive place for farm
life and pursuits, his land at a later time reaching a high value when it was
sold by his widow some years after Ins death, human Putnam was a vet-
eran of the Civil War, during the campaigns of which he contracted disease
which resulted in his death, he being survived by his widow and six children:
Mary, Celestia, Emily, Alvira. Frank S., the subject of this sketch, and
.Martha, deceased.
Following the death of her husband. Levina Putnam, 111 the year 1872,
with five iif her children, came to Utter Tail county. Minnesota, where the
children homesteaded, on their father's right as a war veteran, one hundred
and forty-three acres of land in section 4, of Pelican township, a place
which was improved with a log cabin with a sod roof, as a home, and a
farm which was cultivated and later more modernly improved, where Levina
Putnam lived for some years and then purchased a farm of one hundred
and sixtv acres m Scambler township, where she lived the remainder of her
days.
Following his education in the schools of Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, Frank S. Putnam became a farmer mi the old homestead in Otter lad
county, having purchased the interest of the other heirs, and oil this farm
he lived until the year 1903, having added to his holding until he now is the
owner of two thousand five hundred acres of choice and desirable land 111
Otter 'fail county, land which be cultivated 'as a general farmer and stuck
raiser until, desiring to retire, in the year i<)(>3, he purchased eighty-three
acres of land about two miles northeast of the town of Pelican Rapids.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 749
Minnesota, on the Pelican river, a place un which, after nearly three years
devoted to extensive improvement, Frank S. Putnam has moved and now
makes his home.
In the business life of the community as well as in agricultural life,
Frank S. Putnam has been successful, having, for a number of years, been
a director of the First National Bank of Pelican Rapids, an institution in
which he is now a stockholder, although he is not actively engaged in the
work of the company.
On .May 12, 1885. Frank S. Putnam was married to Hannah Robinson,
of Scambler township. Otter Tail county, the daughter of John Robinson
and wife, John Robinson being a well-known farmer of that locality. To
the marriage of Frank and Hannah Putnam were born four children, Orin,
Floyd, Worthy and Birdella.
Frank S. Putnam, though a man of public spirited nature and interested
in the public welfare, preferred not to serve in any official capacity in the
township, hut it is only just to this valued citizen to say that his part in the
development and progress of the community has been conspicuous and of a
nature which has won for him respect and esteemed appreciation on the
part of his fellow citizens and associates.
FERDIN AND WISCHNAK.
Ferdinand Wischnak is one of the many agriculturists of Candor town-
ship, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who finds the soil of this locality par-
ticularly adapted to their vocation. He is a native of Germany and his
birth occurred on December o, 1848. in West Prussia. His parents were
Gottlieb and Caroline ( Engler ) Wischnak and they also were natives of
Germany. Gottlieb Wischnak was employed as a day laborer until his death
in 1852. Caroline (Engler) Wischnak was married, after the death of her
first husband, to Christian Boehmke, and in 1881 they immigrated to
America and located near Young America. Garver county. Minnesota. Their
deaths occurred in that place. To the first union were horn two children:
Ferdinand and Matilda. Matilda married William Hensel and died in
Carver, Minnesota. The names of the children horn of the second union
follow: Carl, who live-, in Dora township, mar Loon lake: Rudolph is a
farmer living in Carver county, Minnesota; Augusta married Oscar Kraus
and lives in Superior. Wisconsin; Theresa married Fred Schlichting and
lives in St. Paul, Minnesota; Paulina married Charles Bohn and they live
in Wadena, Minnesota.
Ferdinand Wischnak was educated in the public schools of his native
land, following which he was taught the trade of blacksmith and immigrated
750 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
to America in 1879. He located in Carver county, Minnesota, where he
followed his trade for one year, removing in 1880 to Otter Tail county. He
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law, in
section 20, in Candor township. This farm was on the shore of Hook lake and
was entirely unimproved, hut a log house, sixteen by eighteen feet, was soon
erected and the soil put under cultivation. During the first year, in connec-
tion with his farm work, he also assisted others in the harvesting of their
crojjs. He now has nearly sixty acres under cultivation and carries on gen-
eral farming ami stuck raising". He also owns fort)- acres near the place
on winch lie lives. In [895 the present home was built and the barn was
erected in 1900. Politically, Ferdinand Wischnak is a stanch Republican
and served a- supervisor for nearly three years.
In [883 Ferdinand Wischnak was united in marriage to Bertha Zuehl,
a native of Germany who came to America when a small girl, and to them
have been born these children: Carl is a farmer in Candor township; Otto
owns a farm in Candor, but is employed in other work; Annie married Henry
Hannush and lives in Iowa; Fred is at home; Rudolph, Edward and Alma.
Ferdinand Wischnak and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran
church
CARL O. SCHOENING.
Carl ( ). Schoening, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county.
was born on March u, 1875, at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and is a son of
Christian and Elizabeth 1 Ulrich ) Schoening. He was educated at the pub-
lic schools of Otter Tail count\", and as a young man started to farm for
himself on his father's farm and is still living on the place, where he does
general tanning and owns in his own name one hundred and sixty acres of
well-improved farm land, which has been acquired through thrift and indus-
try. Mr. Schoening has always been a strong believer in the principles of
the Republican party, but has never sought public office. He is a member
of the German Lutheran church.
Christian and Elizabeth (Ulrich) Schoening were both natives of Ger-
many, and spent the last years of their lives in Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota. A more complete history of their lives will be found in the biographi-
cal sketch of William F. Schoening. presented elsewhere in this volume.
Carl < ). Schoening was united in marriage, November 4, 1897, with
Sophia Meyer, daughter of William Meyer. The two children with which
this union has been blest are Walter William F. and Clara.
Mr. Schoening possesses the highest qualities of integrity and human
sympathy towards his fellow man, and has earned for himself a place of
substantia] prominence in Fergus Falls township, where he is well known.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 75 I
PETER M. KNOFF.
Peter M. Knoff was born near Bergen, Norway, October 27, 1868, the
son of Peter C. and Lena ( Berge ) Knoff, the former qf whom was born
in Norway on January 21, 1827, and the latter, born in Norway during the
month of November, 1821. Peter C. Knoff was a carpenter in his native
land, a trade which he followed in that country until the year 1870, when
with his wife and six children, he came to America, settling in Trempealeau
county, Wisconsin, where he worked in a saw-mill for some months. At a
later time be moved to Martin county, Minnesota, there taking up a home-
stead nf eighty acres of unbroken prairie land, a place on which Peter C.
Knoff built a sod house for a home and then proceeded to cultivate his land,
later adding to his land until he owned two hundred acres of well tilled soil
mi which from time to time he added improvements. At the time of his
death, in 1901, Peter C. Knoff bad one of the most productive and best
improved farms of that community.
hollowing the death of her husband Mrs. Lena Knoff moved to Fergus
halls. .Minnesota, where she lived until her death in 1904. Peter C. and
Lena Knoff were the parents of the following children: Herman, a furni-
ture and fixture manufacturer of Mankato, Minnesota; Jacob, a harness
maker of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Gertie, who married C. J. Hanson, of
Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Lizzie, who married Andrew Anderson and lives
in Carlisle township, Otter Tail county; Christian, who is deceased; Peter
M., the subject of this sketch, and one child who died in infancy. Peter C.
Knoff and his wife were faithful and devout members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church.
Peter M. Knoff, following his education in the common schools of
Martin county, remained at home as an aid to his father until the year IQOI,
when the father died, and then Peter M. Knoff purchased the interest of
the other heirs in the home place, farming there for about one year. Then
selling his land he moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he lived until
the year 11)03, after which be came to Erhard, Minnesota, and erected a
two story building, in size thirty-eight by sixty feet, in which he started a
general store, one which has prospered until the stock carried now reaches
the value of about ten thousand dollars. During the year 1913, Peter M.
Knoff. with others, was instrumental in the establishment of the Erhard
State Bank, an organization of which Mr. Knoff is a stockholder and also
one of the directors, an office which lie has held since the organization of
the institution.
Politically, Peter M. Knoff is a leader of the community, being prom-
inent in the Republican party which be supports in state and national politics.
75-
-.K TAIL CliL'X'lV, MINNESOTA.
although locall) he is independent of party. In public office Mr. Knoff has
a 1< >ng and efficient record, having served with notable ability and satisfac-
tion as township clerk and as treasurer of the school board. Officially,
Peter M. Knoti is probably best known as the competent and popular post-
master of the town of Erhard, .Minnesota, an office which he has filled most
adequately since his appointment on April i, 1908.
I'eter M. Knott is connected with the Norwegian Lutheran church at
Erhard, Minnesota, a denomination which he supports with his effort and
means.
Wild J AM F. SCHOENING.
The gentleman whose history is here briefly presented is one of the self-
made men of Otter Tail county, having climbed slowly but surely to the top.
taking his place among the leading agriculturists of Fergus Falls township.
Otter Tail county.
William F. Schoening, farmer, Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county,
was born on May 9. 1864, in Germany, and is a son of Christian and Eliza-
beth ( Ulrich ) Schoening. His early education was obtained in Germany,
where he attended school for several years, coming to America with his
parents when nine years old. He attended the public schools in America
for a period of seven years and came to Fergus Falls, where he was employed
in a saw-mill, and helped to saw the last logs that were rafted down the
river to this place. In the following fall he went to Main, Minnesota, and
worked as a contract hand until his marriage, when he bought a farm of
eighty acres and folowed agriculture. Mr. Schoening has been thrifty and
industrious, and has continued to prosper until he now owns a fine tract of
two hundred and twenty acres of good agricultural land, which he has
improved with good substantial buildings, taking an inventory each year to
see what is required for the upkeep of his place. He divides his time and
attention between general farming and stock raising. Politically, Mr.
Schoening is a stanch Republican, in the activities of which party he has
taken a keen interest, having held the office of township assessor for the past
twenty-three years. Religiously, he belongs to the German Lutheran church,
lie holds the office of secretary in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Com-
pany, and is director in the Fergus Falls Co-operative Creamery Associa-
tion; is director and treasurer of the Farmers Co-operative Store at Fergus
Falls, and is a director in the Rural Telephone Company.
Christian Schoening. father of the subject of this sketch, was born 011
August 7, [836, in Germany, and died on Max- 24, 1 01 )8. His wife. Eliza-
beth (Ulrich") Schoening. was born on December 9, 1835, in Germany. He
came to America with his parents in r873, locating first at Cleveland, Ohio,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 753
where they remained a year and a half, and then moved to Fond du Lac,
Wisconsin, remaining there about four years. About 1877 Mr. Schoening
brought his family to Fergus Falls and bought a farm, where he followed
agriculture until the time of his death, and where his son, Carl, now lives.
Christian and Elizabeth (Ulrich) Schoening were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: [-red. who lives in Wisconsin: William F., Herman,
Charles and Carl. Mr. and .Mrs. Schoening united with the German Luth-
eran church at an early day.
William F. Schoening was united in marriage, November 4, 1890, with
Emma Zahn, daughter of Gottlieb Zahn. This union has been blest with
five children. Fred, Albert. Bernard. Arthur and Frieda. Mrs. Schoening
died in iqod, and Mr. Schoening was married, secondly, on May 31, 1907,
to Huldah Voecks, by whom he has had two children, Theodore and August.
.Mr. Schoening is a highly-esteemed citizen in the community in which
he resides, and where he is rearing his children to be useful and honored
residents.
GTERT C. SKEIM.
Gjert C. Skeim was horn on May 27, 1877, in Houston county, Minne-
sota, the son of John G. and Ingeborg (Otterness) Skeim, both of whom
were natives of Norway. The father came to this country at the age of
twenty and the mother came with her parents when she was an infant. In
Houston county they grew up, met and were married and Mr. Skeim there
became a fanner and landowner. In 1893 they moved to Norman county,
Minnesota, where Mr. Skeim purchased land at Twin Valley, where he and
his wife still live, enjoying the fruits of their labors. John G. Skeim has
reached the age of seventy-four while his good wife is four years younger.
Both are members of the Norwegian Synod. Of the twelve children born
to them only four grew up about the parental hearthstone. These are the
subject of the present sketch and his three sisters. Martha, Ida and Annie,
all of whom are teachers and reside at home.
Being ambitious, Gjert C. Skeim acquired more than the average amount
of education and after his studies in the Agricultural College of South
Dakota and the Normal School of Moorhead, Minnesota, from the latter
■of which he was graduated in 1907, he taught school for five years. In
1910, however, he began an entirely new line of work when he became assist-
ant cashier of the State Bank of Audubon, Minnesota, a position which he
held for four years. He was also at that time treasurer of the telephone
company. In 1014. on the organization of the Almora State Bank, he was
engaged as cashier, a position which he still retains. The officers of this
(.(Shi
754 OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
well known business institution are as follow: President, A. O. Xetland;
vice-president, S. A. Xetland; cashier, G. C. Skeim. There are now eighty
depositors and a capital of ten thousand dollars and a surplus of two thou-
sand dollars.
Gjert C. Skeim was married to Christine Thorpe, in September, 1909,
she being a native of Grove City, Meeker county, Minnesota, and the daugh-
ter of an old settler named Jacob Thorpe. To them two sons and one daugh-
ter have been born: Jerome Ira Miles, horn on February 10, 1913; Gott-
fried Constantine, and Cordelia Judith Georgiana, August 1, 1915.
Mr. Skeim has taken some part in local politics as a member of the
Republican party. He was for three years recorder of Audubon and for
two years a member of its school board, and a number of times served as
delegate to conventions. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and
both he and his wife belong to the Norwegian Synod. Mr. Skeim has been
for the past twelve years deeply interested in the cause of local option and
in co-operation with X. T. Moen framed one of the first resolutions for
presentation to the state Legislature. With the zeal of a reformer he has
worked for twelve years for local option, giving generously of his time and
means to this cause so close to his heart. He has the absolute confidence
of the community and the good will of all who admire strength of character
and the desire to serve one's fellow men.
JOSEPH S. HAARSTAD.
Joseph S. Haarstad was born in Trondhjem township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, on the farm where he now resides. His birth occurred
011 the _'_»nd of May, 1870. ami be is the son of Simon and Hermana Haar-
stad. Simon Haarstad was the son of Eric and Kari (Baatner) Haarstad.
both of whom were born in Norway, where they lived until death. Eric
Haarstad was a landowner in his native land, a title that gave him no small
distinction among the people of that locality and period. He and his wife
reared a family of eight children, four of whom came to America. Of those
children who came to .America. Simon Haarstad was first, the other sons
in this country were Gunelius, who lived and died in Trondhjem township;
Gilbert, who took up his residence in South Dakota, and Andrew who went
into the West to seek his fortune. The wife of Simon Haarstad, Hermana
Baatner, was the < laughter of Ole Peterson and Guna ( Digness)
Baatner, Mr. Baatner, who was a farmer in Norway, died in his native
land. After his death, bis wife married Johannes Baatner, a brother of
her first husband, with whom she came to America. She died in Trondh-
jem township, in 1800. while living with the parents of Joseph Haarstad
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 755
During- her residence in Norway Mrs. Baatner became the mother of the fol-
lowing children: Hermana, who married Simon Haarstad; Olia, who mar-
ried Axel Jergenson and lived in Wisconsin where she died; Jennie, the wife
of William Swan, resides in Wisconsin; Tena, who never married, also lives
in Wisconsin, where she passed away; Guna is still living in Wisconsin, as is
her sister Nellie, the wife- of Peter Skore.
Simon Haarstad was born in Solor, Brandvold, Norway, in 1840, and
the woman whom he later married was born in the same community, on the
8th of October, 1837. As a young man Simon Haarstad followed the occu-
pation of a farmer, which gave him a wide experience in various sections of
the country in which he lived. His marriage took place when he was still
a young farmer, and he worked at his chosen employment until 1865, when,
accompanied by his wife and a daughter he sailed for America. The
journey across the Atlantic covered a period of nine weeks and four days.
Upon arriving in this country he settled in Winneshiek county, near Decorah,
Towa, where he worked on a farm for two years. At the end of that time
he bought a farm in that section, forty acres in extent, upon which he lived
for three years.
In 1870, starting by ox-team in a covered wagon, Mr. Haarstad made
the journey to Otter Tail county, a venture he never regretted since it
1 in night him valuable returns. Before departing for the county in which he
spent the last days of his life, he sold the Iowa farm of forty acres. In
Trondhjem township he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres located
in the eastern part of the township, which he later sold. He then set out
upon the task of homesteading one hundred and sixty acres, to which he
later added forty acres of "tree claim." The land upon which he settled was
devoid of any sign of cultivation. He built a log cabin which is still stand-
ing on the present farm where it is used as a granary. Part of the land
cleared by Air. Haarstad was used for the purpose of raising potatoes.
During the early years of acquiring the homestead. Air. Haarstad was
employed on a railroad near Duluth. Pater as he prospered he built a
second log cabin, of larger proportions and solid foundation, to this house
improvements have been added from time to time until it is very near a
modern design. The house still stands as a model of what the early set-
tlers were able to accomplish with small means and is used with all its mod-
ern conveniences for the present residence of the subject of this sketch. Mr.
Haarstad, before his death, added to his possessions by purchasing one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Oscar township, of which forty acres are
used for hay and twenty acres are still in timber. Mr. Haarstad lived and
died on the old homestead, his death occurring on the 29th of July, 1898.
His wife is still living on the home place, and for many years has been a
756 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
devout member of the Lutheran church. The couple reared the following
children: Kari, who married Bernhard Anderson and later became the
wife of Frank Wolfgran, resides in Montana; Emma, who lives in Oscar
township, married Ole Skolrud; Hilda died at the age of twenty-live years;
Olivia, the wife of Martin Velo, resides in Trondhjem township; Peter is a
farmer in North Dakota; Gustav died at the age of twenty-five; Joseph is
the subject of this sketch, and Ole, the youngest child, died at the age of four.
Joseph Haarstad is indebted to the schools of his native township for
his elementary educational training, but his rearing on the farm probably
gave him some of the most valuable lessons of his life. From early child-
hood he was taught to live by labor and his success later in life proved that
he had accepted as his heritage a love for the dignity of labor and a respect
for the lessons it taught. At the age of twenty-two, Joseph Haarstad left
the home place and went to North Dakota, where he homesteaded one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Ward county. He still owns this land
although he has lived in Otter Tail county for a number of years. Upon
his return to the old home place in Minnesota he took control of the estate
and continues to manage it along the lines of general farming.
On the 30th of January, [Q12, Mr. Haarstad was united in marriage to
Emma Gunderson, a native of Norway. She is the daughter of Gilbert
Olson, who died in Norway, the country of his nativity. Mr. and Mrs.
Haarstad became the parents of three children ; the eldest of whom died in
infancy, the two younger children, Effie and Lillian, are at home with their
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Haarstad are members of the Lutheran church. In
his political interests, Mr. Haarstad is an independent voter.
OLE ROLANDSON.
Ole Rolandson was a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Mani-
towoc, October 3, 1861. He was the son of Andrew and Annie (Lyken)
Rolandson. natives of Norway, who came to this country in 1853. Upon
arriving in America, Mr. Rolandson went to Manitowoc where he took up
the occupation of farming. In the year 1879, he and his wife came to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Clitherall township. The land was not totally in a state of
wilderness as most of the land at that time, but had been partially improved
by Knut Bondy. Mr. Rolandson met the obstacles of early life on the farm
with courage and firmness of purpose, and after a few years of labor had
his land in a good state of cultivation. At the outbreak of the Civil War,
however, he was called from his agricultural labors and served in Company
D, Fifty-second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
Mr. and Mrs. Rolandson were the parents of the following children :
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 757
Sarah is the wife of Joseph Simonson, and lives in Mcintosh, Minnesota;
Julia, the wife of Thomas Agern, resides in Fergus Falls; Gertrude mar-
ried Herman Simonson and resides on the Red Lake reservation near Thief
River Falls; Anna married Albert Scribner and lives in Saskatchewan; Ole
is the subject of this sketch; Andrew is a farmer in Plummer, Minnesota;
John died in Minneapolis in 1913. and Emma, the wife of N. E. Nelson,
resides at Fergus Falls.
The early education of Ole Rolandson was received in the public schools
of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and after completing the course in the common
schools he began to work on the farm with his father. From early youth
Ole Rolandson was drilled in the hard school of toil, a fact that made his
mature life full of worthy accomplishments. After his marriage, Mr.
Rolandson lived for ten years in Fergus Falls where he was employed in the
Harris mill. In 1895 he bought the old Rolandson homestead, which at
that time extended over a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and made a
number of improvements. His investment proved to be profitable, and in
iqoo he bought the eighty acre farm adjoining his original purchase. On
the land which brought him prosperity, Mr. Rolandson began to build a
handsome residence, which was only partially completed at the time of his
death, which occurred in 19 10.
Aside from his ability as a farmer. Mr. Rolandson was a man of unusual
business qualities, which found vent in many lines of work. At the time
of his death he was a director in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Com-
pany, and was also a director in the Rattle Lake Creamery Company, which
he was instrumental in organizing. As a member of the Republican party.
Mr. Rolandson served the community in which he lived as a public official
for a number of years. As a school director he made a large circle of
friends. Both he and his wife were actively associated with the affairs of
the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which they were devout members.
The marriage of Ole Rolandson and Bertha Agern took place on the
29th of May, 1885. She is a native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, having been
born there on the 24th of November, 1857. She is the daughter of Knut
and Berit (Oualy) Agern, natives of Norway, who immigrated to Wiscon-
sin during the pioneer days, where they lived until the time of their death.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rolandson the following children have been
born: Clarence A., who is manager of the Fergus Falls Woolen Mills, at
Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and a partner in the Bergland & Rolandson shoe
store. He is the husband of Amanda Larson. Roy B. is owner of eighty
acres of land on the home place where he lives. He married Selma Venner-
strom. Erwin. who lives at Reserve, Montana, where he has a general store,
married Sarah Bass. Ernest G. is at home, where he manages the farm.
75§ OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
JOHN H. SEEBA.
John H. Seeba, prominent farmer and pioneer citizen of Friberg town-
ship, this county, was born at Hanover, Germany, May 19, 1850, the son
of John and Gacica (Koch) Seeba, both of whom were born in Germany.
John Seeba, Sr., was a farmer of his native country, an occupation which
he followed his entire life, with the exception of three years as a soldier in
the German army. John and Gacica Seeba were the parents of one son,
John H., the subject of this sketch.
John H. Seeba was educated in the common schools of Germany, and
when eighteen years of age, in 1868, he came to America, and after a short
time in New York City, went to Red Wing, Minnesota, near where he
worked on a farm for three years. In the spring of 1871 John H. Seeba
was married to Metta Brewer, the daughter of N. Brewer, a teacher in Han-
over, Germany. Leaving Red Wing in July, 1871, Mr. Seeba came to
Otter Tail county to look for a homestead. Here he found land to his liking
but there were no roads nor railways here then. He returned to Red Wing
and in the spring of 1872 bought an ox-team and wagon on which he loaded
his family and belongings, and accompanied by a neighbor set out on his
journey to this county. It was a long and toilsome trip, as they sometimes
had to clear away the trees and brush to get the wagon through. Mr. Seeba
selected a homestead in section 34, Friberg township, and was the first set-
tler in this township. He immediately cleared a small place for a garden
and after it was planted set to work to build a house. As there were no
saw-mills nor lumber yards within seventy-five miles, Mr. Seeba was forced
to construct a house of logs, which were plentiful in the woods nearby, and
on which he placed a sod roof, making it cool in summer and warm in
winter.
In 1S74 there were enough settlers to organize a township and it was
called Friberg. John H. Seeba was elected road supervisor to lay out the
roads and build bridges across Red river. As the township at that time had
no funds the settlers had to furnish most of the materials and labor for the
necessary improvements. Mr. Seeba had had some experience with a pile-
driver, so he was given charge of constructing the bridges, and built, in all.
five bridges across the Red river. He also laid out and established nearly
all the roads in Friberg township during the thirty years that he was super-
visor.
Mrs. Metta (Brewer) Seeba died in 1876, and in 1870 John H. Seeba
was married, secondly, to Albertina Eichstadt. a daughter of Fred Eichstadt,
a farmer of Friberg township, and to this union five children were born,
three sons and two daughters, namely: Frederick, who lives on a farm in
Maine township, this county; Herman lives at home and manages the farm;
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 759
John died in infancy; Mary and Amelia live on farms in Montana. In
July. i8qo, Mrs. Albertina Seeba died from the effects of a sunstroke, leav-
ing- the five small children, the youngest of whom was fifteen months old.
In 1 89 1, John H. Seeba was married to Emma Wenstrom, daughter
of John Wenstrom, a farmer of Friberg township, and to this union was
born one child, Alice, who lives with her parents on the farm.
Mr. Seeba assisted in organizing a German Lutheran church in Friberg
township in 1875, and served as trustee of that church for ten years. In
1879 he was elected as township school trustee and has served continuously
since that time. Mr. Seeba was appointed postmaster of Friberg in 1881,
and was postmaster for ten years, when he resigned. Mr. Seeba and his
family are held in high esteem in this community, in the development of
which he has had such a large part.
ANDREW O. SOLUM.
Andrew O. Solum was born near Christiania, Norway, April 27, 1866,
the son of Ole H. Solum and Kari Stadum, both of whom were born in
Norway, the father in the year 1836, and the mother in the year 1840. Ole
H. Solum was a farmer in his native land, a vocation which he pursued
there until the year 1868, when with his wife and two children he came to
America. After a voyage of six weeks on a sailing vessel they landed at
New York City, from there going to Fillmore county, Minnesota, in which
county Ole H. Solum and his family lived for four years. In 1872 they
moved to Clay county, Minnesota, where the elder Solum homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres of land, which being uncultivated prairie land he
proceeded to break and after building a log house for a home this pioneer
prepared his land for cultivation, later adding to his holdings until he was
the owner of three hundred and forty acres of well improved and highly
cultivated land, where he now makes his home. Ole H. Solum and Kari
Stadum are the parents of the following children : Hans, who operates the
home farm; Andrew, the subject of this sketch; Syvert, who is cashier of
the First National Bank of Barnesville, Minnesota; Martin, who purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of the home place, where he now lives engaged
in general agricultural pursuits; Peter, who is a merchant of Barnesville,
Minnesota: and four children who are deceased, Louis dying when he was
eleven years of age, Christine dying when she was fourteen years of age,
and Emil and Ole who died at the age of one year. Ole H. Solum is one
of the best-known men of Tansem township, Clay county, having served the
township in various offices and having taken an active interest in the affairs
of the community. Ole H. Solum and his family are members of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church.
760 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
Andrew O. Solum, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the com-
mon schools of Clay county, Minnesota, after which he worked on the farm
of his father for some years and then became a wheat buyer at Barnesville,
Minnesota, for the Minnesota and Dakota Elevator Company, a business
which he followed for one year and then went to Sabin, Minnesota, where
he bought wheat, after which he engaged in the livery business at the town
of Barnesville, Minnesota, continuing in that business for about eight years.
He then established a general mercantile business at the town of Baker,
Minnesota, conducting that work for about four years, after which in the
year 1903. he came to Erhard, Minnesota, where he purchased the general
mercantile business of Goodsell & Company, which he has since operated,
being successfully engaged in this line with a stock valued at ten thousand
dollars.
On June 13, 1888, Andrew O. Solum was married to Marie Gustafson,
who was born in Norway, the daughter of Gustav Christianson and wife,
who came to America and settled in Clay county. Minnesota, where they
spent the remainder of their days. To the marriage of Andrew and Marie
Solum have been born the following children : Alma, who is a saleslady in
the store of her father; Olga. who died at the age of sixteen years; Helen
and Albert, who live at home, and one child who died in infancy.
Andrew O. Solum is one of the prominent men in the public and official
life of Erhards Grove township. He is now serving as township treasurer
and also as treasurer of the school district. Mr. Solum is one of the most
highly respected and esteemed citizens of the township and county, not only
because of his success in his chosen field of endeavor, but on account of his
public spirited nature and his efforts for the welfare of the community.
COLBERT G. HAYHURST.
Colbert G. Hayhurst, postmaster of Richville. Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, is one of the prominent citizens of that town who owe their influence
to the sterling qualities of character which have distinguished them and
placed them in positions of trust. He has the distinction of having been an
expert gunner in the service of the United States navy, and during that time
saw much of the world while helping to man a battleship on a long cruise.
Among the many interesting places which he visited were the cities of Gib-
raltar, Lisbon, Trieste, Eiume, Pirseuse and Athens. They then visited
Corfu and the Straits of Messina and returned home. They were also
taken on a Carribean cruise, and during this time Colbert G. Hayhurst served
as first class gun pointer. On May 22, 191 1, he was discharged from service
on account of disability, whereupon he located in Richville, Minnesota, where
he has since remained.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 761
Colbert G. Hayhurst was horn on October 22, 1880, in Spottsville,
Henderson county, Kentucky, and is the son of Louis Clark and Rachel
(Griffin) Hayhurst. His paternal grandparents were James and Ella 1 Bur-
bank ) Hayhurst. both natives of Ohio, but later of Vanderburg county,
Indiana, where they resided until their deaths. James Hayhurst followed
the vocation of cooper. The maternal grandparents of Colbert G. Hayhurst
were George Griffin and his wife. George Griffin was bom near Youngs-
town, Pennsylvania, and removed when a young man to Indiana, where he
settled near McCutchanville, where he followed the vocation of farmer until
his death.
Rachel (Griffin) Hayhurst, mother of Colbert G. Hayhurst, was born
on November 15, [844, in Indiana. Clark Hayhurst was also born in
Indiana, January ii, 1845. Their marriage was solemnized in Indiana,
where they grew to maturity and shortly after, in 1878. they removed to
Henderson count), Kentucky. A farm was purchased with the intention
of making tins their permanent home, hut owing to the floods of the Green
river the place was sold and another farm purchased near Souffletown, Hen-
derson count)-. Kentucky, on the Ohio river: They remained there until
1005, at which time he retired to Reed, Kentucky, where he resides with a
daughter. Rachel (Griffin) Hayhurst passed away on March 22, 1892, and
some time later, Louis (lark Hayhurst married a Mrs. Calloway. To his
first union were horn seven children: Lottie, who died at the age of four
years; James Frank, who is employed in the shops of the Louisville & Nash-
ville railroad at Evansville, Indiana; George I'"., who lives in Richville, Min-
nesota, and is employed in a saw-mill during the winter months and operates
a threshing machine during the summer; John Raleigh, who is a carpenter
in the shops of the Louisville & Nashville railroad, at Evansville, Indiana;
Nellie, who became the wife of Lee Robbins, and was married, secondly,
to Matthew Brooks, and now resides in Reeds, Kentucky; Colhert G., and
Ilallie Louise, who became the wife of George Gregory and now. resides at
Casper, Wyoming. To the second union of Louis Clark Hayhurst one son
was horn. Louis Clark Hayhurst has always been very active in politics,
though non-partisan in belief and has always been a member of the Mission-
ary I'.aptist church, in which denomination he has served in various capaci-
ties.
Colbert G. Hayhurst received his education in the public schools of
Spottsville and Souffletown, Henderson county. Kentucky, and was reared
on his father's farm until the age of twenty-three, at which time he enlisted
in the United States navy. After joining his brother in Richville, Minne-
sota, he engaged in the operation of a saw-mill and continued in this line
of endeavor until his appointment as postmaster on October 22, 1912. His
y6l OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
service in this capacity has been dispatched with conscientious interest and
hearty good will. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
On November 22, 1907, Colbert G. Hayhurst was united in marriage to
Charlotte Nancy Donaldson, daughter of Reuben Donaldson, an old settler
of Richville, Minnesota. They are the parents of two children, Del Griffin
and Charlotte Kathryn.
TORGER JOHNSON.
Torger Johnson was born in Norway on the 19th of Alarch, 1851. His
parents were John and Maren Johnson, both of whom were born in Norway.
His father was a fanner and followed that occupation until his death. Of
the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, six came to America in
the following order: Edward, wdio settled in Girard township, where he
took up farming; Christian, who is a farmer in Nidaros township; Carrie,
deceased, who was the wife of William Gulickson, of Wisconsin; Gunhild
Maria, who lives in Wisconsin, and is the wife of Axel Gulickson; Thomas,
who lives in Sand 1'oint. Idaho, and Torger.
The early education of Torger Johnson was received in the public
schools of Norway, and after completing his education he came to this
country, where he took up the occupation of fanning. Before coming to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, he worked for three years in St. Croix
county, Wisconsin. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county he bought two
hundred acres of land in Nidaros township and made bis home in that sec-
tion of the county until his death, which occurred on the 18th of September,
[906. The land on which he settled was prairie without trees or buildings.
It ma) be truthfully stated at this time that the presence of his wife and her
untiring efforts to improve their mode of living added much to the success
achieved by Mr. Johnson in his life on the farm. lie engaged at first in
the work of breaking up the soil and after a short time erected a dwelling
which was destroyed by fire. Mr. Johnson was obliged, with scarcely any
assistance, to build a second home, which is still used as a residence by his
wife. During his life. Mr. Johnson was engaged in both political and edu-
cational affairs, where he gained popularity as a man of high principles and
worthy accomplishments. He was a devout member of the Free Lutheran
church and gave liberally to its support. Mrs. Johnson continues to work
for the welfare of the church.
The marriage of Torger Johnson to Julia Swenby took place in 1881.
Julia Swenby is the daughter of Ole and Ingeborg Swenby, natives of Nor-
way, who emigrated to Marquette county. Wisconsin, in the early forties.
lOrXTY, MIXXE.sOTA.
763
Mr. Swenby was a farmer and landowner and after twelve years' residence
in the county where he first settled he moved to St. Croix county, where he
lived until 1876, when he passed away. Mrs. Swenby died two years later,
after a life of usefulness and service.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of the following children:
Oscar is a farmer in Nidaros township. Inga married A. W. Pearson and
lives in South Dakota. She received her education in the Northwestern
College at Fergus Falls and later attended the State Normal School at St.
Cloud. She was graduated from the school at Moorhead in 1906 and for
the two years following taught school. Thora died at the age of three years
and Julia died at the age of one year. Thea married O. E. Herbranson and
lives in Nidaros township. She received her education in the State Normal
School, at Moorehead, and following her graduation taught school for two
years. Mina died when just a year old. Minnie J. is a teacher, and while
not engaged in that work makes her home with her mother.
Mrs. Julia Johnson continues to reside on the home farm and enjoys a
popularity among the residents of this community and on account of her
strong personality, her usefulness and the great assistance she renders her
acquaintances in times of need, she belongs to that type of women whose
influence is felt for good.
ANTON JORGEN OLSON.
Anton Jorgen Olson, a well-known retired farmer of Pelican Rapids,
is an expert in his line of work. The quality of the yield of his acres has
always been a matter of pride with him, and he has not only produced good
crops, but has known how to dispose of them profitably. Mr. Olson was
born in Norway on November 24, 1840, and is the son of Ole Anderson,
whose life history is given in the sketch of Otto C. Foss, the brother of
Anton Olson, presented on another page of this work.
The subject of this sketch as a boy attended school in his native coun-
try and in 1869 came to America and first stopped in Baltimore. Later he
went to Iowa, where he lived the first three years of his residence in this
country. He then came to Otter Tail county and took up a homestead
claim of eighty acres in Pelican township, where he has lived ever since.
Ik- improved this place by erecting the necessary buildings and later added
one hundred and twenty acres adjoining his homestead.
Anton Jorgen Olson was married to Christina Haugrud, who was born
in Norway. They were married in Pelican township. The children born of
this union are Hannah A. Olson, who lives at home; Otto C, a resident of
Dakota, and Carl L., who also lives at home. The family belong to the
Lutheran church.
764 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Olson is a man whose industry and strength of character have
commended him to all who know him. He is a man of integrity and of
unfailing consideration for the rights of others. In the labor and hard-
ship incident to rural life, Mr. Olson has had the willing assistance of his
faithful and devoted wife.
OLE LARSON.
Ole Larson is a pioneer of Dane 1'rairie township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and put under cultivation and harvested the first crop in the
township. That he is one of the most respected citizens in his community
is evidenced by the fact that he has held nearly every township office, and
has discharged the duties connected with the same efficiently and conscien-
tiously. < >le Larson is a native of Norway and his birth occurred on Febru-
ary 8, 1842. He is the son of E. and Inger (Olson) Larson, who emi-
grated to America in 1852 and located in Racine county, Wisconsin, for five
years. E, Larson removed to Houston county, Minnesota, and remained
there six months, removing to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land and continued to cultivate the
same until 1861. He then removed to Jackson county, Minnesota, where
he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land under the homestead rights,
and the following year was driven away by the Indians. He returned to
Fillmore county, remaining there until the Civil War ended and then removed
to Otter Tail county, where he resided with his son, Ole, until his death, in
1N70. After the death of E. Larson his wife, Inger (Olson) Larson,
entered and proved on a land claim and shortly after passed to her eternal
rest. E. and Inger Larson were the parents of these children: Eston, Maret,
( He, < hesten and Segri.
Ole Larson received his education in the schools of America and after
the completion of his student days, engaged in agricultural pursuits until the
beginning of the Civil War, at which time he enlisted and served his adopted
country with bravery and courage equal to any of her native sons. In 1861
he enlisted in Company I, of the Fifth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. Some time
later he re-enlisted in Company B, of Bracketts Battalion. He received his
honorable discharge from the same on June 1, 1866, and at once returned to
his home in Fillmore county. In 1869 he removed to Dane Prairie town-
ship, this county, where lie entered the homestead on which he still resides.
It was virgin soil when he first came into the possession of it, and it is now
well improved and has been increased until the farm now embraces five hun-
dred and thirty-five acres.
In [868 Ole Larson was united in marriage to Thora Olson, and of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 765
this union twelve children have been horn: Inger, horn on November 24,
1869; Gunhild, July 9, [871, and died on the same day; Gunhild Christine,
August 30. 1872; O. Louis, September 27. 1874; Tilla, September 27, 1876,
and died on January 18, 1877; Ole O., October 24, 1877; Thomas O.,
November 11, 1870; Tilla, December 9, 1881, and died November 23, 1910,
in Kankakee, Illinois: Edward O., December 9, 1883, and died on February
25, [891 : Anna Serina O., January 23, 1886; Martin O., April 3, 1888, and
Emma ()., February i, 1892. Ole Larson and his wife are firm believers
in pure Christianity. Thora (Olson) Larson is a native of Norway and
emigrated to America with her parents about the same time as Ole Larson
came to this country. She is the daughter of Ole and Gunhild Olson, both
natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1852 and located in Fill-
more county, Minnesota. Ole Olson purchased a large farm of the govern-
ment, on which the family resided until his death, the mother then removed
to South Dakota, where she resided with a son until her death. Ole Larson
has been of great service to his adopted country as well as to his family and
the community in which he lives. And as a citizen and a gentleman he is
much respected.
ANDREW P. JOHNSON.
Andrew P. Johnson was born in Carver county, Minnesota, February
15, i860, one of twin sons born to Peter and Johanna (Anderson) Johnson.
Peter Johnson and his wife were natives of Sweden, in which country they
lived until the year 1858, when they came to America, landing at Boston,
Massachusetts, after a voyage of six weeks on the Atlantic ocean. On
reaching America, Peter and Johanna Johnson went to Carver county,
Minnesota, where they lived for three years and then went to Washington
county, Minnesota, living there for four years, after which time they moved
to Dakota county, Minnesota, living there for eleven years, and then Peter
Johnson and his wife and family came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
locating in section 20, of Compton township, where Peter Johnson home-
steaded a farm of eighty acres, on which he lived for the remainder of his
days, dying in the year [899; his wife dying in the year 1907.
Peter and Johanna Johnson were the parents of nine children : John
G., Andrew P., Swan, Betsey. Emma, Ida, William, Freddie and Eddie.
Peter Johnson was an active and helpful man to his community, taking a
great interest in all matters for the promotion of life and conditions during
the early days of settlement in Compton township. In church circles, Peter
Johnson was especially notable, being instrumental in the organization and
in the erection of the Swedish Lutheran church in Compton township
766 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
inson was educated in the public schools of Dakota
where he attended classes for a short time and then
eighty acres of land which he received from his father,
ild and untilled, Andrew P. Johnson cleared and made
, adding from time to time to his land until he had two
icres of land, which is now well improved and highly
[883, Vndrew P. Johnson was married to Emma John-
Sweden, the daughter of John Johnson and wife, who
/eden, in which country they spent their entire lives.
Johnson are the parents of four children: Arthur,
Mable, Laura and William. Andrew P. Johnson and his family are well
kimw 11 and esteemed members of the Swedish Lutheran church in Compton
township.
!n business and financial circles, Andrew P. Johnson is connected with
some of the largest companies and interests of the county, being the vice-
president of the First National Bank of Deer Creek, Minnesota, an office
which he has occupied for ten years, and the owner of considerable stock in
the Deer Creek Creamery Company. Politically, Andrew P. Johnson has
served his township as chairman of the township board for several terms,
and for a period of thirty-two years has occupied a seat on the school board
oi I Minpton township.
Andrew P. Joh
county, .Minnesota. \
became a farmer on
land which, being \\ 1
ready for cultivation,
hundred and forty a
cultivated.
On March 22. 1
son, who was born in
were natives of Sw<
Andrew and Emma
AUGUST BAUCK.
August Bauck, farmer and well-known citizen of Pine Lake township.
C )tter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Gorman township, this county,
March 22. 1870. the son of John and Dorothea Bauck, both of whom were
natives of Germany. John Bauck was one of the early settlers in Gorman
township, Otter Tail county, having reached that community at an early
date, and after homesteading a farm engaged in general agricultural pur-
suits John and Dorothea Bauck were the parents of nine children: John,
Emma, Fred, August, Mary, lluldah, Martha. Theodore and Ludwig.
August Bauck was educated in the public schools of Gorman township,
after which lie learned the blacksmith's trade and worked at it for about ten
years; after that he became a fanner and following some time as a farm
worker in his native community, Mr. Bauck, in 1903, came to Pine Lake
township, and bought two hundred acres of land, which he has improved
with one of tlie best houses of the locality, as well as having built convenient
and suitable buildings for the conduct of his general farm work. Mr.
Bauck is now among the recognized leaders of farm activity in Pine Lake
township.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 767
During the year 1906 August Bauck was married to Lydia Liermann,
and to this marriage have been born three children, Erna, Erhardt and
Alma. .Mr. Bauck and his family are members of the German Lutheran
church.
HENRY MILLER.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, owes much of its success and rapid
development to men and women who have come to the county from other
parts of the United States and from the countries of Europe. Many of
these men have been of important service in the agricultural and business
interests of the county. In Otter Tail county we find many native-born
Germans, or citizens who are direct descendants of the German people.
Their force of character, energy and business instinct have had much to do
with the successful development of the county, making it today one of the
most desirable districts of our country.
Henry Miller was born on November 2. 1868, in the state of New
York, and is the son of J. F. and Meta (Shoemaker) Miller, both of whom
were natives of Hanover, Germany. J. F. Miller was born on October 31,
1842, and his wife was horn on January 20, 1838. Mrs. Miller was the
daughter of George Shoemaker, who never came to America. Herman
.Miller, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a fanner in Ger-
many and was an active member of the German Lutheran church. He
always remained a subject of the German empire and never came to America.
J. E Miller, with his wife, came to America in 1864, landing in New-
York City, where he remained until the year 1883, devoting his time to the
mercantile business, clerking for a time and later entering into business for
himself in the central part of the city, on east side, where he conducted a
grocery. On leaving New York, he and his family came to Leaf Lake town-
ship. Otter Tail county, where they purchased one hundred and twenty acres
of land. The first purchase was added to until at the time of the death of
Mr. Miller he was possessed of three hundred acres. Mr. Miller's death
occurred on November 12, 1911, and his widow died on January 4. 1916.
Mr. Miller was, during his life, township and school clerk. The following
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Miller: Anice. Henry, Anna,
Frederick, George, Minnie and Andrew, four of whom are deceased; the
living children being Henry. Minnie and George. The family were active
members of the German Lutheran church.
Henry Miller received his education in the common schools of New
York City. He was married to Minnie Buerge. who was the daughter of
Carle and Johanna (Jacobi) Buerge. Mrs. Miller was born on September
768 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
30, 1872, in Fillmore county. Minnesota. Air. and Airs. Aliller are the par-
ents of the following children: Nathalie. Walter, Esther, Henry, Jr.,
Edgar and Seymour.
After marriage. Air. Aliller located in Leaf Lake township. Otter Tail
county, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, which he sold in
[906. In 1904 he moved to Otter Tail, where he established himself in the
purchase of grain, with the North Land Elevator Company, with which
institution he is still associated. In [905 he engaged in the banking business
and in 190S was one of the incorporators of the Security State Bank, of
which institution he is the present cashier. Air. Aliller is also village and
school clerk, and an active member of the German Lutheran church.
JACOB L. BPRTHOLD. M. D.
Significant not only for its public service but also in its individual use-
fulness has been the career of Dr. Jacob L. Berthold, who is one of the
most prominent and honored representatives of the medical profession in
Otter Tail county. Jacob L. Berthold was born in York. Pennsylvania, on
the _'oth of November, 1859, and is the son of John \\'., and Elizabeth
( Richard I Berthold, both of whom were natives of Germany. His father
was born in 1832, and spent his boyhood in West Prussia, his native home.
Before reaching the age of manhood he came to America with an uncle and
settled in York county, Pennsylvania, where he worked all his life at the
occupation of farming. Air. and Airs. John W. Berthold reared a family
of four girls and four boys.
Jacob L. Berthold was anxious to secure a liberal education and after
attending the common schools of York county he was enabled to enter the
Normal School at Alillersville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Having
determined to prepare himself for the medical profession he entered the
University of Maryland, from which institution, after four years of study,
he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1886. The year of his
graduation he started to practice medicine in Altoona. Pennsylvania, where
he remained just three months. In July, 1886, he arrived in Otter Tail
county, Alinnesota, where he has continued in active general practice ever
since. In this community he has brought to bear an untiring devotion to
his calling and his personality and gentleness have made him a welcome
figure in every home in which he has ministered. He has kept in close
touch with the advances made in medicine during recent years and assumes
the responsibility thrust upon him with great assurance and faith.
On the 1st of February, 1886, Jacob L. Berthold was united in mar-
riage to Alice Klinefelter, who passed away on the 5th of May, 1905. To
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 769
this union, one child was born, Beatrice, who is a teacher of physical cul-
ture in Richmond. Virginia. The second marriage of Dr. Berthold occurred
on the 17th of November, 1906, when he was united to Joanna A. Stick,
a native of York county, Pennsylvania. One child, Miriam, has been born
to this union.
Doctor Berthold has been called upon to serve in public offices from
time to time, where his ability has won for him additional praise and public
confidence. He has been a member of the town council and of the school
board and is now engaged in discharging the duties as manager of the Per-
ham Telephone Company, of which organization he has also served as
treasurer. He is also interested in the agricultural affairs on the farm of
three hundred and twenty acres in Gorman township, which belongs to Mrs.
Berthold. As local surgeon for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company
he has made a large acquaintanceship among men in every walk of life.
Doctor Berthold is a member of the State Medical Association, of the
County Medical Association and is affiliated in lodge affairs with the Masonic
fraternity. In his political interests he has always been a firm supporter
of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Berthold are
members of the German Reformed church.
FRANK GROUWS.
Frank Grouws, garage owner and farmer, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county,
was born on May 1, 1861, in Carver county, Minnesota, and is a son of
John Crouws. His education was received at the public schools of Eliza-
beth .Mr. Grouws has been very successful in business, and is now the
owner of five hundred acres of good farm land, as well as valuable property
in the town of Elizabeth. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has
been active in local politics, having held the offices of councilman and village
treasurer.
John Grouws. father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Saxony,
Germany, and was united in marriage with Mena Hammond, who was born
in Germany. Air. Grouws came to America, and was one of the first settlers
in Carver county. Minnesota. After his return from the Civil War he
moved to Forest City, Minnesota, and in 1871 came to Elizabeth, where he
followed farming and became wealthy, owning one hundred and sixty-seven
acres, which he later sold, moving to Milton county, Minnesota, but spent
the last years of his life at Elizabeth, where he had retired from an active
life.
Frank Grouws was united in marriage, December 15, rSS8. with Louise
Burau, daughter of Edward Burau. a farmer of this community. She was
(49b)
JJQ OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
born in Minnesota. .Mr. and Mrs. Grouws have had three children: Law-
rence, who was married to Clara Sletto, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and
makes his home at Elizabeth, where he helps manage the automobile busi-
ness: Walter, who was married to Anna Westmoreland, of Dallas, Texas,
and makes his home at Dallas, where he is Studying dentistry, and Marry,
who is employed by the Peter Maurin Company, of Elizabeth.
DARIUS 'NELSON SHAW.
Many parts of our Western states are settled directly by people from
the Eastern .states. Many of the residents of Xew England states have left
their native clime and founded new homes in the great Northwest. Endowed
with the thrift of their ancestors, they bring to the new and western country
that force of character which is a factor in their success.
Darius Nelson Shaw, son of David and Johanna Shaw, was born on
November 7, 18^2, in St. Lawrence county. New York. His father was a
native of Vermont and came to Xew York in early life. David Shaw-
received his education in tlie common schools of the state. He was twice
married, his first wife being named Rebecca. His second wife was Johanna,
who was the widow of John Allen. To her union with John Allen the fol-
lowing children were horn: Lucy, Minerva and John. The children of
David and Rebecca Shaw are Stephen. Axie and Henry. To David and
(ohanna Shaw the following children were horn: Mary, Lucius, David and
Darius X.
Darius Nelson Shaw received his education in the common schools of
his native state, in St. Lawrence county. He first learned to read from an
old almanac and soon acquired the habit of extensive reading. Mr. Shaw-
was married twice, his first wife being Sylvia Wood, the daughter of John
Wood, who was a native of England, and who came to America. The
children by tliis marriage are A. L. and W. 1). Mr. Shaw was married,
after the death of his first wife, to Luella Hemstreet on August 4, 1891.
She was born on September 10. 1855, in Jefferson county. Xew York. She
was the daughter of Paris and Fannie (Watkins) Hemstreet. This was
Mrs. Shaw's second marriage. Her first husband was M. W. Taylor, ami
to that union the following children were horn: Elmer P., Lula and Charles.
During the time of her first marriage she lived near Menominee. Wiscon-
sin. Darius \Telson and Mrs. Shaw have 110 children.
Mr. Shaw came to Minnesota in 1852, settling in Moore county, where
he purchased one hundred ami sixty acres of land. Two years later he sold
this farm and purchased one hundred and two acres in Otter Tail township,
Otter Tail county, in section 24. He later traded this for "Sand}- Beach"
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. JJ\
farm of one hundred and four acres, which he later sold and bought a house
and ten lots in Otter Tail.
Mr. Shaw and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and are active in the workings of the church. Mr. Shaw was at one
time supervisor of his township and was a member of the school board. He
served in the Civil War with a Minnesota regiment. He was one of the
early settlers of this section and assisted in the organization of school district
No." 163.
TOHN P. GREENAGEL.
Although a native of Minnesota, Mr. Greenagel has tried his fortune
in various other states, but returned to his own, and is now filling a place
as one of the successful business men at Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, where
he is the proprietor of a modern, up-to-date hotel.
John P. Greenagel. hotel proprietor, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, was
born on November 11, 1864, at Wabasha, Minnesota. He was educated at
the public schools of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, where they gave but an incom-
plete high school course at that time. He later took a course in bookkeeping
at the above place, and also learned the tinsmith trade, which he followed
for fifteen years at St. Paul and Minneapolis. He subsequently went to
Milwaukee, where he also followed his trade, and later went to Fergus Falls,
where he managed the Hans Nelson hardware store and tinshop, during
which time he took care of his parents, his father being an invalid for fifteen
years. In 1894 Mr. Greenagel came to Elizabeth, where he took out a
saloon license, and followed that business until 191 1, when the town went
dry. He then went into the hotel business, with a livery and feed bam in
connection, giving his entire attention to that up to the present time. Politi-
cally, he is a Democrat, while his religious sympathies are with the Lutheran
church at Fergus Falls. He has always been a public-spirited man, and has
held local offices, among which are those of village councilman and clerk of
the school board. He is a stockholder in the telephone company at Oscar
township and was a man of considerable prominence at Fergus Falls.
John Greenagel, father of John P.. was born on April 22, 1818, at
Schwabsburg, Germany. He was united in marriage to Barbara Frank, who
was born on June 28. 182X. and who was also a native of Schwabsburg. Her
parents were Philip and Eliza Frank. Air. Greenagel was educated in Ger-
many, and came to America in 1855, his marriage having taken place in
1854. On arrival here he settled at Dubuque. Iowa, moving in a shun time
to Wabasha, Minnesota, where he remained for fourteen years, having taken
a claim out on the Zumbro river, where he lived until he moved to Fergus
JJ2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Falls, October 29, 1869, pre-empting one hundred and sixty acres, which is
now in the fourth ward at Fergus Falls, and for which he paid one dollar
and twenty-five cents an acre. He lived here the remainder of his life, fol-
lowing farming for a time, and later sold forty acres to George B. Wright,
which was later used for lots, at three hundred dollars each. He was in the
Revolution of 1848 and 1849 in Germany, where he substituted for a rich
man. and with the money thus earned he came to America. He was drafted
for the Civil War. but was found to be over age, and was permitted to
return home. Religiously, Mr. Greenagel belonged to the Lutheran church,
of which he was a deacon for twenty- four years at Fergus Falls. He was
interested in politics, and was interested in all movements along the line of
public improvement, being one of the leaders in building the first bridge
across the Red river at Fergus Falls, and was one of the few men to own
an ox team, with which to carry on the work. The children born to John
and Barbara (Frank) Greenagel were as follow: Jacob. Eliza, deceased;
^Catherine, Mary, Barbara, Pauline and John P. Jacob and Eliza were born
in Germany, the others being natives of America. Jacob was drowned in
the Zumbro river, breaking through the ice when six years old. His body
was never found. His sister, Eliza, was with him at the time, but could
render no assistance. She came home barefooted, having lost her shoes in
an effort to save her brother. She became the wife of Earnest Buse, and
lived at Minneapolis at the time of her death. The remains were brought to
Fergus Falls for burial, to rest beside those of her two children, being the
first-born children in Fergus Falls. Katherine was married to Fred Rud-
sinski, and lives at Fergus Falls; Mary was united in marriage with Joseph
Hamel. and made her home at Grafton, North Dakota; Barbara was mar-
ried to George W. Niebergall, and lived in Perham, Otter Tail county:
Pauline became the wife of Frank Erhardt, now deceased, and lived at
Minneapolis.
, John Greenagel, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Germany,
and participated in the war with Xapoleon. He lost one of his legs by the
explosion of a shell, en route to Russia. He owned a large vineyard, and
was considered quite wealthy. His religious sympathies were with the Luth-
eran church, in the work of which he took an active part. His death
occurred at the age of eighty-eight years. His children were as follow:
Jacob, Michael, John, Marie, all of whom are deceased: John, the father of
Tohn P., being the only one to come to America.
John P. Greenagel was united in marriage. May 23, 1887. to Anna
Winter, daughter of Fred William Winter. She was born at Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. This union has been blest with nine children. Alice. Johanna.
Tohn, Barbara, Tacob. Lizzie, deceased: Gertrude, deceased; Frederick and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 773
Frank. Alice Greenagel was united in marriage to George Stockburger, and
lives at Fergus Falls. They have two children. George and Margaret;
Johanna became the wife of August Trenne, and resides at Carlisle, Minne-
sota; John is married and lives at home. His wife was Caroline Wick.
They have one child. Harriet. Jacob holds the position of express clerk for
the Great Northern Railroad Company at Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
Fred William Winter, father of Mrs. John P. Greenagel, is a shoe-
maker by trade, and has served for twenty-one years as mail carrier in the
city of Milwaukee for the Daily Herald, being at the head of the carrier
force.
Mr. Greenagel believes in treating his fellow man with the same degree
of honest dealing that he himself requires, and bears a reputation of the
highest standard in the community where he resides.
WILLIAM H. KEMPF.
William H. Kempf, born in Green Lake county. Wisconsin, on April 8,
1862. is the son of C. W. and Carrie ( Fisher) Kempf. l>oth natives of Ger-
many. C. W. Kempf was born on November 2. 1832. After their mar-
riage, Mr. and Mrs. Kempf came to America and landed in New York in
the year 1851. They moved to Wisconsin, where they rented land for a
time and in 1862 established their home in Goodhue county, Minnesota,
where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. Later they
moved to Red Wing. Minnesota, where they retired from active work. Mr.
and .Mrs. Kempf were active meml)ers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Kempf died some twenty-two years ago.
William 11. Kempf was educated in the public schools of Goodhue
county, Minnesota, and there he grew to manhood. He was married to
Martha Truhm on July 15, 1884. Mrs. Kempf was a native of Germany
and came to this country in early life. Mr. and Mrs. Kempf are the
parents of the following children : Walter. Elmer. William, Orvil, Rov,
Pearl. Hartley, Myrtle, Bernice. Fern and Violet. Elmer and Orvil are
married and have homes of their own.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kempf thev lived in Otter Tail
village for twenty-four years when they moved to Goodhue county, where
he farmed for seven years, hi 1914 the family came hack to Otter Tail,
where Mr. Kempf established a hardware store and an up-to-date garage.
In these enterprises he has been most successful and has a large and grow-
ing business. Mr. Kempf also owns forty-four acres of land in Otto town-
ship. He was at one time chairman of the board of supervisors of his
township and was treasurer of the township. He is an active meml>er of the
Yeomen of America. Mr. Kempf at one time owned two hundred and fiftv-
"4 OTTKR TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA,
two acres of land near Rush lake, which he purchased for seven dollars and
fifty cents to twelve dollars per acre and then sold for thirty dollars per
acre. This farm was all wild land when Mr. Kempf came here, and deer
and hear were plentiful in the neighorhood. Air. Kempf has seen the wil-
derness of Ins younger days develop into one of the most productive farm-
ing communities in the Northwest.
LYSANDER W. BELL.
The gentleman whose name introduces the following sketch is one oi the
few men who have entered various enterprises, changing from one to
another, and achieved success in each venture. Air. Bell has shown remark-
aMe qualifications in his journey through the business world, and he always
possessed that confidence which, combined with close attention and industry,
accomplishes much towards a successful end.
Lysander W. Bell, confectioner, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, was born
on April 23, 1X47. in the state of New York, and is a son of William and
I'.etsv (Seeber) Bell. His education was obtained at the public schools of
New York state, and later entered the high school at Brownville for two
years, after which he spent three years in a woolen factory in Connecticut,
at the end of which time he returned to New York, where he was employed
by a lumber company for nine years, under the firm name of the New York
Improvement Company. In 1884 he came to Fergus Falls, his brother,
Hamilton, having settled there at an earlier date. They had a section of
land in partnership and lived near Fergus Falls, coming to Elizabeth in 18N7.
Mr. Bell has always given his support to the Republican party. In local
politics he has taken no active interest, having served as postmaster of
Elizabeth for seventeen years, and town marshal for ten years; president of
the town council for two years, and also served as village recorder for two
years. He was insurance agent for the St. Paul Fire and Marine, and
German-American, of New York, for eighteen years. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Masonic blue lodge. •
William Bell, father of Lysander W., was born in May. 1820. and died
in January, 1897. He was united in marriage to Betsey Seeber, daughter
of Henrv W. and Susan ( Overocker ) Seeber. She was born in New York-
state. William Bell was educated at the public schools, and followed farm-
ing all his life, dying in New York state. The children born to this union
wne: Hamilton. Eliza, Susan, Mary, Emma and Alice. Mr. Bell did nol
take much interest in politics, but was an earnest churchman, officiating as
an elder for about forty years.
The paternal grandfather was George Bell, whose wife was Margaret
Buchanan, a first cousin of James Buchanan, the fifteenth President of the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 775
United State-. George Bell was a native of Ireland, and came to the United
States in 1812, locating in New York state, where he followed farming, and
was a neighbor of Grandfather Seeber. He came to America in a sailing
vessel that was captured by the British, and was put in a fort on the defense
for three years, being located at Nova Scotia, where he contracted a fever
sore, which later resulted in his death. The children torn to George and
Alar-. net (Buchanan) Bell were as follow: James A., William, Robert,
George, John and Mary. Robert Bell went to the Civil-War in Company I,
Tenth New York Artillery, of which he was lieutenant. James Bell was a
Republican, and became state senator for two terms, and was also state audi-
tor for a period.
Henry W. Seeber, the maternal grandfather, was of Pennsylvania-
Dutch descent, and was a native of Pennsylvania, and a blacksmith by trade,
lie went from Mohawk Valley, New York, to Jefferson county. New York
state, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred at the age
of ninety years. He was a member of the Methodist church. His wife was
Susan Overocker.
Lysander W. Bell was united in marriage to Alda Perkins, daughter
of lenks Perkins, of New York state, where Mrs. Bell was born. This
union has been blest with one son. Clark S.. who was married to Matilda
Zimmerman. Their home is at Elizabeth.
Mr. Bell i- a man of strong characteristics, and a well balanced mind.
He is well known and well liked throughout Otter Tail county, where he has
long been a resident.
GABRIEL GII.BF.RTSOX.
Gabriel Gilbertson, farmer, Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, was
born on December 30, 1S72, in Oscar township, in the county where he now
resides, and is a son of Nelson Gilbertson. He received a good public
school education in Oscar township, and has followed farming all his life,
his present farm consisting of eighty acres of good agricultural land. In
addition to his farming interests, Mr. Gilbertson has done threshing for the
past twelve years, in which business he has employed the Hubber separator
and engine; the grain raised on his own place being principally wheat.
Politically, Mr. Gilbertson is a stanch Democrat, and was road over-
seer for two vears. although he has never run for office. Religiously, he
belongs tn the Lutheran church 111 Oscar township. He improved his farm
in [014 by building a new house; having erected a good, substantial barn
three years previously. Mr. Gilbertson was also the heir to forty acres of
good farm land, which was willed to him by the widow of his -rand father's
brother, whose interests he looked alter for nineteen years.
Jj6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Nelson Gilbertson. father of Gabriel, was born in Norway, and was
united in marriage with Gertrude Knutson in 1870, after which they came
to America. The children born to this union were as follow : Ena, Sarah,
deceased: Olivia, who lives in Washington state; Gabriel, Carl, Ole and
Gina. Neb Gilbertson died about 1900. and his widow remained in Baker
county. Xels Gilbertson came to Minnesota in 1870, where he began farm-
ing at the time when the grasshoppers took everything in sight. He filed
on a homestead in Oscar township, consisting of one hundred and sixty
acres, which he sold to advantage. Afterwards he rented a farm in Baker
township, but died in a few years. His religious sympathies were with the
Lutheran church.
Mr. Gilbertson has many sincere friends and acquaintances, and occu-
pies a high place in the esteem of the entire community.
EDDIE N. NELSON.
Grain dealer, farmer and merchant. Eddie N. Nelson, a prosperous
young citizen of Clitherall, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on Feb-
ruary 18, 1883. in Nidaros township. He is the son of Even and Anna
(Halverson) Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway. Even Nelson
was the son of Thorwald Nelson, who came to Minnesota in pioneer days
and who died at Breckenridge. Mr. Nelson's maternal grandparents. Even
and Ingeborg Halverson, came to America in 1871 and settled in Nidaros
township. Otter Tail county, on a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty
acres. Tt is there that the widow now lives. Her husband died in 1885.
Mr. Nelson's father came to Minnesota with his parents when still a
small boy. He was married in this county and died in Xidaros township.
His widow is living near Vining on a farm. Eddie N. Nelson was the only
child born to his parents. After the death of his father. Mr. Nelson's mother
was married to Edward Olson, and to them were born nine children,
Inga, Fred, Carl, who died in infancy; Amelia, Eva, Wilma, Mabel, Hazel
and Inez.
Eddie N. Nelson was reared on a farm and educated in the public
schools of Vining and at Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he attended
business college. He began working in the elevator ami lumber yard at Eld-
ridge and Medina. North Dakota. He later worked in the elevator at Shey-
enne, North Dakota. In fact, Mr. Nelson was employed at Sheyenne from
1904 to [913. He was also assistant cashier of the Farmers .and Merchants
Bank at Sheyenne during' hi- residence at that place, also manager and secre-
tary of the Equity Elevator and Trading Company for two years, from
1910 to 1912.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ~-J
In [913 .Mr. Nelson mack- a trip to Arkansas, where he remained for a
short time. He next lived at Borap, Norman county. Minnesota, and, after
one year, in 1914, came to Clitherall and became the manager and secretary
of the Clitherall Grain Association. Mr. Nelson owns a homestead farm
in Benson county. North Dakota, a tract of eighty acres situated two miles
from Sheyenne.
In 1904 Eddie N. Nelson was married to Pearl Colcord, who was born
near Pittsburg, Kansas. March 4. 1888, and who is the daughter of Ivory A.
and Elizabeth (Preston) Colcord, of Gravette. Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs.
Eddie N. Nelson have three children, Arthur Evan, Pela Edith and Edgar
Norman.
Fraternally, Mr. Nelson is a member of Century Podge No. 60, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, at New Rock ford, North Dakota. He is a
Republican in politics and, while a resident of Sheyenne, North Dakota, was
secretary of the Eddie county Republican central committee. For two vears
he was a member of the Republican state central committee.
In addition to his position as secretary and manager of the Clitherall
Grain Association, Mr. Nelson is also engaged in the farm machinery busi-
ness at Clitherall. He handles the Stillwater line of machinerv and enjoys
a good business in this community.
OLE P. NEPSON.
Another one of the prosperous farmers of Tnman township. Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, and one who has made his own way in the world since
coming to America from Sweden is Ole P. Nelson.
Mr. Nelson, who is the owner of a tine farm of one hundred and sixtv
acres, was born in Sweden, March 15, 1859. and is a son of Pear and
Hannah Nelson, both natives also of Sweden. The former died in his native
country in 1905, while his wife had passed away five years previously, in
1900. Of the six children born to Pear and Hannah Nelson, Ole P.. the
subject of this review, is the eldest. Elna, Johanus and Martin, the three
youngest children, are deceased. The other children are Johanna and Nels.
Ole P. Nelson received his education in the public schools of Sweden.
and when he was twenty-eight years of age, in 1887. came to America and
settled at Manchester. New Hampshire. After living at the latter place for
two years, Mr. Nelson moved to Otter Tail county, in [889, and until [891
worked on various farms in the vicinity of Eagle Pake. In the latter year
Mr. Nelson purchased eighty acres of land in section i_\ [nman township,
and since that time he has added forty acres in section 1. and fortv acres
in section 14. to his original holdings.
778 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Nelson's wife, who died June 3, 1892, left four children. Maria,
Martin Nels, Hulda Christena and George Albert, who are living at home
with their father.
Mr. Nelson has substantial, well-kept buildings on his farm, and the
farm is equal in productivity to any other tract in Inman township. He is
rated in this township as a self-made man and a successful farmer and
citizen.
fERRY F. |( )HNS< >N.
One of the most prominent farmer'- of Otter Tail county and of Deer
Creek township is Jerry F. Johnson, who, because of his interest in the
community life and its advancement, together with his service to the town-
ship 111 public office and as a leader in political movement, has a place of
importance 111 the rank-- of the citizenship of the count)- and township. Suc-
cessful m agricultural pursuits, useful as a citizen, capable in business and
notably affiliated in church and fraternal circles, he is a type of manhood and
citizenship who has done much for the county and its conditions of life.
Jerry F. Johnson was horn in the northern part of Germany on February
7. 1S05. the son of Frank and Martha (Hackman) Johnson, both of whom
were horn in Germany. His father died at 1'etersburg, Illinois, in 1873,
and later his mother was married to Joseph Kester of Petersburg, Illinois.
Frank Johnson was a devout member of the German Lutheran church of his
native country, he taking an active part in the worship of that congregation.
Frank and Martha Johnson were the parents of two children: Jerry 1-'.. of
this sketch, and Jennie, who came to America and later was married to Will-
iam Wahlfell, of Petersburg.
Jerry F. Johnson came to America in 1867, and after landing at New
York City went to the state of Illinois, where he was educated. He located
about twenty miles north of the city of Springfield, there hired out as a
farm hand until the year 1885, when he went to the state of Nebraska and
stayed with his mother, at Franklin, for more than a year and then he came
to Otter Tail county, reaching this county with but ten cents in his pocket.
The first two years in Otter Tail county, Jerry F. Johnson worked generally
ami then he bought eighty acres of uncleared land in section 36, Deer Creek
township, paying for this land the sum of live dollars per acre, land which
he cleared and improved with necessary buildings, later erecting a barn,
twenty-four by forty feet. In later years he rebuilt his house and it
i- now a good, comfortable home. Mr. Johnson i- now engaged in general
farming, together with dairying and raising hogs and also as auctioneer in
farm -ales.
OTTER TAN, COUNTY, MINNESOTA. yjq
On April 10, 1890, Jerry F. Johnson was married to Alvina Leese-
berg, and to this marriage have been horn four children, Laura, Harry,
Arthur and Walter, all of whom are unmarried. Air. Johnson and his
family are connected with the German Lutheran church.
In public life Jerry l;. Johnson served for fifteen years as a supervisor;
an efficient and able chairman of that body, who was instrumental in the
movements for much of the county's civic progress. Mr. Johnson is a
leading member of the Modern Woodmen of America lodge at Deer Creek,
and is a man who in the various lines of activity in Deer Creek township
has proved to the locality his great value as a citizen.
THOMAS CAREW.
Thomas Carew is a pioneer citizen of Utter Tail county, and has taken
no small part in the development of the community's interests and resources,
a man of broad experience in life. I le is a citizen, who because of his public-
spirited manner in local matters, has won a place of prominence and honor
among his fellow citizens and associates.
Thomas Carew was horn in Ontario, Canada, on December 19, 1840,
the son of Thomas and Margaret (Sargent) Carew. Thomas Carew, Sr.,
was a native of Ireland and the son of Thomas Carew, who was born in
Ireland and lived in that country until the year 1833, when with a colony
of people sent out by the government of Great Britain, he came to Canada,
locating at a settlement known as Peters Burrow, which received its name
from l'eter Robinson, who was at the head of the party who first reached
the vicinity for residence. Grandfather Thomas Carew lived in Canada,
where he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, for the remainder
of his days. He died in 1855: his wife, Esther (Golden) Carew surviving
him and living to be more than one hundred years of age. Thomas and
Esther Carew were the parents of five children, Samuel, Richard, John,
Thomas, father of the subject of this sketch, and Robert. Thomas ( arew
and his family were all members of the Church of England.
Thomas Carew. Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, was educated
in the public schools <>i Ireland, after which he went to Canada, there locat-
ing on a farm of one hundred acres, which he cultivated for the remainder
<>f his active life. His first wife having died during the year [862, he was
again married, his second wife dying two years after their marriage.
Thomas Carew, Sr.. then came to Otter Tail count}' and lived with his son.
Thomas, for some time and then later returned to his home 111 Canada,
where he died in 1884.
Thomas Carew, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the
780 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
schools of Canada, alter which he came to the state of Minnesota, and
located, on < Ictober 4. 1865, at Red \\ ing, where he worked for four years
as a driver of ox teams, work for which lie was paid the sum of fifty dollars
]x-r month, from the proceeds of which he saved, during eighteen months,
five hundred dollars, with which he bought personal property, which he
later sold and then moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he took up a
homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 27, Buse town-
ship, ( )tter Tail county, land which he improved, at first with crude build-
ings, then later replacing these structures with more substantial improve-
ments. On this place Thomas Carew lived for some years and then selling
his land he moved to Deer Creek township and invested in one hundred and
sixty acres of land, where he now lives and engages in general farming
together with dairying, he keeping about fifteen cows and twenty young
cattle, which furnish for the market one hundred and twenty pounds of
cream each week.
Thomas Carew is a man of many varied experiences in life, among
the more interesting of which were his days as a trapper. Being unable to
secure work at the town of Fergus balls, on arriving there, he walked to
the town of Alexandria, Minnesota, there spending four of his five dollars
for traps with which he was able to catch, during the winter, more than
eight hundred muskrats. as well as large numbers of other animals, having a
market value. Following his season as a trapper, Mr. Carew built a kiln,
from which he furnished the lime used in the first bank building of Fergus
balls. Many of the early buildings in Fergus Falls were made possible by
the efforts of Mr. Carew, who furnished material and who later having
learned the carpenter trade, devoted his time to a line of work which was
not as yet plentiful in the community.
On October 15, 1807, Thomas Carew was married to Ella C. Parker,
who was born in Trumbull county. Ohio, the daughter of James Parker and
wife, James Parker being a farmer and country store keeper. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Carew were born four children, Frnest O., Arden A.,
James P., and Emily G., who is deceased. Ella, the wife of Thomas Carew,
died on November 23, [886, survived by her husband and three children.
In the various lines of activity represented in Deer Creek township,
few men have taken a more important or more helpful part than has Thomas
Carew, who. though now seventy-five years of age and having served bis
community long and well, is yet interested and active in all those things
which promote the welfare of the locality. In public office Mr. Carew has
a long and honorable record, having served the township as school treasurer
for thirty years, during which time he was instrumental in an effort which
resulted in the building of three school bouses. For sixteen years Mr.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 781
Carew was township clerk, and for four years he was justice of the peace.
He also enumerated the census of the town of Deer Creek for the govern-
ment, three times in forty years. As a church worker, Mr. Carew has been
active, having served for many years as superintendent of the Sunday
school of the Methodist Episcopal church at Deer Creek. In the husiness
world he is well known as a shareholder in the Farmers Store at Nanola,
Minnesota, and also as stockholder in the Henning Creamery Company, at
Henning, Minnesota.
NELS PARSON.
Successful as a farmer in Clitherall township, Otter Tail county, Nels
Parson is one of the best-known young men in the county. He was born
on the farm where he now lives on January 29, 1874, and is the son of Par
and Ealna (Olson) Parson, who were born at Skona, Sweden, the former
on November 14, 1831. and the latter on January 3, 1832.
Mr. Parson's father was married in his native land and came to America
with his first wife, about 1870. They settled on the farm now occupied
by Nels 1 'arson and which is situated in sections ji ami 22. Here he built
a house and was just well started in the world, when his wife died. After
her death in 187J, he was married to Ealna Olson and continued to live
on the same farm. Mr. Parson's mother had come alone to America about
1871. When the Parson family settled in this vicinity, the country was
covered with Indian trails and abounded in wild animals. On the southern
part of the farm about forty rods from the house, the Indians had a camp-
ing ground and they were always friendly. Mr. Parson broke his land and
cleared the timber from the farm and lived here until his death on Novem-
ber 5, 1914. Mr. Parson's mother is still living and enjoying good health.
She is a member of the Lutheran church, as was also her husband.
By his lir^t marriage, Par Parson had two daughters. Ellen, who mar-
ried Edwin Lundby and lives in Clitherall township, and Hannah, who mar-
ried Ole Peterson and lives in Eagle Pake township. To the second mar-
riage, there were also born two children. Nels, the subject of this sketch, and
Sadie, who married Andie Okerlund and lives at Kelliher, Minnesota.
Nels Parson received a common-school education and was reared on
his father's farm. He has been practically in charge of the farm since he
was sixteen years old. In [897 he purchased the farm and has continued
to live here. All of the buildings have been improved and repaired. Mr.
Parson is a general farmer and stockman and makes a specialty of raising
dairy cattle. At the present time, he has ten or twelve head of cows. He
also generally keeps a herd for feeding.
■:k tail ciirxTY, Minnesota
On September r6, 1898, Mr. Parson was married to Anna Nelson, a
native of Sweden and tlie daughter nt' Nels and Ellen (Nelson) Johnson.
Mrs. Parson's father is still living, but her mother died in Sweden. Mrs.
Parson came to America with one brother and two sisters. .Mr. and Mrs.
Parson are the parents of eight children, Victoria, Anton. Lincoln. Lillian.
Ruth and Ruben, twins; Anna, and Mabel.
Mr. I'arson is identified with the Republican party in political matters,
lie has served in various school offices and has also served as road overseer.
Mr. and Mrs. Parson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.
LOTH HOLM.
Enjoying distinctive prestige as an adopted citizen and agriculturist of
Parkers Prairie township, Utter Tail county, the gentleman whose history
follows, is a descendant of Swedish ancestry, and who first looked upon the
light in the land of his forefathers, now represents substantial industry
and progressiveness in America, which has for many years been his home.
Loth Holm, farmer. Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county, was
horn on April 2, 1855. in Sweden, and is a son of Swan and Anna 1 Nelson 1
Holm. His education was obtained at the public schools of his native coun
try, where he followed farming, and was for a time engaged in railroad
work, coming, in 1SS1, to the United States, arriving on June 3, of that year.
The first \ear of his citizenship in this country was spent at Stillwater, Min-
nesota, and in July, iNNj. he tame to Otter Tail county, where he bought
his present farm, to which he afterward added forty acres more. Mr. Holm
divides his attention between general farming and the breeding of thorough-
bred Poland China hogs, of which he has some very fine specimens. He has
put all the improvements on his place, including a commodious barn, erected
in [915, and is now building a substantial modern dwelling. Politically, he
is a Republican, but has never taken an active interest in local politics.
Religiously, his membership is with the Swedish Lutheran church.
Swan and Anna (Nelson) Holm, parents of Loth, were both horn in
Sweden, where they lived and died. They were farmers, and were the par-
ents nf seven children. Loth being the only one to come to America.
Loth Holm was united in marriage, in 1889 to Lizzie Rosenquest, bj
whom he has had seven children -Melvin, Anna, Hilnia. Agnes, Marie. Reu-
ben and Erne. Mrs. Holm died on September 23, 1007. and the daughter,
Agnes, died three years later.
Mr. Holm holds the respect of the entire community in which he makes
his home, and where he has reared the children to he useful and lion, .red
citizens.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 783
GEORGE HUGGETT
One of the best-known and most highly respected farmers and citizens
of Girard township, Otter Tail county, is George Huggett, who was bom
at Levanna, Cayuga county, New York, October 14. 1852, and who is the
son of William and Rebecca (Warden) Huggett.
Mr. lluggett's father was a native of Surrey. England, horn on August
9, 1822, and his mother was a native of Sussex, England, horn on Novem-
ber 8, [825. They were married on January 1. 1S50, in England, and. 011
April 1, of the same year, started fur America. They landed in New York
city after a voyage of live weeks and subsequently settled in Cayuga county.
New York. In 185(1 they immigrated to Wisconsin and located in Dodge
county. In i8(>7 they moved to Waupaca county and here Mrs. Rebecca
Huggett died 111 [869. In [878 Mr. Huggett moved to Douglas county,
Minnesota, trading his Wisconsin farm for land in Douglas county. In
i8N_> he took a homestead of one hundred ami sixty acres in South Dakota
and there lived a short tune, after which he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota,
where he died on July 12. 1906. During the Civil War, he served in the
Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry for nine months. His wife
was a member of the Methodist church, but lie was a member of the Con-
gregational church. The) were the parents of eight children, of whom one,
Martin I\.. died in 1902. The living children are, George, Mary J.. I'. W '..
Etta H.. Sarah Jane. Anna E. and Rebecca A.
George Huggett attended school only about one hundred days in his
whole life, in Dodge county, Wisconsin. When he was fifteen years old,
he moved with his parents to Waupaca county. Wisconsin, and there, in
[875, he was married to Mary A. Shelly, who was born in Milwaukee, Wis-
consin, September 25, 1854. She was the daughter of Volney K. and Eliza-
beth ( Demming 1 Shelly, who lived at Hartford, Wisconsin, where she was
burn. Mrs. lluggett's father was a native of New York, and died at
Matoon. in Shawano county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. George Huggett
have twelve children. Mary E., Martha A . George W., Maud A. and Melvin
T., twins; William V., Olive. Jennie. Martin R.. Earl, P.essie and Blanche.
Mrs George Huggett died on March 17. mjos. and in June. 1906, Mr. Hug-
gett was married to Mrs. Mary Fulton, of Oconto, in Oconto county. Wis-
consin.
On February 17. 1878. Mr. Huggett came to Douglas county, Minne-
sota, and in June of that year, he purchased a farm of one hundred and
fifty-eight acres in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, adding to this farm
until he owned at one time three hundred and fifty-four acres of land. Mr.
Huggett lived upon this farm until loo'i when he moved to Fergus Falls,
784. OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
where he lived for three years. In 1909 he moved to Girard township,
where he owns four hundred acres of land, which he has greatly improved.
Mr. Huggett has a tine residence, which he built in 1914. He is well known
in Girard township as a stock breeder, specializing in Shropshire sheep and
Duroc-Jersey hogs.
Mr. Huggett served as a member of the St. Olaf township board for
seven years and, for six years, was chairman of the board of supervisors
111 Girard township. He is a Republican in politics and has been active in
local politics all of his life. For three years he was a director of the local
schools and for twenty-two years, was treasurer of the school corporation.
He is president of the local Farmers Society of Equity and is also president
of the Henning Shipping Association.
OTHO A. AUSTIN.
Utho A. Austin, a retired citizen of New York Mills. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on March 2, 1856.
Mr. Austin is the son of Theodore and Susan (Keely) Austin, the former
of whom was born in Dutchess county,'New York. July 27, 1813, and the
latter in Pennsylvania, September 18, [818, Mr. Austin's maternal grand-
father was Henry Keely.
After their marriage in the Keystone state, Theodore and Susan
(Keely) Austin immigrated to Montgomery county, Indiana. Theodore
\ustin was a pattern-maker by trade. He came to Otter Tail county in
1873, driving through from Illinois. After living for one summer in Yew-
ion township he returned to Illinois, but in 1875 came back to Newton town-
ship, driving overland once more. He died in ( )tter Tail county on Febru-
ary 1J, 1898, and his wife died in this county on October 30, [901. They
were the parents of five children: Theron (deceased), Grace, Henry
(deceased). Jerome and Otho.
( Itho A. Austin was reared, principally in Indiana. When he was thir-
teen years old he moved to Potomac. Illinois, and. on May 10. [873, came
to Otter Tail county with his parents. He returned to the state of Illinois
but later, on December 30, [875, came back to Otter Tail county, and in
1877 look a homestead of eighty acres in section 28, Newton township.
Subsequently, however, Mr. Austin gave up this homestead in Yew ton town-
ship. His father had taken a homestead of forty acres and Otho A. bought
his father's interest. Paler In- sold out and moved to New York Mills.
On March _'. [882, Mr. Austin began work as a bookkeeper in the gen-
eral mercantile si,, re of Olof Parv. After working for Mr. Pary for
twelve years, Mr. Austin purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
OTHO A. AUSTIN.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 785
ill section 2.7, of Homestead township. Gradually he improved this farm
and with his family lived on the farm for twenty years. However, he
finally sold out and returned to New York .Mills. In 1915 he erected a
splendid residence in Xew York Mills, where he now lives. Mr. Austin
has bought and sold a great deal of property in Otter Tail county, He
became postmaster on January 15, 1898, and was postmaster for over
fourteen years in succession. He has also served on the school board in
New York Mills and was also village recorder for a number of years. He
has also served as president of the village. In politics, Mr. Austin is identi-
fied with the Republican party.
Otho A. Austin's wife, before her marriage, was Grace Green, who
was born in Sweden. Her parents died when she was a child and she was
adopted by a Mr. Green. Her father's name, however, was Peterson. Mr.
and Mrs. Austin are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living,
Susie, who is the wife of Orlo Wilcox, of North Dakota; Fannie I., who
is the wife of W. P. Telin, of Xew York Mills; Stanley A., who home-
steaded land in Montana 111 1913; Theodore E., Clarence A., Ralph H., Mae
I'., and Grace I.ois.
PETER PETERSEN.
Peter Petersen, a prosperous farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail
county, was born October 1, 1863, in Sweden, and is a son of Peter and
Ellen Petersen, both of whom were born and reared in Sweden. Mr. Peter-
sen's father died in 1874, at the age of fifty years, and his mother in 1913,
at the age of eighty-three. There were seven children born to Peter Peter-
sen and wife, of whom Andrew, Daniel, Elsie and Mary are deceased. The
living children are Martin, Peter and Olof.
Peter Petersen received his educational training in the public schools
of his native land, and when twenty-three years old, in 1886, came to
America, and settled at Deer Creek, in Otter Tail county. For a number
of years he worked on neighboring farms. Later, he took up contract
work and was engaged in this for several years. Finally, Mr. Petersen
engaged in fanning, and in 1910, purchased eighty acres of land in section
11, Innian township. This farm is now known as the Nels Isakson farm.
Mr. Petersen carries mi a general system of farming and stock raising, and
has been very successful in this vocation since coming to America.
In K)io Mr. Petersen was married to Mrs. Nels Isakson, the widow of
Nels Isakson. who was a son of Isaac and Betsey Johnson, mentioned else-
where in this work. By her first marriage to Nels Isakson. Mrs. Petersen
became the mother of six children, Esther, Rov, Nina. Arthur. Mabel and
(50b)
786 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Alice. Peter Petersen and wife are the parents of two children, Nels and
Ruby.
Mr. and Mrs Petersen arc earnest members of the Swedish Lutheran
church. Mr. Petersen has been more or less prominent in local politics
ever since coming to this county, and is now clerk of the local school hoard.
Mrs. Petersen, before her marriage to Xels Isakson, was the daughter
of Ole I. and Rebecca i Halverson) Saetre. both of whom were natives of
Norway. Mrs. Petersen's father was born in 1845, antl '"lied m Norway
in 1893. Her mother was born 111 1N47. and in March, 1Q14, came to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and is now living with her son, Hans O. Saetre.
proprietor of a well-known hotel and livery in Otter Tail county. Ole I.
and Rebecca (Halverson) Saetre were the parents of four sons and three
daughters, all of whom are living. The sons are Hans O.. Ivar. John and
Peter. The daughters are Mary. Lena and Minnie.
HANS NESVOLD.
Hans Nesvold is one of three children born of the union of Peter Nes-
vold and Mary Norman and his birth occurred on February 11. 1863, in
Norway, the native home of his parents. Peter Nesvold immigrated to
America 111 1881 anil arrived in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on August II of
that year. Three years following his arrival in the United States, he pur-
chased eight) acres of land on which he has since resided. The names of
his three children are: Lovna, Hans and Hannah. The paternal grand-
parents of [fans Nesvold were Lawrence and Ellen Nesvold, both natives
of Norway who lived and died in their native country. The maternal
grandparents of Hans Nesvold also lived and died in their native land of
Norway.
Hans Nesvold is indebted t< 1 the schools of his native land tor the edu-
cation which he received, following which he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits in connection with his parents. He has always resided under the
parental root-tree and. for the past eleven years, has had the entire manage-
ment of the home place. He has erected the present buildings and has been
instrumental in effecting many improvements, which have added to the value
of the farm.
Man- (Norman) Nesvold, mother of Hans Nesvold, passed away in
1004. leaving her husband and three children to mourn her loss. Hans Nes-
vold was married to Mary Hanson in 1905. Mary 1 Hanson) Nesvold is a
native of Tumuli township, (liter Tail county, but was reared and educated
in Polk county, Minnesota. To the union of Man 1 Hanson) Nesvold a]m\
her husband five children have been born: Edna, Henry, Mice, Albert and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 787
Robert. All members of this family are affiliated with the Norwegian
Lutheran church and are actively engaged in the furtherance of the creeds
of that denomination. Hans Xesvold is much respected and well liked
among his many friends and associates.
CHARLES SCHEER.
Charles Scheer was born in Dodge county. Wisconsin, July 22, 1859,
the son of Henry and Wilhclmina Louisa Scheer, who were natives of Ger-
man}', in which country they lived until the year 1855, when with his family
Henry Scheer came to America and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin,
where he owned a small farm and followed general agricultural pursuits.
In 1877 Henry Scheer came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, here securing a
farm on which he lived until his death in the month of May, 1900. having
been preceded in death by his wife, who died in 1896. Henry and Wilhel-
mina Scheer were the parents of the following children: Augusta, who mar-
ried Fred Schacht and who later died near Elizabeth, Minnesota; Henry, who
died near Erhard, Minnesota, in 191 5; Louise, who married Louis Candaux
and lives in Elizabeth township; Charles, the subject of this sketch; August,
who lives a retired life in Elizabeth township, and William, who died when
twenty years of age, the latter two being twins.
Charles Scheer was educated in the public schools of Dodge county,
Wisconsin, and in the common schools of Otter Tail county. Minnesota,
after which he worked on the farm of his father for some years and then
was given as a homestead the railroad land which was owned by his father,
land to which Charles Scheer added by purchase until at the time of his
death this prosperous and successful farmer was the owner of four hundred
and forty acres of choice land, all well improved with modern buildings, and
cultivated to a degree of high productiveness.
On August 1. [888, Charles Scheer was married to Elizabeth Was-
muth. who was horn in Germany, October 6, 1863. the daughter of Conrad
and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Wasmuth, they being natives of Germany, in
which country tliey lived their entire lives, Conrad Wasmuth having been
a landowner and farmer. To the marriage of Charles and Elizabeth Scheer
were born the following children: Anna, who married Xeil White and
lives in New Zealand; William, who lives on the old home farm in Erhard's
Grove township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota: Mary, who was educated in
the Pelican Rapids high school, from which she graduated in the vear 1910,
later attending and graduating from the Moorhead Normal College, in the
year 1913, and is now a teacher in the schools at I'csscnden. North Dakota;
Ida. who was educated at the Moorhead Normal College, after which she
788 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
taught school in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, for two years; Rosa, who is
a stenographer al Fargo, North Dakota, and Charles and Esther who live at
home.
( iharles Scheer was a member and active worker in the German Evangel-
ical church at Erhard, Minnesota, a congregation in which he was generally
honored and appreciated for his efforts and support of the work and worship
of this denomination.
In politics Charles Scheer was an ardent Republican, and though he
took no especial part in the political life of the township and county, he was
known as a man who had no small part in the development of the com-
inunitv. through his successful efforts as a private citizen endeavoring to
make his life of value in all possible ways.
Charles Scheer died on June 26. 1912, mourned by all who knew of
In- forceful and beneficent life, lived not alone for himself but for all.
TOHN KNUTSON.
Typical of the citizen of Norway who comes to this country and makes
of himself a valued and appreciated part of the life of this nation, is John
Knutson. the subject of this sketch. Hardy, persevering, resourceful, and
determined in the effort to realize an ambition, and industrious, tactful and
progressive, this type of citizenship which is fairly represented by John
Knutson, has taken an important part in the life of Otter Tail county.
John Knutson was born in Norway, on January 7, 1859, the son of
Knut and Mary ( Youngson) Ellefson, who were natives of Norway, where
Knut Ellefson was a farmer during his entire life.
\fter his education in the schools of his native country, John Knutson,
tlie subject of this sketch, learned the trade of a shoemaker, a line of work
which he followed for ten years. In 1880 he came to America and located
in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, where he worked as a farmer for
some time. During 1884, he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land
and. later, bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, together
with sixty acres of timber land, and he is engaged in general agricultural
pursuits.
In [882, John Knutson was married to Christie [ngebretson, to this
marriage there being' born the following children: Minnie. Hngebret. Carl,
Carrie, Julia, Edward, Torkel, Clarence. Andrew. Gena. Bennie, Clifford
and Alice. John Knutson and his family are members of, and active work-
ers in. the Norwegian Lutheran church of Dalton, Minnesota.
Mr. Knutson is an ardent Republican and while he supports his party
faithfully, is ready at all times to join with any other party or movement
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 789
which will aid in the life or conditions of the community. John Knutson
and his wife, together with his family, are among the respected and esteemed
people of the township and county, their part in the progress and develop-
ment of the locality and its resources being well known.
L. C. NICHOLSON.
L. C. Nicholson was horn on September 20, 1875, in Lee county, Illi-
nois, the son of Thomas and Ann ( Burrows) Nicholson, both natives of
England. Thomas Nicholson was born in 1826 'and his wife was born in
1836. They grew to maturity and married in their native land and, some
years later, immigrated to America in a sailing ship. Thomas Nicholson
had formerly been to America and had purchased a tract of government
land while here. lie. had then returned to England by way of California,
in 1849, and on to Australia, returning to America with his bride. They
located in Lee county, Illinois, with the intention of cultivating the farm
which he had formerly purchased, but, to his dismay, was informed that it
had been disposed of by well-meaning friends who were positive that he
had been killed by the Indians. He then purchased two hundred acres of
timber and prairie land in Lee county, on which he still resides. He is one
of the pioneers of that community.
Nearly twenty years ago Thomas Nicholson retired from active farm-
ing and the management of the place was assumed by his son, Joseph, who
makes a specialty of breeding and raising Guernsey cattle and mule- footed
hogs and is one of the leading agriculturists of that section. Thomas
Nicholson and his wife were formerly members of the Episcopal church but
he is now a member of the Congregational church. She died in 1893. The
names of their ten children follow: Lizzie married Edward Slack and
their home is in Chicago; Mary is the wife of John Richardson and they
live in Compton, Illinois: Thomas is engaged in the livery business and lives
in Amboy. Illinois; William is a farmer and his home is near Pickford,
Michigan: Maggie lives at home: Lincoln is a farmer and was last heard
oi in Arizona; Sarah is the wife of Lincoln Trent and their home is in
Chicago, Illinois; Joseph lives on the home place; L. C, the subject of this
sketch ; Ed is a farmer and lives in Dunn township, Otter Tail county,
.Minnesota.
L. C. Nicholson was educated in the schools of Lee county, Illinois,
following which he operated the home place, in partnership with his brother,
Joseph, for one year and then rented a place for himself. This farm he
retained until 1910 and then removed to Floyd county. Iowa, where he pur-
chased eighty acres of land on which he remained for three years. In the
790 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
spring of 1913, he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota and purchased
one hundred and fifty-six acres in section 36, it being the old Barney Phillips
place. This farm is devoted to general agriculture and stock raising.
MARCUS P. MAURIN.
Marcus i\ Maurin is one of the representative business men of Eliza-
beth, Otter Tail county, and has taken great interest in the civic affairs of
the community. His birth occurred on February 8, 1876, in Elizabeth, Otter
Tail county. He was educated in the public schools of his native town dur-
ing the early years of his life, later becoming a student in St. John's Univer-
sity for two years, from 1891 until 1893. Upon the completion of his
student days, he became connected with the business interests which his father
had established and in which he has continued until the present time. This
business was incorporated in 1912, and since that time Marcus P. Maurin
has acted in the capacity of secretary and treasurer. He is also administra-
tor of his father's estate.
On April 6, iqio, Marcus P. Maurin was united in marriage to Irene
Barron, and they are the parents of one child. Marcus P. Maurin, Jr., who
was born on February 13. 1914. Irene I Barron) Maurin was born on
September 12, 1891, and was the daughter of Harry and Bertha (Lill) Bar-
ron. Her death occurred on February 25, 1914.
Marcus P. Maurin is a member of the Catholic church and also a mem-
ber of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Politically, he is a stanch supporter
of the Democratic party.
OTTO A. FURRNES.
Otto A. Furrnes, a successful farmer of Otter Tail county, was born
at Skage, north of Trondhjem, Norway, March 27, 1864, and is a son of
Alexander and Dorothy ( Lestum ) Furrnes, who were also natives of that
same country. Mrs. Dorothy Furrnes died in her native land and her hus-
band is still living in that country, where he is a farmer and where he
formerly owned land. He is now living retired. Alexander Furrnes and
wife were the parents of thirteen children, as follow : Olava, Erin, who
died in infancy: Erin II, Otto A.. Matheas, Samuel, Andreas, Anna, Axel,
Dorothy, Johanna, Adolph, and Sophia, who died in infancy. Eleven chil-
dren of this family are still living, and ten of them live in Norway. Andreas,
who spent some time in America, returned to his native land after a visit to
Washington and Alaska.
1 Itto \. Furrnes was educated in the public schools of his native land
and emigrated to America in 1887. After landing in New York City,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ygi
.March 2y, 1S87. he went to Thompson, Minnesota, where he worked in a
saw-mill for about a year and one-half. Subsequently, however, he removed
to Otter Tail county, and worked on farms in the neighborhood of where he
first located, continuing at farm work for a number of years. In 1894 he
purchased a farm of eighty acres in Tordenskjold township, but lived on an
adjoining farm and worked by the month. In iqoq he bought the farm
of one hundred and twenty acres where he now lives, and which adjoins his
original eighty-acre farm. Mr. Furrnes is engaged in general farming and
has been very successful in the raising of all crops common to this region.
In 1898 Otto A. Furrnes returned to Norway, and was there married
to Mrs. Maria Ecker. a native of Norway, and the daughter of Andreas
Hummer. Ten years after their marriage, in 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Furrnes
returned to Norway for a visit among their relatives and friends. They
are the parents of two children. Johannes and Dagne.
Since coming to America Mr. Furrnes has been actively identified with
the Republican party, and has been more or less prominent in its councils
in his locality. He is a good farmer, a good citizen and a good neighbor.
KNUT GUNDERSON.
Knut Gunderson was born near Christiania, Norway, March 26, 1863,
the son of Gunder and Berit ( Johannesdatter) Torgenson, who were born
in that same neighborhood and there married. In the year 1885 they came
to America and settled in Folden township, this county, where they bought
eighty acres of uncleared and unimproved land, which Gunder Torgenson
cleared and on which he built a house and other buildings necessary for
comfort and for convenience. Gunder and Berit Torgenson lived on this
place until the year 1902, when Gunder Torgenson died during the
month of September, his wife Berit having preceded him in death by only
six months. To the marriage of Gunder and Berit Torgenson were born
the following children: Gunhild. who lives in Folden township; Torger,
who is a farmer of Folden township; Olena, who married Gule V'atnos and
lives in Folden township; Martha, who married Elef Olson and lives in
Folden township: Kari, who married Andrew Olson and lives in Folden
township; Knut. the subject of this sketch, and Jennie, who married Chris
Gordon and lives at Brainerd, Minnesota.
Knut Gunderson was educated and spent his boyhood days in his native
land. In 1882, three years before the coming of his parents, he came to
America and went to the state of Wisconsin, where he lived for two years
and then, in the year 1884, he came to the state of Minnesota and settled in
< »tter Tail county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of unim-
792 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
proved land in Folden township, land which he cleared and improved by the
erection of a house and other buildings, structures which are yet in use.
During the year 1888, Knut Gunderson was married to Maria Rak-
stad, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota. May 17, 1872, the daugh-
ter of Peter and Betsey 1 Severson | Rakstad, who were natives of Norway,
and who at an early date came to America and to Fillmore county, Minne-
sota, where they settled and in the year 1883 came to Folden township.
To Knut and Maria Gunderson were horn the following children:
Ouidja, who married Olaf Johnson and lives at Colfax, North Dakota;
Gunda, who died in infancy; Gunda, who married Clarence Boles, and lives
at Colfax. North Dakota; Olga, who is deceased: Petra. who married
Oscar Olson, a farmer who lives at Parkers Prairie, this county: Guilder,
who died at the age of sixteen years; Matilda. Thea, Nettie, Orve and
Hazel.
Knut Gunderson and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran
church at Folden, a congregation in which they are respected and appreciated
members. In politics. Mr. Gunderson is an ardent Republican.
RUDOLPH JACOBSON.
Rudolph Jacobson is a successful young farmer of Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, who was born at Calumet, Michigan. July 21, 1883, where his
parents. Hogen and Karen ( Hendrickson) Jacobson, who were natives of
Norway, had .settled after coming to America. They had been married.
however, after arriving in the United States. Mr. Jacobson's father, who
had taken up mining for about twenty years after his marriage, lived at
Calumet. Michigan, for about thirty-two years, and then followed the paint-
er's trade for about twelve years. In 1899 he emigrated to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-
five acres in Tordenskjold township. After having settled on his farm in
this county, he cleared and drained a considerable portion of it, erected
modern buildings upon the farm, and here he lived until his death in 191 1.
Mis wife, the mother of Mr. Jacobson, is still living.
The late Hogen Jacobson was an ardent temperance worker, and was
a charter member of the first Norwegian temperance society in America.
This association was organized in 1N74. As a matter of fact, there was a
society organized in New York City by Adolph Peterson in 1873, but this
was a Swedish temperance society. The late Hogen Jacobson was treasurer
of the Norwegian temperance society from the time of its organization until
he left the state of Michigan, lie was a member of the Lutheran church
in Calumet, and his wife is a member of the same denomination in Otter
Tail county. Mr. and Mrs. Hogen Jacobson were the parents of nine chil-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 793
dren: Albert, a machinist of Minneapolis; Barney, a resident of Jennings,
Michigan, is engaged in railroad work; Leonard, the third in order of birth,
whose whereabouts are unknown; Rudolph, the immediate subject of this
sketch; Hjelmar, who died in infancy; Samuel, who died at the age of six-
teen years; Clara married Victor Bosquet and they live at Maddock, North
Dakota; Laura and Flora, both living at home with their mother.
Rudolph Jacobson received his education in the public schools of Calu-
met, Michigan. After finishing his school training, he worked for a time
on the farm and then worked at the machinist's trade in Minneapolis. Since
1911, however, he has been engaged in general farming and stock raising.
Mr. Jacobson is unmarried. He is independent in politics and is a member
of the Free Lutheran church.
TOHX CARLSON.
Among the % well-known merchants of Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
and especially among the successful hardware dealers of the county, is John
Carlson, who is the proprietor of a prosperous business at Almora.
Mr. Carlson is a native of Norway, where he was born on November 4,
1N-4. He is the son of Carl and Anna t Amundson ) Olson, both of whom
were natives of Norway, being born 111 [845 and 1848, respectively. They
came to Wisconsin in [88] and settled in folk county in July, of that year.
A little later they moved t<i Barron county. Wisconsin, and purchased eighty
acres of land. There the family lived until iqoo, at which time Mr. Olson
came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Elmo township. After selling this farm, he purchased
fnrty acres in the same township, where he has lived ever since 1902. He
is now retired. To Carl and Anna \ Amundson) Olson were born six chil-
dren. Amund, Anton. John. Peter, Ole (deceased) and Anna.
John Carlson was reared on a farm in Barron county. Wisconsin, and
lived there until nineteen years of age. attending the public schools of Barron
county. When Mr. Carlson was nineteen years old, he was employed as a
clerk and as a tinner at Rice Lake, Wisconsin, for one and one-half years.
Later he moved to Prairie Farm, in Barron county, Wisconsin, and acted
as manager of a general store for two and one-half years. He then engaged
in the grocery and confectionery business in the same place and remained
in business until 1903, when he came to Parkers Prairie, in Otter Tail county.
lie acted as clerk for John P. Post in his general store for three years and
then moved to Almora. Minnesota, in September, 10.08, and engaged in the
general mercantile and hardware business. Some vears ago Mr. Carlson
erected a splendid building in which his business is housed. The Structure
794 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
is forty-two by sixty feet. Mr. Carlson has been very successful and has a
large and growing patronage in this community.
In [898 John Carlson was married to Linnie Elseth, who was horn at
Menomonie, Wisconsin, in 1S78. She died in 1903. Three years later,
Mr. Carlson was married to Mina Olson, of Otter Tail county. She was
born in 1'arkcrs Prairie in 18X7. the daughter of Paul and Mary (Erickson)
Olson. They were natives of Norway and in 1870 came to Parkers Prairie
township, Otter Tail county, and homesteaded land, where they lived for
forty-three years. During the last two years they have lived at Clitherall.
Mrs. Carlson"s mother died in 1894.
By his first marriage, Mr. Carlson was the father of one child, Yerna
( >veclia. By his second marriage there were born two children, Elnora and
Parmer.
The Carlsons are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr.
Carlson is a stockholder in the Almora Co-operative Creamery Company
and has served as clerk of the building committee when several of the school
buildings in this vicinity have been erected. He is known in this county
as a prosperous, influential and popular citizen.
HERMAN BURAU.
Herman Burau, deceased, was born on December 15, 1847, nl Ger-
many, and after the death of his father, came with his mother to America
and settled in Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, where he took up a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he later added forty acres
more, making in all. two hundred acres at the time of his death. He was
a blacksmith by trade, and conducted a shop at Elizabeth, being the first
blacksmith in the town. He was a very progressive and prosperous man,
and was an earnest member of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Burau
put valuable improvements on his homestead, including a substantial house,
which was built thirty-eight years ago.
()n October 2 1 . [868, Herman Burau was married to Mary Nigler,
daughter of Rudolph and Elizabeth (Arn) Nigler. She was born on Janu-
ary 17. 1850, in Switzerland, and came with her parents to America in 1852.
To Herman and Mary (Nigler) Burau were born the following children:
Rose. Mary, Charles, Helen. Emma, Bertha, Herman. Frank, John and Ray-
mond, all of whom are now living. Rose Burau became the wife of Peter
Wilmes and resides at Glen Cllin, North Dakota: Charles was married to
Minnie Godfrey, and resides at Elizabeth: Helen became the wife of E. A.
Forder and resides at Chisholm, Minnesota: Emma was married to Joseph
Miller and lives at Elgin, North Dakota; Bertha is now Mrs. James Williams
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 795
and lives at Grand Forks, North Dakota; Herman was married to Martha
Becker and lives at Elizabeth, Minnesota ; John was united in marriage with
Anna Johnson; Rose Burau, the eldest of this family of children, was the
tirst white child born in Otter Tail county. Minnesota; the others were all
born on the home place.
Frank Burau, the eighth child of Herman and Mary (Nigler) Burau,
was born on April 26, 1885, at Elizabeth, Minnesota, and is unmarried.
He lives on the old homestead and takes care of the place, which is located
a quarter of a mile from Elizabeth. He is one of the progressive and
up-to-date farmers of Otter Tail county, possessing a keen foresight along
the lines of agriculture.
Rudolph and Elizabeth (Am) Nigler, parents of Mrs. Herman Burau,
were both born in Switzerland, and came to America in 1852, locating first
in Ohio and from there they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Mr.
Nigler was engaged in business for several years, conducting a general store
and a hotel, finally coming to Elizabeth in 1868, and taking up a homestead
one and one-half miles west of that town. The farm consisted of one hun-
dred and sixty acres, and was their home until their death. Politically, Mr.
Nigler was a Democrat, and always took an active part in local politics.
Both Mr. Nigler and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, and
it was through him that the town of Elizabeth, Minnesota, was started, the
place being named for his wife, Elizabeth (Arn) Nigler. They were the
parents of the following children: Louise, Mary Ann. Rose, Minnie, Mary,
Adolph and Edward; and reared Andrew, an adopted child.
TAMES DAVIS.
James Davis is a native of Otsego county. New York, and his birth
occurred on November 26. 1825. He is one of thirteen children born to
the union of Ezra Davis and Sabra Somers, both natives of Otsego county.
New York, having been born near the town of Cherry Valley. The names
of their children follow: Anna Maria, Roswald, Joel, John, Andrew,
James, Ezra, Rhoda, Sally, Elmira and Louisa. Two other children are
deceased.
fames Davis became an employee in a cotton factory near New Berlin,
Otsego county, New York, at the age of eight years and remained as an
employee of that institution until the age of twenty-two. By close economy
he had saved some money and with it removed to Wisconsin, where he pur-
chased forty acres of land near Waupun, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and
engaged in agricultural pursuits for nearly six years. He then sold the
farm and removed to Houston county, Minnesota, where he located for a
796 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
short tunc only, finally removing to Mower county, where he purchased
eighty acres of land. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Regiment,
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in which company he served as a musician
for three years. He was present at the battles of luka, Corinth and at the
siege of \ icksburg, also at the battle of Black River bridge. While stationed
at Vicksburg, Mississippi, he was taken ill with fever and for two weeks
received treatment in a field hospital. After his recovery from this illness
lie joined his regiment at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, where he was
engaged in picket duty along the railroad, lie also marched with Sherman
to the sea. returning home from Savannah, Georgia, by the way of New
York City. Immediately upon his return to Minnesota, he again engaged
in agricultural pursuits which he has continued to the present time.
( >n April 4, 1N47, James Davis was united in marriage to Evelyn
Cronkhite, daughter of Jeremiah Cronkhite, ami of their union eight chil-
dren were born: Lucy, Frances, Cyrus. James. Jeremiah, Joel, Alva and
Malina. Lucy married Austin Laughlin and her death occurred in Maine
township, this county; Frances is the widow of George Plowman and resides
in Becker county. Minnesota; Cyrus left the parental roof many years ago
and his whereabouts is unknown; James is a drayman and makes his home
111 California; Jeremiah is engaged in farming near Harlowton, Montana;
|oel resides at Gillette. Montana; Alva lives in California, and Malina makes
her home in Becker. Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, Finneas
Austin. Evelyn (Cronkhite) Davis was married at New Berlin, Chenango
county, Xew York, and after forty-three years of service to her family
parsed away on April 0. 1806, leaving her husband and eight children to
mourn her loss.
( hi November 28, 1S67, James Davis was married, secondly, to Eliza
Epler, the daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Cressey) Epler, and to this
union ten children were born: Sophia, David C. Mattie (deceased). Ervin
E., |ohn E., Nelson. Lilly May, Clara, Ctistis (deceased) and Cora E.
Sophia married Charles Clintsman and they live in section 2 in Amor town-
ship, this county; David C. is a merchant in Dead Lake township; Ervin is
a farmer living in Amor township; John E. is a traveling salesman and his
home is in Minneapolis. Minnesota: Lilly May died at the age of nineteen
years; Clara married John \. Gaylord and lives in Amor township; Cora E.
is the wife of John L. Bixby and lives in Dead Lake township, this county.
The maternal grandparents of these children removed from Xew Jersej to
Illinois ami thence to Mower county, Minnesota, where their deaths occurred.
Toseph Epler having died on \pril 20, [880 and his wife. Hannah (Cressey)
Epler, on February 17, 1800.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA. Ji)J
After his second marriage James Davis remained in Mower county,
Minnesota, for some years but later moved to the town of Carpenter, Iowa,
where he remained for eighteen months, removing to Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, in the spring of [878, where he purchased a homestead (soldier's
right) in section 2, Amor township, consisting of one hundred and sixty
acres. This was virgin land, uncleared and unimproved, but a small clear-
ing was soon made in the woods near the river, and on this a cabin was built
in which the family lived for six years. In addition to cultivating this farm,
James Davis was engaged in other labors and has continued to reside on the
one place until the present time. Eighty acres of the original homestead
was sold and eight}' acres retained. James Davis is independent in his
political faith, reserving the right to cast his ballot in favor of the best man.
Religiouslv James Davis and his wife are both members of the Seventh-Day
Adventist church, which denomination receives their active co-operation and
support.
DAVID C. DAVIS.
David C. Davis is one of ten children born to the union of James and
Eliza ( Epler) Davis, and his birth occurred on January 13, 1872, in Mower
county, Minnesota. His education was received in the public schools of
Otter Tail county, after which he became a student in the Park Region
Lutheran College, returning to the home place at the completion of his
student days. He purchased forty acres of government land in Dead Lake
township on which he remained for five years. This land was unimproved
but under the management of David C. Davis was soon ready for cultivation.
After selling this farm he purchased eighty acres of the old homestead,
which he cultivated for a period of ten years, trading same, in the spring of
1915, for eleven acres of Dead Lake property. This property included the
Boswood store which carries a large stock of general merchandise.
On December 15, 1898, David C. Davis was united in marriage to Lulu
Mills, daughter of Edward C. and Ella Harriett Mills, pioneers in Swift
county, Minnesota. Lulu (Mills! Davis is a native of Swift county and
her union has been blessed with four children: Vivy, Iva. Eva and Bessie
Madge. Edward ('. Mills was a fanner and a resident in former years, of
Arkansas, removing to ( )tter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1893, later remov-
ing to Becker county, Minnesota, in i<)0_>. where he still lives. He is a
native of Vermont and his wife a native of Illinois.
David C. Davis is independent in his ixilitical faith, recognizing the
dictates of no creed in his righl of franchise. He has been a member of
the school board for a period of ten years.
-98 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
OLE P. NESS.
( He P. Ness, who is well known as a farmer in Everts township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, but who. for many years, was engaged in railroad
work, was burn in Norway, April 10, 1859, and is a son of Halver and
Ellen 1 Petersen 1 Ness, both of whom were natives of Norway, his father's
birth occurring on July 7, 1828, and his mother's in 1830.
In [883 Halver Ness and his family came to Minnesota, from their
native land, and here took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mar-
shall county, which their son, Ole P., now owns. The family remained in
Marshall county about eighteen years, and Halver Ness now lives with his
son, his wife having died in 1005. Halver Ness and his wife were the par-
ents of five children, of whom John and Hilda are deceased. The living
children are Ole J'., Torvald and August.
Educated in the- public schools of his native land, Ole P. Ness came to
America in 1880, settling in Everts township. In 1882 he purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of land, later adding forty acres in one tract, and
twenty-nine acres in another, and he is now the owner of one hundred and
eighty-nine acres in Everts township, besides one hundred and sixty acres
in Marshall county, Minnesota. .Mr. Ness is a general fanner and stock-
man, and has met with a very commendable degree of success in his chosen
calling.
In [883 Ole P. Xess began working in the round-house at Fergus
balls, Minnesota. The next year he became a fireman on the railroad,
ami five years later was promoted to the post of engineer, holding this posi-
tion for several years on the Great Northern railroad. For a time he was
located at Barnesville, Minnesota, as inspector of engines. Later he settled
in Marshall county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming. In 1907 he
removed to his farm in Everts township.
Ole 1'. Xess was married in 1893 to Bertha Ellstad. who was born in
Decorah, Iowa, and who is a daughter of Tollef and Margaret Ellstad, early
settlers in Iowa, who came from Norway. Both are now deceased. By
this first marriage of Mr. Ness there were four children born, of whom
Elmer, the youngest born, is deceased. The living children are Hilda, Lillian
and |ohn. The mother of these children died in 1902, and some years later
Mr. Xess married Clara Aune. who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota,
August to, [886. She is a daughter of Ole and Margaret (Wigen) Aune.
the former of whom was born in Norway in 1853. and the latter in 1863
in the same country. Ole Mine came to Minneapolis in 18N2. and Margaret
Wigen came to this country in the same year. They were married in
Minneapolis in [885, and are now living in Marshall county. Minnesota.
Mrs. Ness's mother was a daughter of Berndt Wigen and wife, natives of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. "99
Norway. They were married in Norway on October, 1858, and in 1883,
came to Minneapolis, where they lived until 1889. in which year they removed
to West Valley, Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of
land. His wife died here on January 29, 1915. Berndt Wigen and his
wife were the parents of eight children: John, a resident of St. Paul;
Alfred, who lives in Canada; Mrs. A. Mickelson, and Mrs. A. Nelsen, both
of whom are living at Argyle, Minnesota; Mrs. Ole Aune, of West Valley;
Mrs. Peter Myhr, of Minneapolis, and two who died early in life. They
also have thirty-nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Ole P. Ness are the parents of three children: Myrtle,
horn in 1906; Helmer. born in 1909, and Orville. whose birth occurred in
1912.
Mr. Ness has cleared practically all of his land himself, and has made
many substantial improvements on his place, including the erection of fine
farm buildings.
Mr. Ness and his family are earnest and devout members of the Luth-
eran church.
OLAF A. YTNTE.
Olaf A. Vinje, the eldest son of Olaf and Mathea (Brenna) Vinje was
horn in Norway. March 5, 18(17. His father, Olaf Vinje, was a brother of
the distinguished Norwegian poet, Osmund Vinje. He was born in Tele-
marken, Norway. October 5, 1832. Mathea (Brenna) Vinje was born in
Eidskogen, Norway, January 3, 1814. They came to America in 1882 and
located on a farm in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Here
Mr. Yinje's parents spent the rest of their lives. When they first came to
this farm it was a barren tract of land, but is now highly productive and is
well improved. When Olaf Vinje first came to this country he operated a
store and was later appointed as postmaster. Pie retired from the mercan-
tile business, and resigned as postmaster and devoted his time to farming.
Mrs. Olaf Vinje died on December [3, [909. Olaf Vinje died on August
19. 19".
There were twelve children in the Vinje family, all of whom are living,
except one girl who died in Norway. Olaf A., the eldest, is the immediate
subject of this sketch: Martha, married to N. O. Melby, resides at Fergus
Falls, Minnesota: Syver is a physician and surgeon at Hillsboro, North
Dakota; Ragnhild married Anton Thompson, county attorne) of Otter Tail
county; Osmund, Eivin and Svein are practicing dentistry in Chicago, Illi-
nois; Arne is an attorney at Steele, North Dakota: Signe married Olaf
Schei, clothier at Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Dagny married John F. Thomp-
800 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
son, presidenl of the Northern Oil company, and Helga, who married J. E.
Six lie.
Olaf A. Vinje received his education in the common schools of his
native land, and was fifteen years of age when he came to America with
his parents. By home stud) he has taught himself to read and write the
English language. In [912 Mr. Vinje first engaged in farming and now
operates the heme place, tie has been very successful in his chosen voca-
tion, and has applied himself assiduously to its successful operation.
REV. A. I. SCHAUT.
Among the many crusaders for spiritual freedom, none are more
influential than those who are church leaders. A. J. Schaut is in this class
and as pastor of an appreciative parish, he is sincerely respected by all who
know him. A. J. Schaut is a native of Syracuse. New York, and his birth
occurred on June 13. 1869. lie is the son of W. F. Schaut and his wife.
Mary A. Schaut. both natives of Syracuse. Xew York. \V. [•'. Schaut was
a civil engineer and followed that vocation for many years.
A. J. Schaut is indebted to the schools of Pennsylvania for his early
education, having heen a student in St. Mary's and later taking a course of
stud)- m the normal, in Florence, Alabama, from which school he gradu-
ated in 1883. f'e tnen entered Notre Dame University, at South Bend,
Indiana, ami graduated from that institution of learning in 1894. He was
ordained at Xotre Dame University, and soon after removed to St. Cloud.
Minnesota, where he served in the capacity of assistant pastor of the cathe-
dral 111 that place. In 1895 he removed to St. Joseph, Minnesota, where he
remained until 1904, at which time he began his duties in the parish of Per-
ham, Minnesota, and is still engaged as a pastor, much beloved by the
cont>rc"ation.
T1IOM \S K. rOHNSON.
Thomas K. Johnson was horn on November o, 1845, in Guernsey
county, Ohio, and is the son of Barney and Maria ( Fitch) Johnson, natives
of Pennsylvania and Guernsey county, Ohio, respectively. Harney Johnson
left his native state of Pennsylvania when a young man and located in
Guernsey county, where he met and won Maria Fitch as his wife. By trade
he was a carpenter and followed that vocation in Ohio until [852, at which
tune he removed to Missouri and settled in St. Clair county, for seven years.
lie then transferred his location to the state of Iowa and resided in Wapello
count)- for eighteen months, removing thence to Mower count)-. Minnesota.
where he remained until his death in [863. His demise resulted from con-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 8oi
sumption. Maria (Fitch) Johnson, after the death of her husband, mar-
ried Julius Stone and lived to the age of more than seventy years, dying in
November, 1894.
Both Barney Johnson and his wife, Maria ( Fitch 1 Johnson, were active,
loyal members of the Baptist church and were the parents of twelve chil-
dren: William, who was a veteran of the Civil War and died in the state
of Missouri; Robert was a farmer and lived in Colorado where his' death
occurred; Thomas K. is the subject of this sketch; Sarah Catherine, who
is the widow of George Benton and now resides in Austin, Minnesota; John
was a farmer and lived in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where his death
occurred; Barnabas was an employee of a railroad company and he passed
away while a resident of Montana: Nancy became the wife of Caleb Powers
and now makes her home in Austin, Minnesota; Theodosia became the wife
of 1 1 Miner Hubbard and they reside in Breckenridge, Minnesota; Virginia
became the wife of Joseph Shannon and after her marriage removed to
Los Angeles, California, where she still lives; three other children there
were, but they died in infancy.
Reared on his father's farm in Minnesota, Thomas K. Johnson received
hi - education in the public schools of his locality. On November 1, 1863,
he enlisted in Company B, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and remained in
service for the period of two years and one month, during the Civil War.
He was in the western division of the army which was sent out to fight the
Indians. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1878, and at that
time removed to Otter Tail county and settled in Amor township, where he
cultivated one hundred and fifty-seven acres of homestead land. This land
was in section 4 and was a veritable wilderness, but with the courage and
perseverance of the pioneer, he built a log house with a thatched roof and
began clearing the land, preparatory to cultivation, improving it in everv
way possible and remained there until 1904, at which time he removed to
the town of Richville. which was being built. Here he entered the com-
mercial life of this thriving town by engaging in the saw-mill industry and,
at the same time, assisted his wife in the general merchandise store which
she owned and operated. Since their removal to Richville, the farm has
been sold and thirty acres of town property has been purchased. They
have a nice, comfortable home and are fully prepared to enjov the future
years of plenty and peace.
Thomas K. Johnson was united in marriage to Nellie French on Decem-
ber 23, 1869. She is the daughter of Monroe and Sarah (Landon) French
and was born on August 22, 1845, 'n Sugar Island. Wisconsin, a town that
is situated not far from Milwaukee. Sarah (Landon) French was a native
8o2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of Canada, but sonic years after her birth removed to Wisconsin, where she-
later met and married Monroe French. Monroe French was a native of
Stratford, New Hampshire. They married in Wisconsin but removed to
Austin, Minnesota, where they both died.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Johnson are the parents of ten children, three
of whom are now living: Herman is a farmer in Saskatchewan. Canada:
Stephen is a stationary engineer and lives in Mason City, Iowa; Alberta
married Frederick Atwood, but is now the wife of Allen McWhirter and they
live in Virginia, Minnesota: Elsie became the wife of Thomas Mills, but
passed away at the age of twenty-six years.
Thomas K. Johnson was one of seven men who organized the Richville
Telephone Company. He also served as school treasurer for the period of
eighteen years, in district 170. in Amor township. He also served as super-
visor fur the same length of time. Fraternally, he is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also an honored member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. With the
exception- of two vears he has been chairman of the Richville council since
its organization.
ANDERS H. HOEM.
The late Anders H. Holm, who was one of the well-known citizens of
Sverdrup township and one of its most enterprising farmers until his death
on April 22, 1013, was a native of Norway, where he was born on Novem-
ber 12, i860.
Mr. Holm was the son of Halvor and Sigred (Andersen) Thoresen,
both of whom were natives of Norway and who came to ( )tter Tail county,
.Minnesota, in 1887. After coming to this country they lived with their
son. Anders H., until their deaths. Air. Holm's father died on June 12,
191 1. at the age of eighty-six years and his mother died in 1898, at the age
of seventy-one.
The late Anders IF Holm was reared on a farm and educated in the
public schools of Norway. Upon coming to America in 1884 he came to
Otter Tail county and purchased seventy-five acres of land where the Holm
family now lives. This land is located in Sverdrup township. Here Anders
Holm lived for twenty vears. Eater, however, he purchased one hundred
and fifty-one acres of land in the same township, farming both tracts of
land until his death. After his death, his widow sold the second farm and
moved to the first farm of seventy-five acres, where she built a .splendid
residence and a good barn and where she now lives. Anders Holm was a
stockholder in the cheese factory at Phelps, Minnesota, and a stockholder in
the co-operative mercantile store at Underwood,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 803
In 1886 Anders Holm was married to Hanna Carlsen, who was born
111 Sweden on March II, 1862, the daughter of Carl and Christine (Peder-
son) Carlsen, both of whom were also natives of Sweden. Mrs. Holm's
father was horn on April 30, 1825. and her mother on May I, 1829. Her
father died in Sweden at the age of forty-nine and the mother at the age
of hfty-three. Mrs. Holm was the third child in a family of six children,
the others being, John. Alfred, Peter, France and Amanda. Mr. Holm and
wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are deceased, Sena,
Anna, Sena, Harold. Carl, Andrew, Amanda and Arnold. The living chil-
dren are Anna, Alma, Elvin and Clara.
Mr. Holm was more or less prominent in the political life of his town-
ship and throughout his life was an ardent Republican. The Holm family
has been conspicuously identified with the Lutheran church. Mr. Holm
was a member of thi^ church as is also his widow at the present time.
JOHN T. THOMPSON.
Born on October 25, 1872, in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county.
Minnesota. John T. Thompson, who is a farmer and business man of Dalton.
Minnesota, is the son of Isaak and Ingeborganna Thompson, both of whom
were natives of Norway. Mr. Thompson's father was born in Stod, Nor-
way. January 18. 1822, and was a laborer in his native land. In 1857 he
came to America and made his home in Iowa, for ten years. Mr. Thomp-
son's mother was born in Stod, Norway, Octoher 18, 1833. She came to
America in 1865 and they were married at Decorah, Iowa, in 1866. In
1867 they moved to St. Olaf township where the father homesteaded one
hundred and seventy acres of land where he lived the remainder of his active
life on the farm. They spent their last years at Dalton, Minnesota.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaak Thompson were the parents of three children. One
boy who died an infant. Annie was born on November 18, 1868. On
November 18. 1891, she was married to Fred Anderson. They are farm-
ing at Aurora, Oregon. The third child was John T., the subject of this
sketch. They were members of the Lutheran church. Isaak Thompson
died on February 17, 1915, and Mrs. Thompson died on January 17, 1914.
John T. Thompson was educated in the common schools of Si. Olai
township, Otter Tail county and. when a young man. began life on his
father's farm on his own responsibility. When he was twenty-one years
old he was presented with the home farm by his father and has owned it
ever since. In 1900 he engaged in the clothing business at Dalton, Minne-
sota. He retired from the clothing business in 1915. He is now interested
in the Northern Oil Company. Mr. Thompson is a stockholder and director
804 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of the First State Bank of Dalton and is otherwise prominent in commercial
circles in this section of Otter Tail county.
On May 25, 1913, John T. Thompson was married to Dagny Vinje,
and to them has been born one child, Margaret Irene.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church. Mr. Thompson is independent in politics. He is an intelligent and
prosperous business man and is popular, not only in his home community,
but throughout this and adjoining counties, where he is so well known.
EDWARD C. EMBERTSON.
Edward C. Embertson is one of the progressive farmers of Parkers
Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his superior intelligence,
along the chosen line of his endeavor, has made him an authority on many
questions pertaining to agriculture. He is one of the seven children born to
the union of Edward Embertson and Clara Knutson, both natives of Nor-
way, and his birth occurred on November 10, 1869, in Vernon county,
Wisconsin. Edward Embertson was born on April 11, 1847. >n Norway,
and immigrated to America when a small child. His education was received
in the common schools of Vernon county, Wisconsin, following which he
was emploved as a river driver, and in summer he was engaged in the pine
forests in preparation for the winter work. Clara Knutson was born on
August 26. 1847, and immigrated to America with her parents, who located
in Vernon county. Wisconsin. Tt was in that state that her marriage to
Edward Embertson was solemnized.
Shortly after their marriage Edward Embertson and his wife removed
to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, locating in Parkers Prairie township, on
one hundred and sixty acres of land which they purchased under the home-
stead law. Their abode on this farm was begun in 1870. and for many
years their struggle to successfully cultivate and market their products
was a mighty one indeed, there being no roads and the location of their
farm being far removed from their market place. In spite of the many
difficulties, however, they managed very successfully, and many improve-
ments on the farm were made. The names of their seven children are as
follow: Edward C, John, Matilda. Julia. Ellen, Emma and Laura. John
is an attornev-at-law, at Parkers Prairie. Minnesota; Matilda is a teacher
in the schools of Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Julia is a nurse at Sauk Center,
Minnesota: Ellen is the wife of P. M. Johnson, and lives in Orleans, Minne-
sota; Emma is a teacher in the schools of Two Harbors. Minnesota, while
Laura lives with her mother at Henning. Minnesota.
The grandparents of Edward C. Embertson were Engbret and Tngeborg
OTTER -TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 805
Sherve, both natives of Norway, who immigrated to America in 1858 and
located in Vernon county, Wisconsin. Ingbret Sherve engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits and followed that vocation until his death. His son, Edward
Embertson, died on June 6, 1903. Edward Embertson was one of the
organizers of the Norwegian Lutheran church in Parkers Prairie town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in which church he was an active mem-
ber and served in various offices. His early political faith was in favor of
the Republican party, but later he became an advocate of independent princi-
ples and continued to cast his vote in favor of the people.
Edward C. Embertson is indebted to the common schools of Parkers
Prairie township for his early education, his studies being completed in the
commercial college of Willmar, Minnesota. Soon after his student days,
he engaged in school teaching, and followed this vocation for a period of
three years, after which he accepted a position in the auditor's office in
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, serving in this capacity for a period of six years.
In 1898, he purchased the present farm, consisting of one hundred and
sixty acres, which he devotes to general diversified farming.
On January 17, 1893. Edward C. Embertson was united in marriage
to Hanna Olson, and to them have been born eight children, whose names
follow: Clarence, Elma, Hulda, Laurence, Harris, Edna, Amy and Harlan.
Hanna (Olson) Embertson was born on October 26, 1870, in Norway, and
has been a devoted helpmeet and mother. She and her husband attend the
Norwegian Lutheran church, and, while not members of the congregation,
are active in its support. Edward C. Embertson casts his vote as an inde-
pendent, and his influence always in favor of the best man.
WILLARD HAZEN.
Willard Hazen, farmer, Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, was born
on August 24, 1863, in Monroe county, Wisconsin, and is a son of J. S.
and Virginia ( Miller 1 Hazen. He received his education at the public
schools of Parkers Prairie township, and as a young boy started to work
out in the timber. For fourteen springs and winters, he worked in the
woods and on the rivers of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and during the sum-
mers worked in the harvest fields of the Dakotas, after which he was for
three years on the police force at Bemidji. When Parkers Prairie was
first established lie conducted a saloon for three years, and later became
proprietor of a hotel for seven years. In 11)13 he came to the farm on
which he now lives, which he had bought the year before, consisting of
eighty acres, on which he does general farming. Politically, Mr. Hazen
has always given his support to the Republican partv.
806 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
J. S. Hazen, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the state
of New York, and his wife. Virginia (Miller) Hazen, was bom in Virginia.
Mr. Hazen followed fanning in Wisconsin, and went to the Civil War in
the Thirty-seventh regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in
1863 anil remaining out three years, participating in all the engagements
of his regiment. In 1868. he came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded
the place where Willard Hazen now resides, consisting of one hundred and
sixty acres, but died before he received the homestead papers. Mrs. Hazen
completed the arrangements for the homestead, and the family finally
became the owners of two hundred and seventeen acres. Mrs. Hazen died
in 1894. This union was blest with ten children: Charles, A. B.. Ella,
Edmund and Edgar (twins), William, Willard. Bell, Hattie and Fred.
Willard Hazen was united in marriage in October, 1886, with Mary
Schroeder, by whom he has had nine children: A. I., Kattie, Betsey, Ora.
Rav, Laura, Lillian, Herbert and Kenneth.
WILLIAM J. HOFFMANN.
A citizen who has given evidence of his interest in the development
of the community in which he lives and who has used every effort to pro-
mote its civic welfare, is William J. Hoffman, who as postmaster at Dent,
has found opportunity to familiarize himself with many lines of business
enterprise. William J. Hoffmann is a native of Germany, having been born
in that country on the 22nd of April, 1872. He is the son of Gottlieb and
Henrietta (King) Hoffmann, both of whom were born in Germany. Gott-
lieb Hoffmann lived in Germany all his life, but his wife and the seven
children whom they reared left their native land to come to America.
William Hoffmann received the elementary branches of education in
the public schools of Germany, and was still a boy when his mother and
her seven children came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1882. The
family located in Dora township, where Mrs. Hoffmann, a woman of great
strength of character, took a homestead claim on forty-seven acres of land.
For a short while after their arrival, William J. Hoffmann attended the
Dora township schools. He later availed himself of the educational advan-
tages given at Perham, where he attended school for one term. His
advancement in school affairs was remarkably rapid, and at the end of the
term he was able to qualify for the profession of teaching in the public
schools. He taught school, and after the first term turned his attention
to the occupation of fanning, which he followed for three years. At the
end of that time he was able to buy the original Hoffmann homestead,
owned by his mother. Aside from the duties of the farm management, he
OTTER TAH. COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 807
took charge of the postoffice at Dora, with which he was connected until
1903, when he moved to Dent. He has the distinction, with his business
partner, of erecting the first mercantile business building in Dent. He
remained in this location for two years when he returned to the farm. Dur-
ing the two years which followed, Air. Hoffmann experienced the disap-
pointment of losing part of his financial gains of several years. He decided
to return to Dent, where since \()Oj he has been engaged in various lines
of business enterprise, among which is the held of real estate.
In December, 1914, Air. Hoffmann became postmaster at Dent. In
political affairs he lias always shown enthusiasm as a member of the Demo-
cratic party. He was one of the leaders who were active in incorporating
the town of Dent.
On the 27th of February, 1000, the marriage of William C. Hoffmann
to Anna Stender was solemnized. Mr. and Airs. Hoffmann have reared
the following children: Herman, Elsa, who was the first child born in Dent;
William, Bennie, Frieda, Irwin and George.
WILLIAM H. KENDALL.
William H. Kendall, farmer, Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, was
born on May 10, 1863, in Iowa, and is the son of Charles and Mary (Reed)
Kendall. His education was obtained at the public schools of Minnesota,
after which he assisted his father on the farm, and still later took entire
care of his parents for the remainder of their lives, at whose death
he became the owner of the home place, about 1805, and now owns one
hundred and seventy acres of line agricultural land, on which he has put the
most of the improvements. Air. Kendall follows general farming, and on
one part of his place he has a splendid fishing lake and a summer resort,
including a cottage and boats, which he rents out. Politically, he is a
Republican, and in religion his sympathies are with the Raptist church.
Fraternally, he belongs to the .Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Charles Kendall was born 011 April 18, 1825, in New Hampshire, and
his wife. Alary (Reed) Kendall, was horn on October 18, 1827, in Ken-
tucky. Air. Kendall followed farming for a vocation, and came west about
1853, settling in Illinois for a short period, and then moved to the southern
part of Minnesota, from where he moved in a few years to Iowa. In 1881
he came to Otter Tail County and settled in Parkers Prairie, on the farm
now owned by his sou. consisting of one hundred and sixtv acres, where
he spent the remainder of his life in the vocation of agriculture. To
Charles and Alary ( Reed ) Kendall were born two children, William H.,
and John F. ATr. Kendall was an ardent Republican but never sought
public office.
808 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
William H. Kendall was united in marriage on October 18. 1885,
with Christena Bennett, daughter of A. J. Bennett. She was born on
October 10. 1866. This union has been blest with one child, Nora, who
was born on May 17, 1888. and is now the wife of Henry Fritz. They
have one child, Betsey 1.., horn on Marsh 7, 1912.
Andrew Jackson Bennett, father of Mrs. William Kendall, was born
on September 7, 1844, and was united in marriage with Rachel Emberson,
who was horn on August 9, 1841). in Norway. They came to Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, June 10. 1875. and located in Parkers Prairie town-
ship, where they took up a homestead of forty acres, and had a hard strug-
gle to get along at first hut by industry he finally became prosperous, and
later bought eighty acres more from the railroad, giving him a fine tract
of one hundred and twenty acres, where he did general farming. Mrs. Rachel
Bennett died on September 26. [893. Mr. Bennett put all the improve-
ments on his place, which he sold in IQ05. moving to Canada, where he
still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett had nine children: Daniel R.. Chris-
tena. Andrew E.. who died at the age of two and one half years: Willie,
who died aged twenty years; Elmina and Elmira, twins, the latter
of whom died when twenty-six years of age: Delia, who died at the age of
twenty-seven years; Alma, and Chester, who lives in Canada. Mr. Bennett
is a stanch Democrat, while in religion he is an ardent Baptist, in the work
of which he has been active, holding the office of deacon.
Mr. Kendall is a man of sterling qualities, and is highly esteemed in
this neighborhood.
K VSPER LAUSTEN.
Born in Denmark, March i), [843, Kasper Lausten, of Newton town-
ship. Otter fail county, Minnesota, herded cattle when he was a small boy
and attended school in the winter. His parents were poor and he has made
his own way in the world and is today rated as a self-made man.
Mr. Lausten's parents died in Denmark. He was educated in that
country and, in 1N7N. settled at Norwood, Carver county, Minnesota, and
six years later moved to Otter Tail county, where he took a homestead of
forty acres in one tract and forty acres in another. He now owns eighty
acres where he lives, besides forty acres in section 10. While a resident of
Norwood, Mr. Lausten worked on the railroad as a section hand. He has
cleared his land and has erected good buildings upon the farm.
In 1 8 7 j; Kasper Lausten was married to Johanna Christina Nelson,
who was born in Denmark. Mrs. Lausten's parents died in their native
land. To Mr. and Mrs. Lausten have been born seven children, four of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 8oQ
whom, Mary, Lewis. Anne and Louis, were born in Denmark. Lewis is
deceased. Three children. Xicolena. Sophia and Lena, were bom in this
country. Xicolena was born in Carver county at Norwood, and is deceased.
Sophia is the wife of William Rieman. Lena is the wife of Jerome Com-
peau. of Cass Lake, Minnesota. Airs. Lausten died on the old homestead
farm on April 4, igi2. She was a good mother and a good wife and her
loss was keenly felt, not only by her immediate relatives, but by a host of
friends and neighbors. She was a devout member of the Lutheran church
and her husband and children, who survive, are also members of that church.
NICOLA] HAAGENSON.
Nicolai Haagenson, farmer, stock raiser, prominent citizen and man
of affairs in Oscar township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on
the Haagenson farm in Oscar township, November 6, 18S6, the son of Nils
and Marie (Johnson) Haagenson, natives of Norway. Nils Haagenson
is the son of Haagen Hermanson, who came to America and located in
Nicollet county, Minnesota, where he farmed for a short time and then
retired from active life and lived with his son, Ole Hermanson, for the
remainder of his days.
Nils Haagenson was educated in the schools of his native land, and for
a time after coming to America, when he was thirteen years of age, he
attended classes in the public schools of Nicollet county. Minnesota, where
he settled, with his parents, and with whom he lived until 1875, when lie
came to Otter Tail county, and. homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres
of land in section 35, Oscar township. On this farm Nils Haagenson lived
as a general farmer until i<)io, when he moved to Fergus Falls, and now
lives a retired life at that place. As a business man. Nils Haagenson is
prominently connected, being a stockholder in the Fergus Falls National
Bank; in the Scandia Bank, of the same city; he is interested in several
financial institutions of North Dakota, and is heavily interested in the new
Carlisle Bank, of Carlisle. Minnesota. He is an extensive landowner, own-
ing large tracts of land in Minnesota and in North Dakota.
Nils Haagenson is a prominent member of the Norwegian Lutheran
church at Carlisle. Minnesota, and is known as one of the chief workers
and supporters of this denomination in Otter Tail county. Nils and Marie
Haagenson are the parents of six children: Anna. Herman. John. Alfred,
Emily and Nicolai.
Nicolai Haagenson was educated in the common schools of Oscar
township, Otter Tail count}", at Northwestern College, of Fergus Falls, and
,u tin- Darling Business College, at Fergus Falls, following which he became
SlO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
a student of agriculture at the Minnesota State University, and then he took
charge of the home farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres in Oscar
township, a place which Mr. Haagenson now cultivates as a general farmer,
together with the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs. In
addition to his present farm. Nicolai Haagenson is the owner of two hun-
dred and forty acres of land elsewhere in Otter Tail county.
On June 23, 1910, Nicolai Haagenson was married to Inga Fjestad,
of Carlisle, the daughter of Frank Fjestad and wife, well-known people
of the community.
Frank Fjestad was born in Norway, November 12. 1847, and in 1867
came to America, locating first in the state of Wisconsin, where he lived
for a short time and then moved to Texas, making his home in that state
for one year, after which he returned to Wisconsin, and then later moved
to Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he now lives as
a prosperous farmer and landowner, being the owner of nine hundred and
ninety acres of land, all well improved.
Nicolai Haagenson is a stockholder of the Carlisle Elevator Company.
of the Carlisle Bank, and is heavily interested in the Cream of Barley Com-
pany, of Minneapolis. Mr. Haagenson is a leading member of the Norwe-
gian Lutheran church at Carlisle.
FRANK H. HORNE.
One of the first hotels in Almora is the establishment built and man-
aged by Frank H. Home, who, because of his genial nature and thorough
understanding of the business, has made it a popular home for travelers
in the north. Coming here when the town consisted of a small group of
houses, he saw the need for hotel accommodations and with true business
instinct and with pioneer hardihood, set to work to supply the need. Since
that tune his business has grown and he has added livery service to his
first enterprise.
Frank H. Home was born on December 3. 1859, in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, and is the son of Elias A. and Mary (Minnick) Home. The
parents were of German descent, but were born in Berks county, where they
grew up ami were married. The father followed his trade as shoemaker
until 1869, when, removing to Blackhawk county, Iowa, he became a farmer
and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in quiet pur-
suits, she passing awa\ in 1912 and his death following a year later. Both
wen- members of the Reformed church. Sarah, their eldest daughter,
became the wife of John P. Berry, of Waterloo, Iowa: Frank II. is their
second child; Annie is now Mrs. George Davis, also of Waterloo. Iowa.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Si I
The public schools of Blackhawk county, Iowa, furnished Frank H.
1 ionic his education and in his early manhood he became a farmer on
rented land in Floyd county, Iowa. In 1902 he moved to Otter Tail county,
living near the village of Clitherall on a farm for one year. He then loca-
ted in Elmo township, when . Minora was only a settlement. A number of
buildings were then being erected, and in order to provide lodging for the
workmen engaged on them Air. Home established a boarding house in a
tent. He immediately began the erection of a hotel containing twelve rooms,
the dimensions of the building being thirty by forty feet. He has been its
proprietor ever since and by the pursuance of good business methods has
built up an enviable trade. To this business was added, in 1915, a livery
service, when he built a substantial new livery barn. Another line of activity
in which Mr. Home was engaged was a phase of railroad work when for
four years he was local agent of the Soo Line and manager of the grain
elevator. These enterprises he has given up. His farm of one hundred and
thirty-one acres near the village is rented and operated by his son. Earl, who
is the eldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. Home, who were married on Septem-
ber 7. 1880, she having been Ida L. Crane, the daughter of Thomas Crane,
of .Minnesota. A daughter was born previous to the birth of Earl, her name
being Alice. She is the wife of Irvin Hering, a resident of Charles Citv,
Iowa. The other children in the order of their birth are: Bert, a mail clerk;
of Dixon, Illinois; Iva and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Home are members of the
church of Latter-Day Saints.
As a hotel man and as one of the tirst settlers in this locality, Mr.
Home is among the best-known citizens of Almora. He anil his wife are
hospitable and it has been their effort to diffuse about their hotel the atmos-
phere best described as '"home-like." Theirs has been an influence for good
during the many years of their residence here.
GERMAN SHA
German Sha was born in \Yurteml>erg. Germany, December 3, 1838,
the son of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Lark) Sha. both of whom were natives
of Germany, in which country they lived their entire lives. Sebastian Sha
being a farmer of twenty-five acres, as well as a cattle buver of his local-
ity. The elder Sha served for some years as a soldier of the German army,
having made a good record during the period of his service. Sebastian Sha
was a member of the Catholic church. To Sebastian and Elizabeth Sha
were born five children: Pauline, who is deceased; Elizabeth, who married
Martin Muckenteiler and in the year 1855 came to America, locating in the
state of Kansas, where she died; German, the subject of this sketch: Sebas-
bI2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
tian, who is a baker and cattle buyer of Germany, and Frank, who died in
Xew York City.
( lerman Sha, following his education in the common schools of Ger-
many, learned the miller's trade, which he followed for three years and
then came to .America, in the year 1857, making the voyage of thirty-five
days on a sailing vessel. After arriving in New York City he went to Scott
county, Minnesota, where he worked on farms, generally, until the year
[869, when he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, homesteading one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Erhards Grove township, and buying
about one hundred acres of additional land from the Northern Pacific Rail-
way Company. This place he cleared of the timber and broke up the sod
of the prairie land, building a log cabin for a home and afterward during
his active life made this farm his home, in the meantime adding many
improvements until now his farm is one of the best in the community. In
the year 10.15, German Sha retired from the farm and moved to the town
of Elizabeth, Minnesota, where he has erected a good home.
During the year 1862, German Sha was married to Elizabeth Colosky,
who was born in Canada, the daughter of Anthony Colosky and wife, natives
of Germany. To the marriage of German and Elizabeth Sha have been
born the following children: Joseph, a farmer of Orwell township. Otter
Tail county; I'eter, a fanner who died in Aurdal township; Frank a far-
mer, butcher and cattle buyer of Trondhjem township; Alexander, a farmer
living near Erhard, Otter Tail county; Edward, who lives on the Sha home-
stead: Maggie, who married M. F. Kniprath and lives in the state of North
Dakota; Elizabeth, who married R. A. Burau and lives at Fairview, Mon-
tana; Carrie, who married Henry C. Burau, and lives at Fairview. Mon-
tana; Mary, who married Elmer J. Parson and lives at Brook Park, Minne-
sota; Clara, who married Joe Morris, and lives near Staples, Minnesota :
and Kate, who married Charles Spies and lives in Oscar township, this
county. German Sha and his family are faithful and devout members of
the Catholic church at Elizabeth, Minnesota.
From April 1, 186-?, Mr. Sha was employed by the government at Yel-
low Medicine, a Sioux Indian agency. On the 18th of August, 1862, there
broke out an Indian uprising. With the assistance of a friendly Indian
(John Other Day). Mr. Sha, wife and a party of thirty-five people, were
able to escape, traveling across country for five days.
In the political and official life of Erhanls Grove township German Sha
has served his community in various offices, his conduct and regulation of
his offices and related affairs always being above criticism. One of the best
evidences of the standing of (lerman Sha in his locality is his election for
more than thirty-five years to the important office of school director, as well
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Si 3
as his election as chairman of the board of supervisors for ten years, and
also as assessor for one year.
Although German Sha has now retired from active life he maintains his
usual interest in the affairs of the township and is known as a citizen ready
at all times to do or to serve his community in any way. In political affilia-
tion Mr. Sha is of the Republican party.
HARRY BAKER.
Aside from being the owner of a considerable tract of land situated in
Alberta, Canada, as well as the proprietor of a farm in Candor township,
comprising one hundred and forty-two acres, considerable interest attaches
itself to the man whose name heads this biographical sketch in that he is
reputed to be the first child born in Lida township.
Harry Baker was born in Lida township, Otter Tail county, on April
15, 1876, the son of Harrison and Lena (Ulven) Baker, the former of whom
was born in Clay county, Kentucky, in 1848, and the latter in Norway in
1842. Harrison Baker served valiantly throughout the entire Civil War,
having enlisted as a mere lad of thirteen years. After the close of the great
struggle, he moved to Ft. Abercrombie, North Dakota, where he was mar-
ried. Subsequently, in 1874, he removed from North Dakota and settled in
Otter Tail county, living at Pelican for a period of one year and then mov-
ing to Lida township, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres
of virgin land. He spent his entire life on this homestead, passing away
in 1891 at the age of forty-three years. His beloved wife survives him and
is now residing at Yergas. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker there were born six
children, namely: Robert, Julia. Harry, John, Minnie and George, all of
whom are still living.
Reared on his father's homestead and receiving his elementary educa-
tion in the public schools of his community, Harry Baker, when a lad of but
seventeen years of age, removed to North Dakota, where five years later he
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. After spending seven
years on this homestead, he then immigrated to Alberta, Canada, purchased
six hundred and forty-five acres of land and occupied this land for ten years.
In 19 1 2, however, still retaining his Canadian land, he returned to the county
of his birth and bought one hundred and forty-two acres in section 34, of
Candor township. Since that time he has devoted his attention and efforts
to general farming and stock raising.
In 1912 Harry Baker was united in marriage to Emma Hoffman, a
native of Otter Tail county, born in Dora township in 1890, and the daughter
of Charles and Bertha (Kratzke) Hoffman. Her parents settled in Otter
Si 4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Tail county in 1882 and are still living in section 5, of Dora township. To
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Baker there has been horn one child, Minnie Bertha,
born on December 19, 1914.
Mr. Baker is at present serving in the capacity of treasurer of the school
board of his township and is serving this position creditably to himself and
to the entire satisfaction of the people of the township.
WIU.ARD P. BURTON.
["hough not a native-born citizen of .Minnesota. Willard P. Burton has
the claim of being one of the pioneer settlers of the great Northwest. He
endured with main' others the hardships incidental to pioneer life and, using
his own words, "can well remember the grasshopper days of this section of
the country'' By his hard and patient labor he has accumulated a gratify-
in- competence and now enjoys the distinction of being one of the most
successful farmers as well as the possessor of some of the finest farm build-
ings in Otter Tail county. During the summer of 1915, he. with his wife,
enjoyed a season of travel and sightseeing, and attended the Panama Expo-
sition as well as making side trips of charm and interest.
Willard P. Burton was horn in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on
January 28, 1853, the son of Cyrus and Louisa ( Piatt) Burton, the former
a native of England and the latter of New York state. Mr. Burton spent
nearly his entire life in Columbia county. Pennsylvania, passing away there-
in 1852. After her husband's death, Mrs. Burton, with her family, moved
to Wisconsin, later to Iowa, and in 1X74 came to Otter Tail county, living
here until 1901, when she moved to Bemidji, Minnesota, where she died in
1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Burton were horn six children, namely: Ira,
who lives at Emmett, Idaho: Lovisa, who resides at Fort Dodge. Iowa:
I.ovina. who resides in Scambler township: Loretta, deceased: Zolmon, a
resident of Spokane, Washington, and Willard P.. the subject of this sketch.
By a former marriage to Ira Willard, Mrs. Cyrus Burton had given birth to
one child, Sabria.
Willard P. Burton was reared in the states of Pennsylvania. Wisconsin
and Iowa and received his education in the public schools of those states.
In [873 he came to Scambler township, this county, and homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres of land situated in section 10. He immediately
began the process of improving his farm and also of adding additional land
to his original claim. Continuing this policy of gradual increase. Mr. Burton
now owns one thousand and forty acres of land, all of which is contiguous
except one farm lying two miles south. He also has lands in North Dakota.
All his holdings on his farm are strictly modern, one barn being sixty feet
wide and one hundred feet Ion;;'.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. MJ
Iii October, 1892, Willard P. Burton was united in marriage to \nua
Monsen, a native of Sweden, burn on May 16, 1867, daughter of Xels and
Ella (Swansen) Monsen. Both Mr. and .Mrs. Monsen were natives <>i
Sweden and, after immigrating to the United States, settled in Litchfield,
Meeker county, in 1870. and subsequently in Becker county, where they
hOmesteaded land upon which they now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Monsen
have been horn seven children, Anna, Ella, Mary, Oscar, Ernest, Hannah
and Christina, all of whom are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Willard I'. Burton
there has been horn one child, Albert Ira. who was born on October
18, 1893. For some time he has been a student at the Dakota Business Col-
lege at Fargo, North Dakota.
Besides the operation of his farm, Willard P. Burton has taken an
active part in the maintenance of the Farmers Creamery Company, Farmers
Elevator Company and Pelican Telephone Company, of Pelican Rapids ami
is a stockholder in each of these companies. He also has become an exten-
sive shipper of stdck, most of which is the product of his own farm. He
has never aspired to political honors, being content to confine his best efforts
to the management of his large farming interests.
CI! Vk'I.FS 11. PERDUE
Charles H. Perdue, former postmaster of the village of Dent, this
county, and now a dealer in live stock at that place, was bora at Minerva,
Ohio, in 1870. son of R. I. and Elizabeth (Dumbleton) Perdue, both natives
of Ohio, farming people and the parents of eight children, all of whom are
living. R. J. Perdue died in 1 S< j 4 . and his widow is making her home with
her son. Charles H., at Dent.
Following his graduation from the high school at Altoona, Iowa, in
[887, Charles H. Perdue took up farming, which he followed in Iowa until
0105. 111 which year he came to Minnesota, locating in Dead Lake township,
this county, where he bought four hundred acres, on which place he lived
for two or three years. In [908 Mr. Perdue was appointed postmaster of
Dent, at which time he moved to the village, where he since has made his
home, being the owner of a fine dwelling house, which he built in 1910. Mis
term as postmaster expired in January, 1015, since which time Mr. Dent
has been quite successfully engaged in the live-stock business and is widely
known throughout the county. Upon leaving his farm in Dead Lake town-
ship, he rented the same to responsible tenants and operates it as a stuck
farm, being extensiveh engaged in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle.
In [896 Charles II. Perdue was united in marriage to Prussia Gifford,
of Mtoona, Iowa Mr and Mrs. Perdue are members of the Christian
church at Dent and are active in all good works in that village and in the
8l6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
community generally, they being held in the highest regard by all who know
them. Mr. Perdue is a member of the Masonic lodge at Perham and of the
Odd Fellows lodge at the same place and takes an active interest in the
affairs of these two popular order-. Ik- is a Republican and takes a good
citizen's interest in the politics of the county and of the state. He is an
energetic and enterprising citizen who is looked upon as one of the leaders
of the community in which he lives ami where he enjoys the confidence and
esteem of all.
JACOB MERCER HURSH.
Horn m Fairfield, Greene county, Ohio, July 7, 1851, Jacob Mercer
Hursh, who is now living retired at Henning, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
has been for nearly forty years one of the foremost citizens and farmers of
Otter Tail county.
Mr. Hursh's father, Frederick Fioak Hursh, was a native of Harris-
burg. Pennsylvania, where he was born on January 29, 1833. His mother,
who before her marriage was Ann Mercer, was born in Greene county, Ohio,
December 8, 1830. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hursh were Jacob
and Sarah ( Hoak ) Hursh, the former of whom was born in 1808 and the
latter in [809. Sarah Hoak's father was Frederick Hoak. who was born
on August i(>. 1767. On January 5, 1832, Jacob Hursh and Sarah Hoak
were married and. after their marriage, settled in Pennsylvania. Sarah
( Hoak) Hursh died on December 1, 1850. in Ohio, and her husband at Long
Fake, near Minneapolis. Minnesota, October 2, 1894.
Mrs. Ann (Mercer) Hursh, the mother of Jacob M. Hursh, was the
daughter of Robert Mercer, a soldier in the War of 1812, who died in the
state of Ohio.
Mr. Hursh's father, the late Frederick Hoak Hursh, who was a native
of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, immigrated to Clark county, Illinois, and later
lived for a time in Cumberland county, Illinois. He was a resident of the
latter county at the outbreak of the Civil War and enlisted in Company ( 1.
Fifty-fourth Regiment. Illinois Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the
war he returned home and moved shortly thereafter, in 1866, to Long Lake.
Minnesota. Tn 1877 he moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and home-
Steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he received by virtue of
his service in the Civil War. This claim was located in Inman township,
three and one-half miles from what is now known as the town of Henning.
but was then known as Peas Prairie. After a time. Mr. Hursh's father
sold the claim and moved to California and later to Oregon and Idaho. He
spent his last days in Henning. dying here on June 4, IQ07. His widow
aKo spent her last days at Henning and died at the home of her son, Jacob
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 817
M.j September 25, 1914. Mr. Hursh's parents were married in 1850. The
late Frederick H. Hursh served on the town board of Inman and was chair-
man of the board for some time. He was a member of the Lutheran church
early in his life and his wife was a member of the Baptist church. At the
time of their death;-, however, both were members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church.
To Frederick Hoak and Ann ( Mercer) Hursh were born the follow-
ing children, Jacob M., the subject of this sketch; Isaac and his twin brother
died 111 infancy; F'rederiek. Jonathan Clark, Edward, Philip, Mertie Dell,
Anna. Charles and Minnie.
Jacob M. Hursh, from the time he was four years old until the time
he was fifteen, lived in the state of Illinois. When he was fifteen years old
his parents moved to Hennepin county, Minnesota, and, in 1877, came to
Otter Tail county and located in section 18, of Inman township, on eighty
acres of land. Soon thereafter Mr. Hursh bought land, and increased his'
holdings to seven hundred and ten acres, all of which was located in Inman
township, Otter Tail county. Of this seven hundred and ten acres, three
hundred and ten were in sections 18 and 19, and the remainder in sections
7, 8 and 17. Until 1910 Mr. Hursh was actively engaged in farming. He
retired in that year, but lived on the farm until November 1, 1914, when he
moved to Henning and purchased the place where he now lives. He also
bought another house and lot and ten acres, within the corporation limits
of Henning. all of which is platted. Some of this has been sold recently.
Xot very long ago. Mr. Hursh sold one of his farms for twenty-four thou-
sand dollars.
On April 9, 1873, Jacob M. Hursh was married to Lucy E. Braman,
wild wa^ born in Hennepin count}', near Minneapolis, February 23, 1856, the
daughter of Cyrus and Sarah \. | Stinson) Braman. They were natives of
Vermont and Maine, respectively, and pioneers in Hennepin county. Mrs.
Hursh's father served in a Minnesota regiment during the Civil War. He
died at Grand Junction, Colorado, and his wife at Albany, New York. They
were the parents of seven children : Fred, Lucy, Dora, Effie, James, Kate
and Ida.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob M. Ffursh have been the parents of fourteen chil-
dren- FThel May. born on June 18. 1875, married Ira Parks, of St. Paul;
Marion, March 8. 1877, is now a physician at Grand Rapids, Minnesota;
Frederick. April 2, 1871), is a farmer: Tda, July 20, 1880. is the wife of
George Parks, of Inman township: Clarence, June 23, 1882. is a farmer on
his grandfather's old homestead farm in Inman township; Laura, February
27. [884, is the wife of Alvin Hontosh, of Bemidji, Minnesota; Perry, May
(52b)
8l8 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
16, 1886. is a carpenter by trade and lives in St. Paul; Ada, June 25, 1888,
is the wife of Archie Dibble, who lives on Mr. Hursh's farm in Inman town-
ship; Mertie, November 17. 1890, is the wife of Benjamin Hildegard. of
Hutchinson. Kansas; Emma. October 2. 1892. lives at home; Kathlyn,
February 21, 1895; Charlotte, October 26, 1807; Georgia, August 24, 1899,
and Jacob Ira August 4. 1902, all live at home.
Mr. Hursh has been interested in the Farmers Elevator Company, of
Henning, for a great many years. He was president of the corporation for
some time. While a resident of Ionian township Mr. Hursh was clerk of
the school board for many years. He also served as supervisor and chair-
man of the board for about six years. Politically. Mr. Hursh was reared
a Republican. Before the war, his father had been identified with the Demo-
cratic party, but became a Republican during the Civil War. Although .Mr.
Hursh was reared as a Republican, he left the party many years ago to
become a Populist and is now independent in politics. The Hursh family
attend the Methodist Episcopal church and two of Mr. Hursh's sons, Marion
and Frederick, are ministers in the church, although not ordained. Mr.
Hursh is very fond of children. He is highly esteemed in this community.
FRED HANSEN.
Fred Hansen, a prosperous farmer of Everts township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, is a
native of Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he was born on July 20, 1865.
Mr. Hansen moved to Grant county, Minnesota, when a mere child, and
soon afterward accompanied his parents to Otter Tail county. He is a son
of Andrew and Martha (Erickson) Hansen, both of whom were born in
Norway, the former in 1834. and the latter on July 4, 1839. They were
married in Norway and settled in Grant county. Minnesota, in pioneer times.
They were also pioneers of ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, and after remov-
ing to this county took a homestead in St. Olaf township in 1880. The
next year they purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in sections
8 and 9, of Everts township. Subsequently, however, Andrew Hansen sold
the three hundred and twenty acres to his two sons. Fred and Lewis, so
that each now has one hundred and sixty acres.
Andrew Hansen and bis wife now reside on their old homestead in St.
Olaf township, where they have a comfortable and well improved farm and
home. Both he and bis wife are earnest and faithful members of the Luth-
eran church. ( )f their eight children. Lewis and Anton are dead. 'I he liv-
ing children are J. E. TL, Tilda. Fred, Anne. John and Carl.
Fred Hansen received bis education in the public schools of Otter Tail
county, and in 1893 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 8IQ
his father, and most of the improvements on this farm Mr. Hansen has
made with his own hands, since he has acquired the farm. He is a general
farmer and stockman.
On August 2, 1891, Fred Hansen was married to Sophia Dahl, who is
a native of Everts township, her birth having occurred here in 1873, and who
is a daughter of Ole H. Dahl, whose biography is presented elsewhere in
this work. Fred Hansen and wife are the parents of four children, Anton,
Carl, May and Edna, all of whom are living at home with their father.
The mother of these children died in 1902. The family are devout mem-
bers of the Lutheran church, in which they take an active interest.
The Hansen family occupies a prominent place in the community life
of their home neighborhood. Mr. Hansen is a highly respected citizen of
the township.
RICHARD WANGERIN.
Richard Wangerin, a representative farmer of this county, by his indus-
trious habits and man)- admirable qualities, has become as thoroughly identi-
fied with the community as though he were a native son. He was born in
Cleveland, Ohio, in 1876. his parents being Frank and Minnie (Marquat)
Wangerin, both natives of Germany.
It was in 1872 that Mr. and Mrs. Wangerin crossed, the ocean and estab-
lished their home in Cleveland, Ohio, where Mr. Wangerin engaged in car-
penter work for four years. He then located on his farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in section 10, Effington township, where Mr. Wangerin
began the improvements which have since made his property an up-to-
date farm. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where
his son now lives and where he and his wife both passed away. They were
members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Wangerin served the public as a
member of the local school board. Their two children are Gustave J. and
Richard.
Richard Wangerin. after attending school in this countv, grew up and
went to Hope, North Dakota, where he rented a farm for the two follow-
ing years. Later he lived for three years in Canada on a farm which he
purchased. At the time of his father's death he returned home and lias
remained here since. His present farm of three hundred and twenty acres
is equipped with modern machinery, two large barns and a silo. He has
specialized in the raising of purebred Shorthorn cattle.
In 1893, Richard Wangerin and Emma Gasche were married. Mrs.
Wangerin is a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henrv
Gasche, who afterwards located in Effington township. The children born
to this union are Henry, Frank and Louis.
820 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Air. Wangerin and his wife have been valued members of the Lutheran
church. Mr. Wangerin is interested in public affairs and is at present a
member of the local school board. 1 [e is known as an expert farmer and as
a man of integrity.
JORGEN A. FISKUM.
Jorgen A. Fiskum was born near Christiania, Norway, January 26,
1863, the son of Andrew and Johanna Fiskum, who were born in Norway,
there grew to maturity, married, and are now living in the vicinity of their
birthplace. Andrew Fiskum by trade is a shoemaker and in his native land
enjoys a large patronage for his business. To the marriage of Andrew and
Johanna Fiskum were born nine children, two of whom came to America,
namely, Olavus, wdio was a shoemaker at Vining", Minnesota, and who later
went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he died, and Jorgen, the subject of
this sketch.
Jorgen A. Fiskum was educated in the public schools of Norway, after
which he worked on farms in that country until he was nineteen years of age
and then he came to America and went to Vining, Minnesota, and for some
time was employed generally 011 the farms of that locality. During the
year 1889, Jorgen A. Fiskum purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
in section 28, of Folden township, which being uncleared he started to pre-
pare for cultivation and to improve, adding such buildings as were neces-
sary, until a few years later the farm was equipped with a modern house,
a splendid barn, and in acreage had been doubled by the purchase of one
hundred and sixty acres of land in section 26, a short distance away. Jorgen
A Fiskum proved a success as a farmer engaged in general agricultural
pursuits and as a farmer engaged in the breeding of Guernsey cattle. Mr.
Fiskum also took an active interest in the business affairs of the community,
being a director of the Folden Telephone Company, and a man who at all
times was willing to aid in the promotion of trade projects for the common
good of the locality.
On June 9, 1889, Jorgen A. Fiskum, was married to Hannah Halvor-
son, who was born near Christiania, Norway, a daughter of Peter and
Maren Halvorson, who were natives of Norway, and who came to America
about the year 1870 and settled in Nidaros township, about two miles south
of the town of Vining, where they now live, the father being about sixty-
eight years of age and the mother about seventy years of age.
To the marriage of Jorgen and Hannah Fiskum were born thirteen
children : Julia, who married Edward Ulland and lives at Mayville. North
Dakota: Andrew, Emma. Alfred, Hjelmar, Hilda, Helmer. Oscar, Ruth and
Roy, who are twins; Edwin, Theodore and Lawrence.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 82 1
Jorgen A. Fiskum was a prominent man of Folden township, as a holder
of various offices having to do with the better elements of life represented in
the county. For seventeen years Jorgen A. Fiskum served with dignity and
unusual ability as treasurer of Folden township, and in the Free Lutheran
church at Folden, of which Mr. Fiskum was a devout member, he served
for some years as a trustee. Jorgen A. Fiskum, when called by death on
March n, 1014. left behind a host of friends who mourn the loss of this
worthy citizen. He was a good neighbor, a kind friend, unselfish in his
efforts towards others, and one who was generally loved and esteemed, not
only in the vicinity of his late residence, but throughout the county.
TULIUS SEVERSON.
Julius Severson, a prosperous merchant of Clitherall, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and the postmaster of Clitherall, is a' native of Clitherall town-
ship, where he was born on August 21, 1873.
Mr. Severson is the son of John and Hannah (Hovren) Severson, both
of w:hom were born in Norway, the former on February 2, 1842. They
moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1870, where John Severson worked in a
quarry. He assisted in taking out the stone which was used to build the
normal school. In 1872 he moved to Clitherall township and took a home-
stead farm of one hundred and sixty acres. During the next few years he
was busily engaged in improving the land. He died on this farm on July
11, 1912. His widow is now living at Clitherall. They were the parents
of eight children, of whom Clara and Alfred are deceased. The living chil-
dren are Julius, Clara, Jenetta, Christina, Jens and Nora. After the death
of her first husband, Mr. Severson's mother was married to Paul Olson, of
Parkers Prairie, Minnesota.
Julius Severson was reared on the old homestead farm and lived with
his parents until about eighteen years old. He was educated in the public
schools and, when old enough, took up the machine business at which he
worked for a number of years. In 1899 Mr. Severson came to Clitherall
and engaged in the restaurant and confectionery business. He has been
engaged in this business ever since. In 1900 he was appointed postmaster
of Clitherall and resigned in 1904. He was reappointed in 1900 and has
held the office ever since. Mr. Severson owns the telephone exchange and
is the agent for the Northwestern Telephone Company at this place.
In 1899 Julius Severson was married to Caroline Olson, who was born
in Parkers Prairie. Minnesota, December 24, 1874, and who is the daughter
of Paul Olson, now of Clitherall. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have one daugh-
ter, Evelvn Delores.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Air. Severson has tilled many positions of trust and responsibility within
the gift of the people of Clitherall. Fraternally, he is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Roval Neighbors of America.
N. P. R. NELSON.
N. P. R. Nelson is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Parkers
Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, as well as one of the most
active citizens and is fully worthy of the respect which he receives.
He is a son of the late Anders P. Nelson, who was born on January
8, 1835, in Furebu, Smaland, Sweden. Anders P. Nelson came to America
in 1854 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Anderson. They were pioneers
of Chisago county, Minnesota. Anders P. was a trusted employee of the
government when the preliminary survey for the government road was made
from St. Paul to Superior City, and continued at this kind of work for
three seasons, the winters being spent in the pineries. In 1862 Mr. Nelson
led the forces who intrenched the peninsula at Center City against an Indian
outbreak which was pending. He was active in politics and a pioneer in
many of the important events in the early settlement of upper Minnesota.
In 1870 he moved to Parkers Prairie, being one of the first to settle in that
fertile country. His home was the scene of many early gatherings, as it
was the only one large enough to accommodate a meeting of any size. The
first church and school in Parkers Prairie were held in his home and the
first political meeting of those times was held there. Mr. Nelson afterward
did considerable contract work, getting out a large part of the timber sup-
plies for the Northern Pacific railroad which was being built. Mr. Nelson
died in 1914 at Parkers Prairie, where he had moved from the homestead
two years before.
N. P. R. Nelson, the subject of this sketch, was the third child of his
parents. There were six children in the family. They are all living and
are: Mrs. John A. Hawkinson, Mrs. Charles A. Bergquist and X. P. R.
Nelson, all of Parkers Prairie; Mrs. C. A. Carlson, of Garrison, North
Dakota; J. A. R. Nelson, of Deer Lodge. Montana; and J. G. Vasa Nelson,
of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. N. P. R. Nelson was born on May 24.
1873. on the old homestead at Parkers Prairie. He was educated in the
common schools of the locality. From the time he was fourteen years of
age he practically managed his. father's farm, the father's business of car-
penter and contractor taking him away from home a greater part of the
time. As soon as he became of legal age his ability as a leader was recog-
nized and he was elected to and held with credit many local positions of
honor and trust in school and township affairs.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 823
On December 21, 1898, N. P. R. Nelson was united in marriage to
Augusta Sigfrid and their married life has been a particularly happy one.
In 1 90 1 Mr. Nelson went to Bismarck, North Dakota, where for two years,
in company with his brother, J. A. R. Nelson, he managed the Grand Pacific
hotel, a leading hostelry for politicians at the capital city of that state, and
there he came to know much about matters which have been of help to him
in later life. In 1903 he returned to Minnesota and for three years was
agent for the Woodworth Elevator Company at Carlos and Parkers Prairie.
In 1906 he went to Detroit, Minnesota, where he was in the mercantile
business for a year, but disposed of his interests there in 1907 to accept a
position with the North Dakota Grain Company, of Superior, Wisconsin,
as traveling solicitor. In 1910 he resigned with this company to return
to Parkers Prairie and take up the active management of his farm, where
he has since remained.
Mr. Nelson is not only a progressive farmer, but is actively interested
in co-operation among farmers along other lines. He is now secretary and
treasurer of the Parkers Prairie Co-operative Creamery Company, which
he was instrumental in organizing a number of years ago. He is also secre-
tary of the Parkers Prairie Mutual Fire Insurance Company, an organization
with over a million dollars of policies and is interested in and was first
president of the Parkers Prairie Farmers Telephone Company, the pioneer
of a system of co-operative companies which give his home locality a service
which has grown from a small beginning to one second to none. Mr. Nel-
son's counsel and advice are eagerly sought by his friends and acquaintances
as being worth while and he is one of the residents of Parkers Prairie to
whom they refer with pride.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have three children: Earl E., born on June 17,
1900; Signe A., April 29, 1904, and Carl C, May 19, 1910.
MELVIN I. GRINA.
Among the merchants and citizens of Erhards Grove township, in Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, few are better or more favorably known and appre-
ciated for their work in the community than is Melvin I. Grina, who is a
leading merchant of the town of Erhard, and an organizer and director of
the larger interests in the locality.
Melvin I. Grina was born in Trondhjem township, this county, April
21, 1878, the son of Iver O. and Olena (Ohe) Grina, who were natives of
Halan, Norway, her O. Grina was the son of Ole and Martha Grina, who
came to America when Ivor O. was but three years of age. and settled at
McGregor. Iowa, where they lived for about twenty years, and then, with
his family, Ole Grina moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and bought
824 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
;i farm from the school land reservation, in Norwegian Grove township, a
place on which he lived until his death in 1908, aged about eighty-four years.
Iver O. Grina, father of the subject of this sketch, was about twenty-
three years of age when he moved with his father and family, from McGregor,
Jowa, to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Trondhjem township, later adding one hundred and
twenty acres of land, a farm which he improved extensively and cultivated
until the year 1913, at that time selling his place and moving to the town
of Pelican Rapids, where he now lives in retirement. Iver O. Grina has
been a man prominent in the affairs and public life of the town of Trondh-
jem, not only taking an active interest in all general matters, but he has
served for some years as a member of the school board and as township
assessor.
When thirteen years of age, Olena Ohe came with her parents to
America, her father. Lars Ohe, settling in the state of Iowa, where he lived
for some time and then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, locating in
Erhards Grove township, there homesteading one hundred and sixty acres
of land to which he added, later by purchase, eighty acres, living with his
son. who cultivated the land until his death about the year 1895. ^rs- Olena
(Ohe) Grina died on February 22, 1914, survived by her husband and eight
children.
Iver O. and Olena Grina were the parents of nine children as follow:
Ole. who is a lumberman of Halstead, Minnesota; Lars, who deals in lumber
and machinery, at Lelton, Minnesota; Melvin I., the subject of this sketch;
Conrad, a lumber and machinery dealer of Borup, Minnesota; Joseph, who
died in infancy; Joseph, who rents the farm of his father in Norwegian
Grove township and now lives there; Inga, who lives with her brother,
Melvin I., at Erhard, Minnesota; Theodore, who is an employee of his
brother, Melvin, and Emma, who lives at home with her parents.
Melvin I. Grina received his education in the common schools of Otter
Tail county, and at the Pelican Rapids school, after which he worked for
his father until he had reached the age of twenty-two years. In the vear
1900 he went to the state of North Dakota, there homesteading one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Benson county, a place on which he lived for five
years and then moved to Williams county, North Dakota, locating at the
town of Kermit where he established himself in the lumber business, remain-
ing in that business for two wars, when he traded his stock with his part-
ners in such a manner that he became a member of the firm of Stenersen
Brothers Lumber Company, a company owning and operating four stations
for the sale of its products, the headquarters of the concern being located
at Felton, Minnesota.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 825
During the spring of the year 1912, Melvin I. Grina came to the town
of Erhard to care for the interests of the branch of his company located at
this place, and while here arranged tor and superintended the erection of a
modern brick store building, in size twenty-rive by seventy feet, in which
building he now carries a stock of hardware, lumber and farm machinery
valued at about twelve thousand dollars. In other lines of business than
that of merchandising Melvin 1. Grina has been notably connected, being
one of the founders and now a stockholder in the Erhard State Bank, of
Erhard, Minnesota.
Politically. Mr. Grina is independent of party and is a man who has
preferred to serve his community as a private citizen rather than as an office
holder. In church affiliation Melvin I. Grina is a member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church, a denomination which he supports with his efforts and
means in a most substantial way.
Melvin 1. Grina has never married, but lives in a convenient and modern
home, which is managed bv his sister, Tiura.
ELLSWORTH VV. SMITH.
One of the most prominent old families of Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, is that of Ellsworth VV. Smith, a well-known lecturer on scientific
farming in this state, who was born thirty miles east of Buffalo, in Benning-
ton township, Wyoming county, New \ ork, March 23, 1864. Mr. Smith
is the son of Isaiah S. and Maria ( Foster) Smith.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Smith. Sardious and Isabel Smith,
were natives of Vermont and, for many generations, were connected by blood
ties with the oldest New England families. Sardious Smith was a pioneer
in western New York, having immigrated to the "Holland Purchase," and
settled in Bennington township in 1815. He died there at the age of ninety-
six years. Although he carried a musket in the War of 1812, he was not
an enlisted soldier. Ik- was the leading man in his community and was
highly respected as a citizen. He and his wife were members of the Baptist
church. They were the parents of eight children. Mr. Smith's maternal
grandparents were farmers in New England, who, very early in the last cen-
tury, immigrated to Bennington township, Wyoming county. New York.
Ellsworth Smith's mother, who before her marriage was Maria Foster,
was born at Belfast. New York, about 1820. His father. Isaiah S. Smith,
was ln.rn in Bennington township, Wyoming count}-, in 1817. There they
grew up and married. fsaiah S. Smith was a farmer, a contracting carpenter
and a well-known builder of bridges, dams and mills. About 1866. he left
New York state and made a trip to Nebraska, looking for a location. After
remaining in Nebraska for six months, during which time he built a mill at
8_"> UTTER TAIL COU XT V, MINNESOTA.
what is now Decatur, he returned to New York and remained until the fall
of 1876, when the family moved to Wisconsin. There they lived for four
years, but in the spring' of 1881, came to W'oodside township, Otter Tail
count)', Minnesota, and purchased eighty acres of railroad land, which was
then wild prairie. Here they built a frame house and began to cultivate the
farm, tsaiah S. Smith died in 1893 and his wife in 1872. He was always
active in local politics. There were four children in the Smith family,
George D.. who died in Whatcom count}', Washington, where he was engaged
in farming: Ann Augusta, who married William Van Dyke and died in the
state of New York; Warren A., who died at the age of seventeen, and Ells-
worth, the subject of this sketch.
Ellsworth W. Smith was educated in the public schools of New York
state, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was reared on the farm and. early in
life, learned the carpenter trade. Having come into possession of his father's
farm, he operated the place since coming here. In 1892 Mr. Smith built
a barn, thirty by forty-two feet, and about iqoS erected an addition, which
makes the barn now, thirty-six by seventy-six feet. He also has other barns
and outbuildings. In 1902 he erected a good house.
Mr. Smith calls himself an all-around farmer, but makes a specialty of
raising clover seed, potatoes and pure-blood Duroc-Jersey hogs. He keeps a
drove of from lift}' to seventy-five head and also operates a small dairy.
He also breeds pure-blood barred Plymouth Rock chickens and generally has
from eighty to one hundred hens.
For the past eight years, Mr. Smith has been employed by the farmers
institute department of agriculture of the state of Minnesota, to address
institutes all over the state. He spends from four to six months of each
year in this work. Mr. Smith is the kind of a fanner who "takes some-
thing to town to sell every time he goes" and this is the slogan of his lec-
ture, and the principle which he practices and preaches throughout this state.
Mr. Smith has often exhibited products raised on his farm at nearby fairs.
I lis wife, who is an expert cheese maker, took a prize at the state fair at
one time. In their early lives. Mr. and Mrs. Smith experienced many hard
times, but, by pluck ami hard work, they have made a large success of farm-
ing. Mr. Smith is a director in the Farmers State Bank, at Bertha, Minne-
sota.
In 1S87 Ellsworth W. Smith was married to Anna S. Streit, a native
of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Benjamin Streit, wdio
was born in Missouri, of German parentage. Benjamin Streit came to Otter
Tail county about 1878, but is now living at Roseburg. in Douglas count)-.
Oregon.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth W. Smith have six children, namely: Ralph,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 827
who lives on the farm in Woodside township and is a graduate of the agri-
cultural school; Roy A., who also lives on the farm in Woodside township;
Ina G., who lives at home and was educated in the Parkers Prairie high
school and at the Agricultural and Teachers Training school of St. Anthony
Park; Clifford, who is a student in the Alexandria high school; Zetty and
Marjorie, both of whom are at home.
Mr. Smith has rilled practically all of the township offices but has
always been especially interested in school affairs. He is independent in
politics and prefers to vote for men whom he considers best fitted for the
office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
GEORGE W. SMITH.
George W. Smith was born in Holden, Massachusetts, December 27,
1831, a son of Jonas H. and Anna E. (Rogers) Smith, both of whom were
natives of Holden, Massachusetts.
Jonas H. Smith lived in the state of Massachusetts until 1836, when
he moved, with his family, to the state of Vermont, living there for the
remainder of his days. Jonas H. and Anna E. Smith were the parents of
six children, four daughters and two sons.
George W. Smith received his education in the common schools of
Stratton, Vermont, after which lie became a farmer; working on the home
farm until 1855, when, at twenty-four years of age, he moved to the state
of Minnesota and located in Carver township. Carver county, where he lived
as a farmer until September, 1861. At this time Mr. Smith enlisted for
service in the Civil War with Company A, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served for three years. During
that time he was stationed at Ft. Ridgely, among the Indians, for six months,
later being transferred to Corinth, Mississippi, from which place he was
moved as a part of the army righting in the battles at Shiloh, Corinth and
Yicksburg. During the last year of his military service George W. Smith
was a part of the Veteran Reserve Corps stationed at Rock Island arsenal at
Rock Island, Illinois.
After the close of the Civil War, Mr. Smith returned to Minnesota and
made his home in Carver county, where he was active as a farmer and as a
public official, until 1878, when he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dora township.
On taking possession of his land George W. Smith cleared the place, added
the necessary improvements and after some years as a pioneer farmer he
improved his farm more substantially and has since made his home on this
farm, now being accorded a place among the leading farmers of this com-
8j8 otter tail county, Minnesota.
munity in which he has proved Mich a worthy and useful element of citizen-
ship.
Some time after moving to Minnesota, Mr. Smith was married to Sarah
DeMerse, who was a native of Minnesota. George W. and Sarah Smith
became the parents of four children: Frank H., who was born on June 16,
[860; Ida 1\.. September i0. 1865; Lula E.. February 21, 1868, and Marion
E., .March 23, 1872. After the death of his wife, Sarah, George W. Smith
was married, secondly, in 1 S 7 5 , to Hannah Nelson, who was born on Novem-
ber 19, [851, in Sweden. George W. and Hannah Smith became the par-
ents of six children: Artmas. born on February 6, 1878; Evaline T.,
December 4, 1880; Zelpha N., December 22, 188-'; Herbert W., July 18,
1885; Matilda. February 21, [888, and George L., August 5, 1890.
As a citizen who has been prominent in the public and official life of
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and of other communities where he has made
his home, George W. Smith is known as one who has made an enviable record
and as one who has done no little in bringing about the present high develop-
ment of the community life. While a resident of Carver county, Mr. Smith
was known as a must trustworthy and faithful deputy sheriff and after mov-
ing to this county his ability was -non demonstrated in his successful efforts
to establish and maintain a township organization with efficient schools and
educational facilities. For many years Mr. Smith was a faithful and influen-
tial member of the school board in Dora township, this county, and during
several terms of office he was chairman of the township board of supervisors,
as well as having served in his usual able manner as township treasurer,
for many years. Politically, Mr. Smith is an ardent Republican. In church
circles George \Y. Smith is well known, his activity as a member and as an
official of the Presbyterian church of this community being an important
part in the religious life of Dora township.
PETER HANSEN.
Born in Sweden on February 24. 1855, Peter Hansen, a successful
farmer of Nidaros township, this county, is the son of Hans and Mary
Anderson, who spent their entire lives in their native land. Hans Anderson
died in 1S70 and his wife in 10,01. They were the parents of seven chil-
dren, of whom two, Andrew and Johanna, the eldest and youngest, are
deceased. The living children are Peter, the subject of this sketch, Ole,
Magnus, Nels and Anna.
Peter Hansen was educated in Sweden and in i8q2 came to America
and, for live years, or until 1897. worked on a farm in Otter Tail county.
In [897 Mr. Hansen purchased one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in
section 25, of Clitherall township. There he erected a house and barn and
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 829
erected all of the buildings which are now standing on the farm. These
buildings include a good house and barn. Air. Hansen is a progressive
farmer in every respect. He has made a splendid success of general fann-
ing and stock raising.
In 1882, several years hefore coming to America, Peter Hansen was
married in Sweden to Anna Hansen, who was born in Sweden in 1862,
the daughter of Matthias and Anna Swensen. who never came to America.
Mr. and Airs. Peter Hansen have seven children, Albin. Hilda, Selma, Ellen,
Fred, Esther and Ruth. Air. and Mrs. Hansen are members of the Swedish
Lutheran church at Eagle Lake. Mr. Hansen has never taken any special
part in politics, but is interested in local affairs and has given his time and
energy to the promotion of public improvements and to matters affecting
the general welfare. He is a well-known and popular citizen and i- well
liked bv all who know him.
MARTIN MORTENSON.
Born on the farm where he now resides in Tordenskjold township,
August 26, 1886. Martin Mortenson, a successful young farmer of Otter
Tail county is the son of Jeppe and Marie (Larson) Mortensen, both of
whom were natives of Denmark. The father came to this county in 1863
and the mother in 1869.
Jeppe Mortenson came immediately to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
after arriving in America. Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Tordenskjold township. After clearing a place for a home
he erected a small log cabin with a sod roof, and there lived as a hachelor
for six years. He was then married and continued living on the farm.
Gradually he cleared different parts of the farm and in the meantime mar-
keted all his produce and bought all of his supplies at St. Cloud. During
this period of his life the Indians were plentiful in the vicinity, but were
entirely friendly. Here he lived until his death in 1910, at the age of
seventy-one years. His wife died in the spring of 1914, at the age of
about seventy years. They were both members of the Lutheran church,
and Jeppe Mortenson was one of the founders of the church in Tordenskjold
township. Prior to coining to this country he had served in the Danish
army. To Jeppe and Marie Mortenson were born two children, Martin and
Christena, the latter of whom is the wife of Emil Holbeck, of Dane Prairie
township.
Martin Mortenson received his education in the common schools of
Otter Tail county, and was reared on his fathers farm. Being the only son
he naturally took up farming and during his father's declining years oper-
ated the farm, and finally he purchased the interests of his sister in the home
83O OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
farm and erected modern farm buildings and made other substantial
improvements on the home place. .Mr. Mortenson has made a splendid suc-
cess as a breeder of pure-blood Holstein and Shorthorn cattle, as well as
( liester White bogs. He is a prominent stockholder and director of the
Underwood Creamery Company.
In July, 1910, Martin Mortenson was married to Carrie Nygaard, a
native of Norway and the daughter of Rasmus Rusmussen, but the adopted
daughter of Xils Olson Nygaard. Both of Mrs. Mortenson's parents died
when she was a small girl, and she was brought to America by her adopted
parents. Air. and Mrs. Mortenson are the parents of two children, Joseph,
burn (in February 21, 1911, and Carter, born on September 16, 1913.
Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson are members of the Lutheran church, in which
they take an active and interested part. Fraternally. Mr. Mortenson is a
member of the Danish Brotherhood. He is independent in politics.
LEWIS HANSON.
Born on March 20. 1867, the late Lewis Hanson, who was a well-to-do
farmer of Fverts township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was a son of
Andrew and Martha (Erickson) Hanson, both of whom were natives of
Norway. Andrew Hanson was born in Norway in 1834, and Martha Erick-
son was born in the same country on July 4, 1839. They were married in
Norway, ami in pioneer times emigrated to America and settled in Grant
county, Minnesota. They were also pioneer settlers in Otter Tail county,
where they removed from Grant county. They took a homestead in St.
Olaf township, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and bought three
hundred and twenty acres in sections 8 and 9, about 1880. Lewis Hanson's
parents are still living on the old homestead in St. Olaf township. Andrew
Hanson broke up his land from the raw prairie, and made many substantial
improvements on the place and is now living retired. He and his good wife
are members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of eight chil-
dren, of whom Lewis was the fourth child. The others are John Edward.
Tilda, bred. Anne, John, Carl and Anton.
Lewis Hanson was educated principally in the schools of Otter Tail
county, Minnesota. He came to Everts township with his parents, and
located on one hundred and sixty acre- of land which he purchased of his
father, and here he lived until his death in 1913.
( >n January 21, 1893, Lewis Hanson was married to Nettie Dahl. who
was born in Everts township on May 22, 1872, and who is a daughter of
Ole II. and Karen (Glende) Dahl, both of whom were burn in Norway,
the former in 1N47 and the latter in 1S48. Ole Dahl and Karen Glende
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 83 1
both came to America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1871,
and were married in this county. After their marriage, Mrs. Hanson's
father purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres in section 17,
in Everts township. He died on this farm in 1882. His widow is now
living, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of three chil-
dren, Nettie, Andrew, and Sophia, who is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hanson are the parents of four children: Ole A.,
horn on November 27, 1803, lives at home on the farm; Clarence M., June
7, [897, also lives at home; Clara, December o, 1899; Mathilda, February
1 1, 1904.
The late Lewis Hanson made man}- improvements upon his farm in
Everts township. In 1898 he built a magnificent residence, and in addition
to the erection of many good farm buildings he also fenced his farm and
installed a good system of drainage. Mr. Hanson was well known in the
community where he spent a great deal of his life. His widow is still living
on the farm, and is a highly respected and refined woman.
ANDREW DTETLETN.
Among the well-known farmers and stock raisers of Dead Lake town-
ship. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Andrew Dietlein, who was born in
Edna township, this county, on May 30, 1878, the son of Philip and Chris-
tiana ( Eixtine) Dietlein. natives of Germany, the former born in 1856, the
latter in 1858. Philip Dietlein came to America when a young man and
following his marriage at New York City, came to Otter Tail county and
settled in Edna township, where he homesteaded forty acres of land, a place
which he later sold and then bought one hundred and twenty acres of land
in Edna township, where he now lives. Philip and Christiana Dietlein are
the parents of the following children: Mary. Andrew, Peter, Maggie
(deceased). Ignatius. Nicholas, Matilda, Barbara. Dora. Sophia. Annie and
Robert.
Andrew Dietlein was educated in the public schools of Perham town-
ship, Otter Tail county, and in the schools of Edna township, after which
he worked as a farm helper for some time and then, in 1903, he bought one
hundred and sixty acres of land in section 8, Dead Lake township, where he
is now engaged in general farming and in stock raising, together with the
operating of a threshing machine throughout the community.
During the vear 1003, Andrew Dietlein was married to Johanna Smelz,
who was born in Rush Lake township, in TS7Q, the daughter of Henry and
Katherina Smelz, of Perham township. To the' marriage of Andrew and
Johanna Dietlein have been born five children: Maggie, Rosie, Mary, Henry
832 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
(deceased), and Tillie. .Mr. Dietlein and his family are communicants of
the Catholic church. Johanna, the wife of Andrew Dietlein died on May
-'4. I'M--
NIELS THYGESEN.
Niels Thygesen, who has been a prominent citizen of Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, ever since coming to this county nearly fifty years ago, was bom
in Denmark on August 29, 1841. His old home was a part of Denmark
and is now a German possession.
Mr. Thygesen's parents, Peter Jessen and Inger (Hansen) Thygesen,
spent their entire lives in their native land and were farmers by occupation.
They had seven children, of whom Niels was the fifth born. The other chil-
dren, in the order of their birth, were Maren. who married Hans Xissen
and who died in Denmark; Thomas, who was a soldier in the War of 1864
and who died in Denmark about 1895; Hans, also a soldier in the Danish-
German War of 1864, died in Denmark a few years after the war; Maria,
who married Hans Nelson and died in Denmark; Anders, when last heard
from, was a resident of New Zealand, and Christian, whose residence is
unknown.
Niels Thygesen was educated in the common schools of his native land
and, when he had reached his majority, entered the Danish army, serving in
the war between Denmark and Germany in 1864 and 1865. He served as
a marine in the coast defense at Mellemfort. and, after the war, returned
home and worked as a laborer. He did not prosper, however, under Ger-
man rule, since that country had captured the part of Denmark where he
had previously lived. In i860 Mr. Thygesen came to America and, for a
time, lived at Carson, a small town west of Rochester, Minnesota, on the
terminus of the railroad at that time. Afterward he spent two years at
Winona.
It was in 1866 that Mr. Thygesen came to America. He spent eleven
weeks and three davs on a sailing vessel, sailing from Hamburg and landing
in New York City on February 3, of the same year. During the voyage he
suffered a great many hardships. The rudder of the ship was broken and
the ship was torn almost to pieces by a storm. The ship drifted south to
the equator and forty-six people died of the heat at Christinas time. Although
Mr. Thvgesen himself was very sick, he recovered. From New York City
he went by rail as far west as he could travel and at that time the extreme
western terminal of the railroad was Carson, Minnesota. At ("arson Mr.
Thygesen was employed on a farm. At Winona, Minnesota, he worked as
a fireman on a steamboat.
In April, 1808. Mr. Thygesen came to Otter Tail county, bringing with
AKI.Y 1IUMK "F NIKI.S TIIY(
111.- nl lli,. l'irsl Mouses
A
Ml; AM> MRS MKI.S TIIYUKSl \
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 833
him an ox team. After arriving in this county he homesteaded one hundred
and sixty-seven acres of land in Dane Prairie township and was one of the
first homesteaders in the township The land was covered partially with
timber and Air. Thygesen broke and cleared his land. His first log house
had a sod roof. About fifteen years later this house was replaced by a
frame house, a part of which is still standing. Mr. Thygesen lived on this
farm for about thirty-five years and then sold out and purchased one hun-
dred and ten acres one-half mile north of his original farm. He was engaged
in general farming and stock raising. He sold the farm, however, in 191 2,
but remained upon it until 1913. when he moved to Underwood and pur-
chased the home where he now lives retired.
About 1871 Niels Thygesen was married to Christine Jensen, a native
of Denmark and the daughter of Ole Hansen, who died in Denmark. There
were no children born to this marriage. In [906, Mr. Thygesen was mar-
ried to Olea Randine Olson, a native of Norway and the daughter of Ole
< Christian Olson, who died in his native land. Mrs. Thygesen came to
America about 1899.
When Niels Thygesen first came to Minnesota, Indians were plentiful
in this state and for some years afterward. Generally they were friendly,
but on one April morning when Mr. Thygesen was working in the field with
his oxen, his little dog came out barking and teasing his master to return
to the house. Mr. Thygesen unhitched his oxen and went home. On
reaching the house he overheard some Indians talking and found their guns
standing by a tree. He went indoors and greeted them as though he was a
stranger. There were two Indians who were busily engaged in helping
themselves to the flour which he had purchased at Alexandria and for which
he had paid fourteen dollars a barrel. Watching his opportunity he seized
his revolver from the wall and ordered them to put the flour back. They
obeyed and he ordered them to leave the premises. Fearing he had been too
harsh. Mr. Thygesen gave them a half loaf of bread and they went away
highlv pleased, calling him a good man and never molested him any more.
Bears were plentiful in the pioneer days of the state and were sometimes
dangerous. When Mr. Thygesen was duck hunting one October evening,
about twenty rods north of the house in a thicket, he met a bear and two
cubs. He followed them for some distance with nothing but a shot gun and
knew that he could not get another gun. Finally he shot one of the cubs
and the old bear attacked him. Mr. Thygesen ran and the dog attacked the
bear, during which time Mr. Thygesen escaped. The bear was pursued by
Mr. Thygesen and a neighbor, but it was not found.
For many years Niels Thygesen was active in the councils of the Repub-
(53b)" '
834 OTTER TAN, COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
bean party in this township. It was in his house, in fact, that Dam- Prairie
township was organized. He was appointed by the county board as the
first assessor of Buse, Aastad and Mane Prairie townships and was elected
the first assessor of Dane Prairie, lie has held all the township offices and
was re-elected many tunes to the position of assessor of Dane Prairie town-
ship, lie also served several terms on the hoard of supervisors and in all
of this period never sought office. Both Mr. Thygesen and his second wife
are active in the Free Lutheran church of Tordenskjold township. The
services were held in his house before the church was erected.
Niels Thygesen is a worthy citizen of this great state, a man who is
mosl cordial in all of his relations with his neighbors and who enjoys the
confidence of many friends made in the course of a long residence in this
county.
FRANK P.. SAUNDERS.
Frank B. Saunders is a son of one of the pioneers of Parkers Prairie.
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and himself has undergone many hardships
incidental to pioneer life. He was born on February 29, 1856, in Osceola,
Wisconsin, and is the son of J. W. Saunders and Christina (Peterson)
Saunders, natives of Massachusetts and Smoland, Sweden, respectively.
J. W. Saunders was horn on August 9, 1818, in South Gardner, Massachu-
setts, and his wife was born in 1832.
J. W. Saunders received his education in the public schools of his native
state and in 1848 he removed to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained for
one year and then changed his location to Stillwater, Washington county.
Minnesota. In 1853 he purchased eighty acres of land, under the home-
stead law, near Osceola, Wisconsin, and, beside operating his little farm, he
also ran a grist-mill at Osceola. In [86t, he removed to Marine Mills.
Washington county, Minnesota, where he was employed as a cook on a
steamboat which operated on the St. Croix river until May, 1868. at which
time he started for the West with a friend and they traveled on horseback.
Some place between Osakis and Parkers Prairie. Minnesota, they overtook
a party of road cutters and assisted in completing the road to Parkers Prairie,
which work lasted for three days only. Upon his arrival in Parkers Prairie,
Mr. Saunders immediately settled on a squatter's claim and soon returned to
Marine Mills preparatorj to moving his family to their new home. They
were compelled to travel overland with horses and covered wagon and to
Frank B. Saunders, who was then a lad of twelve years, befell the task of
following behind with the flock of sheep, thirteen cattle and « 'lie yoke of
oxen. They followed the governmenl trail from St. Cloud. Minnesota, and
encountered manv hardships hv tin way.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 835
Money was scarce and J. W. Saunders was forced to return to Wash-
ington countw .Minnesota, in the winter that the family might not want the
necessities of life. The farm was located a great distance from the railroad
and in the Indian danger zone. Shortly after they began their residence in
that locality Mr. Saunders made the journey to Sauk Center, Minnesota,
for supplies. While returning home he heard the report that Indians were
011 the war-path and that the families were fleeing to the stockade at Sauk
Center. Much excited for fear his family was in danger, he hurried home
to find them all safe and determined to stay and protect their home. After
a hasty consultation they decided this was the best policy and were delighted
to discover that the report had been a false one. In 1882 Mr. Saunders
received the deed from the government to the farm of one hundred and sixty-
acres, and the family continued to reside on this place, in Eastern township,
until his death. There were six children in the family and their names fol-
low : Prank B., Lillie, Emma, Arthur, Eva and Charles. J. W. Saunders
and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Politically, he was a
member of the Prohibition party and an ardent supporter of same.
brank B. Saunders received his education in the common schools of
Washington count)-, Minnesota, and in Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county.
When a boy of fourteen he returned to Washington county, Minnesota,
where he was employed in the lumber business and his earnings were given
for the support of the family he had left in Otter Tail county, this support
continuing for eight years. However, he continued in the lumber business
until he was twenty-eight years of age and then returned to Otter Tail
county, and purchased the old home, consisting of one hundred and sixty
acres, and also purchased eighty acres more which was added to the original
holdings, making a total of two hundred and forty acres with which to
begin his agricultural operations. The farm now consists of four hundred
acres. In February. 1889, he engaged in the hardware and implement busi-
ness under the firm name of Saunders & Post, which partnership continued
for five years. In 1894, Frank B. Saunders sold his interest in the business
tn Mr. Post and almost immediately entered into a partnership with T- A.
Johnson under the firm name of Saunders & Johnson. In 191 2 the part-
nership was changed and became Saunders & Son. In connection with the
general hardware and implement business which they conduct, they also do
a prosperous automobile business.
( )n \pril 2, [882, Frank B. Saunders was united in marriage to Vina
Lamb and to their union four children have been born: Roy |.. Lula A.,
Benjamin H. and W'inefred. Vina (Lamb) Saunders passed away in
September. [908. She was the daughter of Smith Lamb and her birth
occurred on May 18, 1856. Frank l'>. Saunders is a member of the Baptisl
836 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
church in which he serves the congregation as a director. Politically, he is
a stanch Republican and has served his community as county commissioner.
He was elected in [886 and served until 1890. He is very active on all ques-
tions pertaining to the welfare of his fellow citizens and has many friends.
ED C. GRANRUD.
Ed C. Granrud was born on the Granrud homestead in Trondhjem
township, December 21, 1889, the son of Christian and Dena (Quamme)
Granrud. Christian Granrud was bom in Norway, December 21, 1859, the
son of Even and Kari Granrud, and Dena Quamme was born in Norway,
February 12, 1870, the daughter of Rogland and Maria (Fraas) Quamme.
Even Granrud was a native of Norway, in which country he married,
and about the year 1864 came to America and settled in Fillmore county,
Minnesota, where he worked on a farm for about two years and then came
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 1, of Trondhjem township, a place which he cleared
of the wild timber and the prairie soil of which he broke up, then built a
log house in which he lived for some time, later building a frame house,
which was the first house of the kind to be erected in the community, Even
Granrud living in this house as a farmer until his death, in the fall of the
year 1899. Kari Granrud died in the spring of the year 1893. Even and
Kari Granrud were the parents of the following children : Ole, who lives in
Erhards Grove township, where he is a farmer; Even, who is a farmer and
music teacher, living in Erhards Grove township; Martin, a farmer who
died in Pelican township; Christian, father of the subject of this sketch;
John, who is a professor of languages at the University of Minnesota, and
two children who died in Norway, while infants.
Christian Granrud was educated in the public schools of Norway and
later in the schools of Fillmore county, Minnesota, after which he came to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, with his parents, and lived on the home place
until the year 1893, when he purchased the farm of his father, adding other
land until he was the owner of two hundred acres, which he improved
extensively and where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock
raising for the remainder of his days. Christian Granrud died on October
24, 1903.
On December 16. 18(16, Christian Granrud was married to Dena
Quamme, who was born in Bergen. Norway, the daughter of Rognald and
Maria (Fraas) Quamme. who lived in their native land of Norway until
the year 1882, and then came t<> America, settling in Norwegian Grove town-
ship, of Otter Tail county, where Rognald Quamme homesteaded a farm
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 837
on which he lived for a time and then sold it and moved to a place three
miles east of the town of Pelican Rapids, where he lived until the year
19 1 4, when he sold this farm and moved to Pelican Rapids, where he and
his wife now live a retired life. Christian and Dena Granrud were the par-
ents of nine children, namely: Fd, who died at the age of eleven months;
Pd, the subject of this sketch; Carl, who lives at home; Mabel, Oscar, Julia,
Olga, George and Clara.
Ed C. Granrud was educated in the public schools of this county, after
which he aided his father on the farm until purchasing it from the elder
Granrud. He has improved the place and with one hundred and twenty
acres of rented land adjoining, he engages extensively in general fanning,
being known as a young fanner who adopts and follows the most approved
and scientific methods of cultivation. Ed C. Granrud is unmarried.
The Granrud family is one of the most highly respected in the com-
munity, not only because of their activtty and work in the Norwegian Futh-
eran church, of which they are leading members, but on account of their
interest and support of those things which are making for the enlightenment
and general welfare of the township and county.
FRED J. COCKING.
A life of consecutive industry has been that of Fred J. Cocking, who
although interested in many lines of work, devotes the greater part of his
time to stock raising and general farming. He is the son of Thomas and
Elizabeth ( Dannett) Cocking and was born in Clinton county, Iowa, on the
15th of July, i860. His parents were natives of England and after their
marriage lived in Pincolnshire, where Mr. Cocking was employed as a nur-
seryman. The couple came to America about 1852 and settled in Philadel-
phia, where Thomas Cocking opened a florist's shop and continued to work
at his chosen occupation on a small tract of land outside the city. A short
time after their arrival in this country, Mr. and Mrs. Cocking moved to
Clinton county, Iowa. In that community Thomas Cocking bought a farm
located near the village of Welton, in Welton township. In connection with
the regular duties of the farm he continued to use a part of his time for
horticultural interests. He lived on this farm until his death, which occurred
in 1866. His wife died in January, 1880. Her last days were spent near
Grinnell, Towa, with her children. During her life she was a devout mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the twelve children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cocking six grew to maturity, as follow: Annie Marie became
the wife of Thomas Maltas, and has lived in DeYVitt, Iowa, for a number
of vears; Elizabeth Ann married R F. Stockwell, and lived in Grinnell,
838 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
lew a. for a number of years before her death, which occurred in the state
of Louisiana; Mary Jane, who became the wife of Leroy D. Forehand, lived
until her deatli in Grinnell, Iowa; Thomas J. lives in Portland, Oregon,
where he is a minister in the United Brethren church; Charles, a fanner,
resides in Silver City, Texas; Fred J. is referred to in this sketch.
Fred J. Cocking, after completing the course in the common schools
near Grinnell, Iowa, attended the Grinnell Academy. After finishing at the
academy he decided to take up the occupation of teaching, which he prac-
ticed for four years in Poweshiek county. At the end of that time he rented
a farm near Chester. After a short time he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in the same township, and managed this farm until 1904.
During three years of his residence on this farm Mr. Cocking conducted a
general merchandise store at Chester and later at Grinnell.
! )tter Tail county. Minnesota, attracted Mr. Cocking in 1904, when lie
came to this community and bought two hundred and forty acres of land in
section it), Dunn township, and eighty acres in the village of Pelican Rap-
id-, hater he traded the eighty-acre tract for a farm of two hundred and
forty acres adjoining his larger farm. Mr. Cocking lived on this land,
which was improved, for three years and during that time devoted his inter-
ests to stock raising and general farming. He is living at the present time
in Pelican Rapids, where he owns fifty acres of land in the village corpora-
tion. His special occupation is the rearing of Poland China hogs. The
farm owned by him in Dunn township is managed by two of his sons.
Throughout his career as a business man. Mr. Cocking has shown a keen
interest in affairs pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he
live-. IJe assisted in organizing the Farmers Co-operative Shipping Asso-
ciation, of which he is a director. In his political interests, Mr. Cocking is
an independent voter and before coming to Otter Tail county served as
township assessor and school treasurer in the district in Iowa in which he
resided.
On the 13th of March. 1883, Fred J. Cocking was married to Ida A.
Bacon, a native of Vermont, and the daughter of Joshua and Mary Jane
( Humphrey) Paeon. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cocking the following
children have been born : Edward, who resides on the farm in Dunn town-
ship; George, now a farmer in Dunn township, attended business college in
I argo and in Minneapolis, and for two years was a book-keeper in Fargo;
Esther Grace, who lives at home, is a junior in the high school at Pelican
Rapids, and Horace, who is at home with his parents.
Joshua and Mary Jane (Humphrey) Paeon were natives of Vermont,
but were married in Carlisle, Indiana. In 1865 they moved to Poweshiek
county, Iowa, where Mr. Bacon followed the occupation of a farmer. He
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 839
retired in later life to Grinnell, Iowa, where he is living at the present time.
Mr. and Mrs. Bacon reared a family of the following children: Etta, the
widow of Milton Sears, who lives with her father at Grinnell; Fred, who
died in Chester in 1889; Ida, the wife of Fred J. Cocking; William, who
died in Grinnell in [882; Albert, a farmer residing in Grinnell, Iowa; Hiram,
a farmer at Burt, Iowa; llattie, the wife of Frank Wesco, of Newburg,
Iowa, and Edith, who died in 1882.
HERMAN HOSTERMAN.
Herman Hosterman was born in Germany, April 21, 1845, tne son °f
Henry and Adelhiede Hosterman, who lived in Germany, in which country
they were born. They came to America, locating in Carver county, where
they lived for some years and then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
where they lived until their death. Henry Hosterman died on February 14,
1885, and Adelhiede Hosterman died on March 26, 1891.
Mr. and Mrs. Hosterman were the parents of four children, all of
whom were born in Germany, and came with the parents to America. The
children were Henry, who married Mary Bnrgner and lives at Waconia,
.Minnesota; Adolph, who was a soldier in the Civil War and died at Mem-
phis; Elizabeth, who married Philip Luthiener and lives at Waconia, and
Herman, the subject of this sketch.
Herman Hosterman was educated in the public schools of Germany,
after which he came t< > America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
where he became a farmer on two hundred and forty acres of land which
he owned. He also operated a saw -mill on the river near his home. On
taking possession of his land, part of which he homesteaded and a portion
of which he purchased from the Northern Pacific Railway Company, Her-
man Hosterman proceeded to clear his land and to build the necessary build-
ings together with the preparing of his soil for cultivation, later erecting new
and nmre modern buildings, on his land, which after a short time proved to
he among the best and most productive of the community, devoted to general
farming and stock raising.
On March _>f>, 1883, Herman Hosterman was married to Albertine
< )tt, who was born in Germany, and who came alone to America in the year
1881. To the marriage of Herman and Albertine Hosterman were born the
following children: Emma, who married Sever Orphns; Augusta, who mar-
ried ( >scar Schow; Elsie; Cecilia, who married Charles Damschen; Selma,
Clarence. Frances and John. Herman Hosterman was an active and faith-
ful member of the German Lutheran church, a denomination of which his
widow and children and now members and in which church they are inter-
ested and devout workers.
84O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
NILS HAAGENSON.
Nils Haagenson, a native of Norway, was born on September 25, 1848,
and is a son of Haagen and Amelia (Nelson) Hermanson. Herman Olson,
the grandfather of Nils Haagenson, was a large landowner in his commun-
ity and lived and died in his native country. He was a soldier of the War
of 1814. He was a prominent and active member of the Lutheran church.
Haagen Hermanson, the father of Nils Haagenson, received his educa-
tion in the public schools of his native country, where he grew to manhood
and came to America in 1861 with his family. They landed in Quebec,
after a voyage of nine weeks in a sail boat. The family moved to St. Peter,
Minnesota, where Mr. Hermanson purchased three hundred and sixty acres
of land, living there until the time of his death, in 1910. reaching the age
of ninety years. The wife and mother died in 1907. The family were
members of the Lutheran church and were very active in the work. They
were the parents of ten children, seven of whom grew up: Nils, Herman
(deceased), Margaret (deceased), Lars (deceased), Sisel, Ole and Olive,
the latter of whom is and has been a missionary in China for the past twenty
years. The old homestead is now occupied by Ole, the youngest of the
children.
Nils Haagenson attended school in Norway, where he lived until he was
thirteen years of age, when he came to America with his parents and com-
pleted his school work in the common* schools of Nicollet county. He left
home when eighteen years old and went to Minneapolis, where he lived for
four vears and while there was married to Mary Johnson in 1870, when
they moved to St. Cloud. He left his wife in St. Cloud and went out look-
ing for land. He started from St. Cloud on April 3, 1871. on foot, in com-
pany with two others, and walked to Alexandria, but owing to the fact that
the snow bad just melted, the creeks were so high that they had to hire a
team there to take them to Fergus Falls, where they started out on foot
again and walked over a great part of Otter Tail county and finally located
a claim in Oscar township, in section 32. Then Nils Haagenson walked all
the way back to St. Cloud. The first part of June, the following year, be
secured a young pair of horses, a cow and a heifer and. with his wife.
started for the homestead in a covered wagon. Here he cut logs and built
a log cabin about sixteen feet square, in which they made their home, which
in those days was considered a good house. As be only had a pair of horses
and all his neighbors bad oxen be could not do any breaking but had to hire
it done. That vear he got only four acres broke, for which be had to pay
five dollars per acre. Late in the fall he traded his team of horses for two
yoke of oxen and he felt very much relieved. He made two pair of bob-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 84I
sleighs out of oak logs and commenced hauling logs. He took two yoke of
oxen and two sleighs and chopped two loads while others chopped one. They
went in the government timber and cut posts, rails and wood.
In the early part of February, in 1873, Mr. Haagenson was caught in a
severe snow storm and when three miles from home he could not get any-
further but had to take shelter with a farmer and got to Mr. Kievell's place.
Here he found room for one yoke of oxen in the stable but the snow had
drifted so it was even with the top of the door and he had to dig it out to
get the oxen in. He got room for the other yoke of oxen in a shed, which
was also covered with snow, and while digging the door out one of the oxen
wandered away and was lost in the blizzard. It was found five days later
frozen to death. The blizzard lasted three days. In the spring, after fenc-
ing in his field, he went out to work on the railroad, where he earned money
to buy another ox. After doing the haying and harvest he started out
with his two yoke of oxen and a third one which he drove on shares, and
commenced hauling freight for the government. He made one trip from
Breckenridge, Minnesota, which was their loading point, to Jamestown,
North Dakota, in company with another, the two of them driving seven yoke
of oxen and seven wagons loaded with freight. Returning to Breckenridge
he wanted to make another trip, but found that the only thing there to haul
was three loads for Ft. Totten which no one wanted to take, and the freight
master could not make any one make that long trip alone, so Mr. Haagenson
took these loads with bis three yoke of oxen, and his partner returned home
with the other four. He made the trip alone over country which he had
never traveled before, taking eleven days to make the trip. On the ninth
and temVh days it rained all day and on the eleventh day it snowed and
turned into a very severe blizzard from the northwest. When he got into
Ft. Totten his clothing, which had been drenched for three days, was frozen
stiff. When he notified the quartermaster that he was there with the loads,
the quartermaster told him he would not unload in such "dog weather" as
that was; but when Mr. Haagenson told him that he would not be responsi-
ble for the loads, which still were in good condition, he sent a number of
soldiers to unload them and Mr. Haagenson had all he could do to make the
oxen stand still while they were unloading. He finally got his oxen in a log
stable used by the government butcher. After waiting there for three days
for the storm to subside and the snow to disappear, he started for home.
While there lie learned that a company of soldiers were going to move to
Ft. Abercrombie and he got a chance to haul their trunks and two families
from Ft. Totten to Ft. Abercrombie. The weather turned out to be nice and
he made fifty dollars extra on this trip on the way home.
hi [873 there came up a big wind storm from the northwest and to
8-P OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
protect his property from a prairie fire, which was at a distance, Mr. Haag-<
enson set out to start a back-tire outside of a lire break, when a gust of wind
blew a tuft of burning grass across and set tire to three large stacks of hay
( all he had i, barely saving his four grain stacks when the tire was put out —
it was about three feet away from them. After this he started for Brecken-
ridge to earn some money to buy hay with. He started from Breckenridge
to It. Wadsworth with two loads, sixty-five miles. Getting five miles out
he camped, but in the middle of the night had to break camp on account of
a snow storm. Getting out twelve miles, where there was a settler (the only
one on this whole distance), he went to get some hay. When he came back
one of his ox-teams had become entangled and thrown. To release them he
had to cut the bows. One ox got up, the other had broken his neck. Then
he could get no further and had to unload and return home.
After having his homestead fairly well improved, feeling one hundred
and sixty acres not enough. Air. Haagenson bought more land, later grad-
ually increasing his acreage from time to time as he felt able to. He has
now placed his children each with a nice farm and has left for himself over
two sections of land (part in North Dakota). He now lives in Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, where he has bought a commodious residence on the corner of
Vernon avenue and Court street, where after many years of hard work he
proposes to take life more leisurely. His children are: Annie, now Mrs.
Julius Skooholt, of Dwight, North Dakota: Herman, a retired farmer of
Fergus Falls; John, an attorney of Fergus Falls: Alfred, proprietor of Chris-
tiania hotel and cafe, Fergus Falls; Emily, now Mrs. Bernard Lein, of Car-
lisle. Minnesota; Xicolai. a farmer at Carlisle. Minnesota.
ANDREW T. LUND.
Andrew T. Lund was born at Vining, Minnesota. December 21, 1885,
the son of Andrew T. and Annie K. (Amundson) Lund, both of whom
were natives of Norway, the father being born in the year 1848, at a settle-
ment called Lund, in Kolvereid, Namdalen, and the mother being born near
Christiania, in the year 1850. When seventeen' years of age, Andrew T.
Lund, Sr., in the year 1866, came to America, making the trip alone, while
his wife, as a girl, came to this country with her mother and father. Andrew
T. Lund and the parents of Annie Amundson settled at Hudson. Wisconsin,
where Andrew Fund was engaged in logging on the St. Croix river for ten
years, and during which time he was married, and later he and his wife
moved, in the year 1870. to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where they took
up a homestead of about one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nidaros
township, a place where now- a part of the town of Vining is located. On
taking possession of his land. Andrew T. Lund proceeded to clear the land
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 843
and to plant crops, together with the erecting of a log house in which to
live, at the same time buying grain for the Andrews & Gage Grain Com-
pany, at Minneapolis. A few years later Mr. Lund leased the local elevator
from his former employers and for the next twenty years he conducted this
industry on his own responsibility, being interested in the only lumber yard
at Vining during the same time. In IQ04 Andrew T. Lund discontinued the
grain business and organized a private bank, which he conducted until [908,
and then the institution was incorporated as Lund's State Bank, a financial
house which the sons of Air. Lund now operate.
Andrew T. Lund, Sr., was a most active man during his entire life and
held many important positions. Mr. Lund was a member of the firm of
Nyhus & Lund, general merchants; he took an important part in the organ-
ization of St. Luke's Hospital al Fergus Falls. Minnesota, an institution of
which he was a trustee for some years; he was instrumental in securing for
the town of Vining a railway siding from the Northern Pacilic railway,
and he was the donor of the land and one of those who secured funds for
the building of the Lutheran church at Vining, a church in which for many
years he was a trustee. Andrew T. Lund, Sr., was a Republican in politics
and was at one time the candidate of his party for a seat in the United States
Congress; he served in several local offices, including a place on the school
board and other offices in the township and in the town of Vining. Mr.
Lund was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and was prominent in the organization of the Sons
of Norway, at Vining. Andrew T. Lund was one of the most honored men
of Otter Lail county and but for the fact that the state of Minnesota pos-
sessed one postoffice named Lund, the present town of Vining would now
bear that name. Andrew T. Lund. Sr., died on December 16, iyo8, his
wife having preceded him in death about four years, she dying on July 3,
1 904.
To Andrew T. and Annie Lund were born the following children:
Thea, who married the Rev. J. C. Herre, and lives at New York City;
Melvin !>., who is a tanner of Henning township, and lives at Vining, is a
graduate of the agricultural school at Minneapolis; Charles A., who is cash-
ier of Lund's State Bank, is an attorney and graduate from the St. Paul
College of Law; Oscar A., who is a partner in the firm of Nyhus & Lund,
general merchants at Vining; Harry A., who lives on the home place near
Vining; Andrew T.. the subject of this sketch; Fmil A., who is a real-estate
dealer and land owner of Vining; Gundrun, who married Theodore Thoen,
of the firm of Thoen Brothers' Clothing Company, at Minneapolis. Minne-
sota, and Baletta. who married William H. Huntington, and lives at Paynes-
ville. Minnesota. Four children of Mr. and Mrs. Lund are deceased.
844 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Andrew T. Lund was educated at the Fergus Falls, Minnesota, high
school and later at Concordia College, where he graduated in the class of
1908, with the degree of Bachelor of Accounts, and after finishing his
schooling he entered the lumber business at Vining, continuing in this busi-
ness for four years and then he sold his interests and has since followed the
real-estate business together with the duties of his office as president of
Lund's State Bank, a position in which he succeeded his father. Andrew T.
Lund has found time from his busy life to serve his town as recorder since
it was incorporated, in the year 1909, and he takes an active part, as owner,
in the plotting and in the development of "Sunny Side," a resort on East
Battle lake, one mile from Vining. Andrew T. Lund has served several
years as president of the local society of Sons of Norway and he is now
dommer of that organization.
On June 2j, 191 5, Andrew T. Lund was married to Alma Korum, who
was a school teacher of Otter Tail county, and the daughter of John Korum
and wife, old settlers who are now deceased. The Lund family is one of the
well-known families of the community, they being strong financial support-
ers of Concordia College, an institution from which seven of the children of
the family have graduated.
Andrew T. Lund and his wife are leading members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church at Vining and in church circles as well as the social and
business circles of the town and county are esteemed and respected for their
part in the life of the community.
TOHN MAURI N.
John Maurin, postmaster, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was
born on January 4, 18S8, in Austria, anil is a son of John and Katherine
(Schauer) Maurin. His early education was obtained at the public schools
in Allen Markt, Austria, and later at the German schools at Cottschee for
three Mars. At the age of fourteen years he came to America, landing at
Xew York, ami coming directly to Elizabeth, Minnesota, where he entered
the public schools for one year, and later attended St. John's University, in
which he took a commercial course, graduating in 1905. After completing
his education. Mr. .Maurin went to North Dakota, and was employed in the
State Bank at Sykeston. From that place he went to Breekenridge. Minne-
sota, where he clerked in the store of Vertin Brothers for three years, and
from that place returned to Elizabeth and worked for his uncle. Peter Mau-
rin. for six years. In 1915 he was appointed postmaster, in connection with
which office he conducts a confectionery store. He is special agent for the
Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company of California. Mr. Maurin is a
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 845
Democrat and has held some of the local offices, among them being that of
assessor, which he held for two years. I [e is a devout member of the Catho-
lic church, while fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. .Mr.
Maurin's brother, Peter, is a sergeant in the Austrian army and served in
191 5 at the Russian front, and later at the Italian front. His brother-in-
law is also a soldier.
John Maurin, Sr., was born in Austria, as was also his wife, Katherine
(Schauer) Maurin. He was well educated in Austria, where he attended the
normal school, and later entered the military service, where he was appointed
captain of the Seventeenth regiment in the War of 1878, at Bosnia, Herze-
govina, during which service he contracted rheumatism. After the war Mr.
Maurin conducted an inn at Unterwold, and was' also the owner of a farm
consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. Religiously, he was a member
of the Catholic church. His death occurred on August 17, 1905. To Mr.
and Mrs. Maurin were born the following children : Catherine, John, Anna,
Peter, Francis, and five others who are dead, John being the only one to
come to America.
Marcus Maurin, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Austria, and
was a soldier in the Napoleonic War, and was afterward engaged in business
in Austria, from which he retired and spent his latter life in travel, visiting
Switzerland, France and America, where he sold goods. His children were:
Peter, Marcus, Martin, John and Mary, all of whom are dead, Peter and
Marcus being the only children who came to America.
John Maurin was united in marriage in 1913 with Susie Hotchkiss,
daughter of W. H. Hotchkiss, a farmer. To this union one child has been
born, John Peter.
I.. I). BARCALOW.
L. D. Barcalow, bank cashier, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
was born on October 5, 1856, in New Jersey, and is a son of Farrington
Barcalow, who moved to New York state with his family in 1876 and
bought a farm. He received a good public school education at Jersey City,
New Jersey, and followed farming on the home place until the death of his
father. In 1893 he came west on account of having a brother in Minnea-
polis, and engaged his services with Maurin Brothers, of Elizabeth, where
he kept books for eighteen years, after which he became cashier of the Eliza-
beth Bank, in which he now holds considerable stock. Politically, Mr Bar-
calow is a strong Republican and has held several local offices, among them
being justice of the peace, which office he has held ever since coming to
Elizabeth.
846 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Farrington Barcalow was born in New Jersey and was educated at
Princeton University, where he studied law, but never followed the profes-
sion, entering the lumber business at Somerville, Xew Jersey. His estab-
lishment was one of the largest and most successful of the kind in the coun-
try, lie was a prominent man in politics, and was a wide-awake citizen in
every sense of the word, lie was united in marriage with Amanda Dunn,
daughter of Lewis Dunn, of Newark, New Jersey. She was born in New
Jersey, and became the mother of five children: Frank A., Ellis, Lewis,
Rupert and Hubert. After his marriage, Mr. Barcalow engaged in the lum-
ber business, which he followed until 187(1. then took up farming until his
death, which occurred about [890. His wife died about 1885. In religion,
Mr. Barcalow attended church but was not a member. Mrs. Barcalow was
a member of the Baptist church.
William Barcalow. the paternal grandfather, was a native of Somerville,
New Jersey. He was a soldier of the Continental army, and after the war
etided he engaged as a hotel keeper.
FREDERICK ZILLION.
Frederick Zilliox was born on August 23, 1865, near Troutville, Clear-
held county. Pennsylvania. His grandparents, Godfrey and Charlotte Zil-
liox. emigrated from Gersbach, a small settlement three miles from Pir-
masens, Rheinish Bavaria, German)-, in 1837. and settled in Clearfield county.
Pennsylvania. The grandparents on his mother's side were George H. and
Elizabeth Yoas, and came from the same settlement in Germany. His father
•was eighteen years old when he came with his parents to the United States.
When Frederick Zilliox was nearly six years old his parents moved to
Missouri, locating on a farm near Moundville, Vernon count)-, where he was
brought up on a farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He had long
had a desire to go to some college to prepare himself either for office work
or for teaching; and in January, [887, he went to the Gem City Business
College, Quincy, Illinois, for a six-months' term, and then went with some
of his schoolmates to Denver, Colorado, wher.e he worked at different places
for about four months, but as the western civilization did not suit him, he
returned home again, and in January, 1800, went back' to college to finish the
course. While yet at college, Mr. Zilliox was offered and accepted a position
as teacher of penmanship and commercial branches in the Braymer high
school and business institute for the school year 1890-1891. In the fall of
[891 he accepted a position as commercial teacher in the German-English
College, now called the Charles City College. Charles City, Iowa. He
remained with this school two years, and then resigned and visited the Col-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 847
uniliian Exposition at Chicago. From Chicago he took a trip to Pennsyl-
vania with his fellow teacher and companion, P. P. Rodenberger, going by
way of Niagara Falls, where the} spent a day. After spending a few weeks
at the home of a friend at Limeport, Pennsylvania, .Mr. Zillinx went to visit
his old home and relatives in Clearfield county. After spending some time
among his relatives and roaming over the mountains, lie went down to see
I 'hiladelphia.
In October, 1893, .Mr. Zilliox returned to Charles City. Iowa, and after
a short stay there went to Missouri to visit his folks. In January, 1804. he
went tn the Cedar Rapids Business College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to take a
special course in penmanship and drawing. This course he completed in
June, and in the fall accepted a position with King's Business College, Dal-
las, Texas. This school proved unsatisfactory to him, and he resigned in the
spring. In the fall of 1895 he secured, through the recommendation of Rev.
Henry Solum, with whom he r ned at Dallas, a position as head of the
commercial department at the Park Region Luther College, Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, which position he still holds.
On his way north from Texas. Frederick Zilliox stopped at home and
visited with his folks a short time, and then went to Charles City, Iowa,
where he was married on September r_\ 1895, to Anna Louise Luckow,
whose acquaintance he had formed while teaching at that place in 1891-93.
The wedding took place in the Lutheran church. Shortly after the wedding
they came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where they have lived ever since.
CECIL BEARDS.
Cecil Beards, a prosperous young farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail
county, .Minnesota, is a native of Buckingham, Kent county. England, where
he was born mi August X, 1N85.
Mr. Beards is a son of John and Emma (Hicks) Beards, both of whom
were natives of England. John Beards was born in the village of Tiptree.
Essex county. August 1. 1849, and his wife was born on May 5, 1X40.
They were married in their native land and in May, 1890, emigrated t<i
Canada, and after remaining in Canada for six weeks they moved to St.
Raul, Minnesota, where they have since resided. John Beards is a mechanic
by trade. In 191] he purchased a farm in section 3. of Inman township,
Otter Tail county, upon which his son, Cecil, now lives. John Beards and
his wife are devout members of the Congregational church. They are the
parents "I" five children, of whom \rchie and Emily (twins \ are deceased.
The living children are Emma, Clara and Cecil.
Cecil Beards received his education in the schools of St. Raul, Minne-
848 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
sota. He is a mechanic by trade and worked at this trade until 1907, when
he removed to Inman township. He later spent some time in North and
South Dakota, working on various farms and at his trade. In 1910 he set-
tled on the farm in Inman township, and has leased it from the time it was
purchased by his father. Since removing to the farm Mr. Beards has been
engaged in general farming and stock raising.
In ic)io Cecil 1 '.cards was married to Mary Klawitter, who was born
in Douglass county. Minnesota, and who is a daughter of James Paulson, who
is a native of Norway. The latter emigrated to America many years ago
and settled in Minnesota. Cecil Beards and wife are the parents of one
daughter, Bernardette Emeline, who was born on September 23, 191 1.
PHILIP SCOTT IRELAND.
Philip Scott Ireland was born on April 3, 1841. in Govan, Scotland,
now a part of Glasgow. His father, James, also a native of Govan, Scot-
fand, was the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Land) Ireland, the former of
whom was born at Ardy, ten miles from Glasgow, and was a merchant,
keeping the "Society Store" for twenty years. His wife was also a native
of Govan. On the maternal side of the family, Philip and Jane (Weather-
spoon) Scott were the grandparents, he being a native of Govan, and she of
England. Of their seven children, six were daughters. Their only son,
James, took part in the battle of Waterloo, and was there wounded in the
head.
James Ireland, father of Philip S., was a merchant and railroadman,
and his death occurred in Scotland when his son, Philip, was about eight
years of age. His widow survived him many years, passing away in 1903.
They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Margaret. Jeanette,
Elizabeth, James, Philip and Andrew (both deceased), and Philip Scott,
the subject of this review. All are now deceased except the last named.
Philip Ireland was educated in the schools of his native land, and in
1858 came to America alone, going directly to the family of his grand-
father Scott, who lived in Canada. His aunt had sent him the money with
which to pay for the journey. Eor two years he worked for his uncle
for four dollars a month, and the third year worked at farm labor for
other parties. After spending six years working in the pine woods of
Canada, he obtained employment in a woolen mill at Axbridge, Massachu-
setts, which is located about sixteen miles from Wooster. Having learned
the weaver's trade in Scotland, it was not difficult for him to take up the
details of his new occupation, in 1871 he traveled wesl as far as Minne-
sota with two companions, their destination being this county. There was
at thai time no survey, and as necessity is the mother of invention, they
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 849
evolved a unique plan in order to determine the choice of the farms they
were about to pre-empt. They first marked off by guess the limits of three
claims, which they numbered, putting the numbers on bits of paper. They
then placed these in a hat and drew numbers. The present farm of Mr.
Ireland is the one which fell to him in the drawing. When this party first
arrived in Eastern township the only settlers there were found to be John
Tanglen and Frank Saunders. Subsequently to this apportionment, .Mr.
Ireland proved up on a quarter section of his land and later added to it
forty acres of railroad land, all of which he has greatly improved.
Mr. Ireland's marriage to Margaret Crechton occurred in Massachu-
setts in 1867. she being a native of England, and a daughter of -Andrew and
Mary (Smith) Crechton. Andrew Crechton was a designer by trade and
was born in England and died in Glasgow, his death occurring during an
epidemic of cholera which caused the death of many others at that time.
Ill-, wife was born at Corders, Scotland, and came with her daughter, later
Mrs. Ireland, and a son, to America, in 1866. They traveled first to Woon-
socket, Rhode Island, in order to join a sister of Mrs. Ireland. Another
son of Mrs. Crechton, named James, served in the Civil War. through
which he passed uninjured.
Mr. and Mrs. Ireland are the parents of eight children, Mary, lames,
Lillian, Jean, Elizabeth and Margaret, Andrew and Lillian Isabell, the latter
two are dead. .Mr. Ireland has the honor of being the first chairman of
Eastern township. He always prided himself upon being able to succeed
by his own efforts. He has thus developed a spirit of independence which
characterizes the best types of American citizenship.
HARRISON HARRIS.
A Canadian by birth, Harrison Harris, however, became so identified
with this county that its local history could not be written without refer-
ence to his life and valued work. His wife was the first white woman to
take up her residence in Pelican Rapids, lie was born in Ontario. Canada.
111 [825, and died in Pelican Rapids. June 23, 1882. His first marriage was
m Canada, the bride being a Miss Dearborn. Me brought her to the United
States 1,1 i860 and located in Wisconsin, where she afterward died, leaving
three children, Frederick, Awlso and Minnie, the latter is deceased. While
living in Wisconsin Mr. Harris was a successful farmer.
In [866 Harris, ,n Harris was married at Otsego, Wisconsin, his sec-
ond wife being Helen Grace Councilman, who was born in Brown county,
Xcw York, August 24, [847. Mrs. Harris is the daughter of Jacob and
Sarah Councilman, natives of the countv in which their daughter was born
r54b)
8^0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
In 1854 the parents of Mrs. Harris began a two-years residence in Belvi-
dere. Illinois. They left there for Wisconsin, where they lived at Turtle
for thirteen years. The next ten years was spent in Columbus. -Mr. Coun-
cilman, who was a farmer, and his wife moved to Pelican Rapids about
1880, when the former retired from active life and where he and his wife
lived until their death. Both are buried here.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harris lived for two years at
Otsego, and the following year they resided in Iowa. They then lived
in Red Wing, Minnesota, until the autumn of 1869 Harrison Harris and
Emerson Harris left their families in the fall of 1869 at Dayton Crossing
and came to what is now Pelican Rapids, and took land and during the
winter of 1869-70 built log shanties and in the spring of 1870 brought
their families here. They traveled in a covered wagon, draw by an
ox-team. Later, however, by a dishonest transaction. Mr. Harris was
cheated out of the original claim and was forced to take up a homestead
on an adjoining claim, hut both of these tracts of land are now incorporated
in Pelican Rapids. Mr. Harris improved his second claim and w^as for some
time a successful farmer. There he lived to the time of his death and this
was the home of his wife until her death on June 10, 191 5. It was Mr.
Harris who, together with George B. Wright and W. G. Tuttle, platted the
town of Pelican Rapids. About this time Mr. Harris was manager of the
store owned bv Mr. Tuttle and in this capacity carried on trade with the
neighboring Indians. One of the offices which he held was that of township
supervisor. Besides his homestead, Mr. Harris owned forty acres, three or
four miles distant.
Some interesting pioneer history is connected with the early life of Mr.
Harris. One incident was the journey to Xew London, which was made by
means of an ox-team, and which required three weeks. At that time the
land offices were situated at St. Cloud and supplies had to be obtained in
Sauk Center, Alexandria and St. < 'loud. While the Indian-, were disposed
to he friendly, there were several occasions on which they were the sources
of annoyance and terror. They even came to Mr. Harris's home and remained
there days at a time. The first house of Mr. and Mrs. Harris was a log
cabin in which dirt was used for the floor. Crude as this dwelling was,
however, it furnished welcome shelter for the villagers who frequently gath-
ered there when the Indians became troublesome. Mr. Harris seemed to be
looked upon as the leader of the defense. In the course of his life Mr. Harris
built three log houses, and was constructing a large house which still stands
at the corner or Broadway and North streets, when he was called away by
death.
By his second marriage Mr. Harris became the father of three children.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 85 1
Wilson N., a daughter who died in infancy, and Ernest Edwin, also deceased.
Wilson N. Harris was educated in the schools of Pelican Rapids and after-
ward worked on a farm. He now looks after the property left by his father.
About twenty-five acres of the original quarter section homesteaded by Mr.
Harris is now a part of the village. The tract composing the eighty acres
on the west has been sold. About fifty-one acres of the homestead besides
the town lots are still in the possession of the family. Wilson Harris has for
the past ten years been engaged in the plumbing business. For five years he
has been the village assessor. He is a member of the Rothsay Odd Fellows
Lodge No. 36. His mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
A glance at the boyhood of Flarrison Harris will convince the reader
that his was not the nature to play today and trust to luck for tomorrow's
golden crop. The strong characteristics which he evinced in manhood were
present in his youth, and these he made the basis of a successful career. Mr.
Harris was the sort of man who could be depended upon in emergencies and
during his lifetime was a leading citizen of his community.
H. A. SCHULTZ.
Enterprise, energy, good judgment and knowledge of men are the fac-
tors that enter largely into the career of the successful business man. Strict
adherence to business and a thorough knowledge of his vocation are important
adjuncts to a successful career. Nowhere do we find greater need for strict
adherence to duty than in the general mercantile business. It is no easy task
to purchase and keep for sale the many and varied articles, the public expect
to find in the general store of today. In H. A. Schultz we find the successful
and enterprising business man who conducts an up-to-date general store at
Otter Tail. Minnesota.
H. A. Schultz, a native of Goodhue county, Minnesota, was born on June
29, 1867, the son of Ferdinand and Justine (Fisher) Schultz, who were
natives of Germany. The father being born on January n, 1824, and the
mother on October 31. 1830. Ferdinand Schultz was educated in the com-
mon schools of Germany. After his marriage he and his wife came to
America, landing in New York in 1855. They went at once to Wisconsin
and lived for a time at Princeton, later purchasing eighty acres in Goodhue
county, Minnesota, where Mr. Schultz made his home until the time of
his death in March, 1894. Mrs. Schultz. after the death of her husband,
moved to Otter Tail city where she still resides and is an active member in
the German Lutheran church at that place. Mr. Schultz was also an active
member of the church and a stanch Republican, but never had aspirations
for public office.
H. A. Schultz received his education in the common schools of Good-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
county, where lie grew to manhood. On April 14. [891, he was united
in marriage to Lenora Gray, of Wabasha county. Minnesota. Mrs. Schultz
was born on April 19, 1877. They are the parents of the following chil-
dren, Leona, Alice, Llvin and Albert. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Schultz. they removed to Otter Tail county where they purchased a farm
of one hundred and seventy-six acre.-.. In iy03 the farm was sold and the
family moved to Ottertail, where Mr. Schultz engaged in the mercantile
business, lie has been more than successful and the business has increased
greatly. Mr. Schultz has been the postmaster at Ottertail since the fall
of 1003 and has had charge of the switchboard for seven years for the
Farmers Telephone Company at Ottertail. He has been president of the
Farmers Creamery ( ompany for four years, also president of the Cornet
band for nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are very active members of the
Lutheran church of Ottertail and are prominent socially.
AUGUST ALBERTS.
August Albert^, well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Otto
township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Germany, December
26, 1N70. the >"ii of Christian and Catherine (Horn) Alberts, both natives
of Germany, the former born in the year 1823, and the latter in 1840.
Christian Alberts and his family came to America in April, 1871, and located
at Red Wing, Minnesota, where they lived for some time and then went
to Goodhue county. After farming for some time on a farm of eighty
acres in Goodhue county, Christian Alberts moved to Polk county, where
he lived until 1878 and then came to ( Itter Tail county and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in section 0, Otto township, a place which
the elder Alberts improved and where he lived until his death in [890.
August Alberts, the only child of Christian and Catherine Alberts.
came to America with his parents when four months of age and after his
3cl 1 days in the schools of the community, he became a farmer, acquir-
ing land until now he cultivates two hundred and sixty acres, together with
the raising of considerable live stock.
On February 11, 1896, August Alberts was married to Mela Mattfield,
who was born in Germany, on September 1 2, [876, the daughter of Henry
and Anna (Oelrich) Mattfield, natives of Germany, who came to America
in [869, and located in Gorman township. Otter Tail county, where Henry
Mattfield was a farmer until nji.V when he moved to Frazee, Minnesota,
and now lives a retired life." \ugust and Meta Alberts are the parents of
children: Arthur, who was born on May jo. [898, and Alfred, born
on May 20, 1901.
^ugusl Alberts has taken an important pail in the public life and the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 853
official circles of Otto township, he being a man who is found in the front
ranks of all movements for general welfare and community interests, as
well as being a citizen who has served well as clerk of the scb «
for a period of ten years.
HON. ERICK FRANKBERG.
The life of Judge Erick Frankberg, of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, is
the story of an ambitious Swedish boy who by hard working and native
intelligence has made for himself an honorable place in the hearts of the
people with whom he has lived for thirty-five years.
fudge Erick Frankberg was born in Sweden, August 9, 1850. His
parents, Andrew and Britta P>erg. were both natives of Sweden. The
childhood days of Erick Frankberg were spent in school in his native land,
he having attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age
and after that time having spent two years in higher schools and later hav-
ing also attended a military school. He also, while in Sweden and while a
young man. learned the carpenters' and builders' trade. Judge Frankberg
came to the United States from Sweden in May, 1870, and arrived at
Chicago, where on June 12, 1870, he turned his attention to the contract-
ing and building trade, he being associated there with his brother. On
October 9, 1871, came the terrible Chicago fire and Mr. Frankberg losl
considerable in this fire. After the fire he worked at his trade and was
successful. During the winter of 1872 Erick Frankberg went to a private
school where he learned the English language and the business customs of
this country and he then again returned to the trade of building and con-
tracting until the year 1880, a part of the time in Chicago and a part of the
time in Pierce county, Wisconsin. He also at odd times studied law.
On October 2, 1880. Mr. Frankberg arrived in Fergus Falls, Minne-
sota, where he immediately began to work at the contracting and building
trade. He had charge of the erection of the school house in the city of
Fergus Falls which was destroyed by fire in 1877. In 1884 he turned his
attention to real estate and was engaged in this business for about a year,
when he was appointed to till out an unexpired term as citv justice. Ik-
was then elected to the same office and held it continuously for twelve
years.
In November, [896, Mr. frankberg was elected probate judge of ( )tter
Tail county, Minnesota. This was almost twenty years ago. It is fair proof
of his learning, his impartiality and fair-mindedness as a judge that he has
held the office of probate judge of this large county for now almost twent)
years. The people of Otter Tail county have implicit confidence in both bis
854 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ability and his fairmindedness. His special fitness for this office is admitted
by all persons who have ever had dealings there.
Two years lie fore coming to 1 >tter Tail county, on November _'4. 187N,
Erick Frankberg was married to Louise Johnson, of Pepin county, Wis-
consin. Airs. Frankberg was also born in Sweden, October 22,, 1856. and
came to .America when she was twelve years of age. Two sons were born
to this union. Albert P. Frankberg. who was horn on February 4. [881,
and who is now clerk of the probate court of Otter Tail county. He was
married to Caroline Sjolie, of this county, and they have one child, Ethel
Georgia. George W. Frankberg, who was born on December 20, 1882,
and who is now a practising attorney in Fergus Falls. Minnesota. The
sketch of his life will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Louise
Frankberg died on September 30, 11)04, and Judge Frankberg was married,
secondly, to Louise Sjoberg, on May 29, 1907, and to them has been born
one son, Raymond C, who was born on September 23, iqo8.
Judge Frankberg is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, having joined this lodge nearly forty years ago, December 25, 1876.
He is also a member of the Elks lodge of Fergus Falls and the Chippewa
Club. He was a member of the school board of the city of Fergus Falls
from 1903 to 191 5, when he voluntarily retired. He takes a deep interest
in all public matters and can always be depended upon to do his share
towards the upbuilding of his home city and his home county.
JORGEN JENSEN.
The late Jorgen Jensen, who was a prosperous farmer of Sverdrup
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was a native of Denmark, where
his birth occurred on June 25. 1838. Mr. Jensen was a successful farmer
and an enterprising citizen. He was a son of Jens Jorgen, who spent his
entire life in Denmark, never coming to this country.
Jorgen Jensen was educated in the public schools of Denmark, and
after coming to America, located on the farm where his widow now lives
in 1882. Fie purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and died on
the farm which he had carved out of the wilderness in [899.
By his marriage to Marie Hansen two children were born to Jorgen
Jensen — Soren and Marie. The mother of these children died in 1882.
and the following year Mr. Jensen was married to Johanna Hansen, a sister
of his first wife, and to this union two children were born, Jens. Jr., and
Carrie. Of these children, Jens was born in 1884, and received his educa-
tion in the public schools, and is now engaged in the real estate business
at Pfenning, Minnesota. Carrie was born 111 Otter Tail county. Minnesota.
nn February 1, 18X7. ami was educated in the public schools and also in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 855
the normal school at Moorhead. She taught in the public schools for
some time, and on September 25, 1910, was married to Willie Jensen, of
Tordenskjold township, and to this union have been born three children,
Rudolph, Erwin and Evelyn.
The late Jorgen Jensen was never active in politics, but voted inde-
pendently and supported measures and men rather than parties and party
emblems. He was a faithful and earnest member of the Lutheran church
and was a regular attendant of religious services. His widow and family
are also members of the same denomination.
BERXHARD MATTSON.
Bernhard Mattson, a well-known and popular young farmer of Dane
Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of the township
where he lives and was born on January 5, 1874. Mr. Mattson is the son
of Peter anil Anna (Arneson) Mattson, the former of whom was horn on
November 3. 1820, in Sweden, and the latter was born on March 6, 1842,
in Norway. They came to America before their marriage, the father in
1865 and the mother in 1867. They were married in Minneapolis, although
the father, for a time, had lived in Milwaukee. Mrs. Peter Mattson had
come directly to Minneapolis after her arrival in this country. In 1869
they moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and seventy-
six acres of land in Dane Prarie township, which was, at that time, a
wilderness. Here he built a log house east of his present home and began
clearing the home place.
In the summer of 1870, Peter Mattson returned to Minneapolis and
worked in a saw-mill, hut in the fall came back again and that winter engaged
in clearing his land. Later he sold forty-seven acres, but kept the re-
mainder of the farm until his death in iqoo, when he was eighty years old.
I le was an ardent Republican and a member of the Swan Lake Lutheran
church, of which he was a founder. He is huried in the cemeterv near that
church. His widow is still living and has been a devout church worker
all of her life. They were the parents of seven children: Matilda, who is
unmarried and lives at home; Amelia, who died in 1900; Bernhard, the
subject of this sketch; Pauline, who is unmarried and lives at home; August,
who was a farmer near Ryder, North Dakota, until 1915. is now employed
in an elevator: Albert, who died in infancy in 1880, and Albert, who is a
carpenter of Fergus Falls.
Bernhard Mattson was educated in the common schools of this county
and at the Fergus Falls high school, as well as the Park Region Lutheran
College and at the United Church Seminary. After completing his edu-
cation. Mr. Mattson returned to the farm and assisted his father in its
856 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
management until hi> death. Since thai time, he has been operating the
farm alone.
Mr. Mattson 1- unmarried. He is a member of the Swan Lake Luth-
eran church and is independent in politics. He served one year as assessor
and has served as clerk of Dane Prairie township since 1908. He has
given to the people of this township a most creditable administration and
today enjoys the confidence and esteem of a host of friends.
ANTON CHRISTIANS! >.\.
One of the most widely and favorably known citizens of Otter Tail
county and of the town of Vining, is Anton Christianson, who as a man
affiliated with some of the important business enterprises and as the occu-
pant of various public offices, together with the fulfilling; of a prominent
place in the ranks of common citizenship, has long 'been recognized as a
conspicuous element in local circles.
Anton Christianson was born in Bendalen, Xordland, Norway, on
March 5, 1863, the son of Christian Olson and Gunhild Anderson, both of
whom were natives of Norway, the father being horn in Gudbransdalen,
during the year 18-7, and the mother horn in Valders, during the year
1826. Christian and Gunhild Olson were married in the district of Ben-
dalen and about the year 1870 they moved to Folden in the district of Nam-
dalen, where they lived until the year 1883, on a farm owned by Christian
Olson, after which Christian Olson provided for his wife in Norway, and
came to America, settling in section 23, of Nidoras township. Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, where he bought eighty acres of railroad land, which he
improved and on which he built necessary buildings and then, in the year
1884, sent for his family, who were in their native land. On this farm
Christian Olson lived until his death in the year [909, he being eighty-two
years of age at that time. His wife. Gunhild Olson, preceded her husband
in death about ten years. Christian Olson was one of Nidaros county's best
citizens, a man who, though of a quiet and retiring disposition, none the
less filled his place in life well and in such a manner that his memory is
today revered as one of those men who did no small part in the develop-
ment and promotion of the comity and its interests. Mr. Olson and his
good wife were faithful members id' the West Nidaros Lutheran church.
The remains .if Christian and Gunhild Olson wire laid to rest in the town
cemetery of Vining. To the marriage of Christian Olson and Gunhild
Anderson were born the following children: Iver, a sailor, who was
drowned at sea when twenty-four years of age: Anton, the subjeel of this
sketch, who has a half brother, Halvorson, who now lives two miles south-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. N57
east of Vining, where he is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres
of land, which he cultivates.
\nton Christianson was educated in the public schools oi Norway,
alter which lie worked on the home farm for a time and then became a
sailor, cruising along the northern coast of Norway, on various fishing
vessels, until the vear 0SN4, when being twenty-one years of age, he came
to America and helped his father on the farm, which he had established
in Nidaros township, Otter Tail county, and then, 111 the year 1887, Anton
Christianson bought a farm of eighty'acres in section 5, Folden township,
where he lived for ten years, during which tune he cleared his land and
placed thereon many improvements, making the farm one of the modern
and convenient places for the following of agricultural pursuits in the local-
ity. Later Anton Christianson sold his farm to the firm of Nyhus & Lund,
of Vining, and returned to the farm of his father where he farmed until
the death of Christian Olson and then Anton Christianson purchased the
interest of the heirs to his father's estate and secured the home farm, on
which he lived until the year 1 < ) 1 4, having in the meantime added to the
home place forty acres of land located nearby. During the year 11)14,
Anton Christianson invested in seven acres of land, a part of which was
within the town limits of Vining, and here erected a good house and barn,
a place where he now lives.
On December 9, 1908, Anton Christianson was appointed United
States rural mail carrier for route No. 2, now No. 1. which operates from
the town of Vining, a position which he now occupies, giving to bis patrons
prompt and efficient service at all times. While engaged in the mail service.
Anton Christianson has found time to care for other business interests,
among which is the office of a director with the Rural Telephone Company,
a corporation in the conduct of whose affairs he has taken an important
and valuable part.
During the year 1887, Anton Christianson was married to Mala II
Spifen. who was horn in Norway, and who died in the year [896, being
the mother of the following children, who with her husband, survived:
Gina, who died at the age of two years; Herbert, of the home farm, who
married Clara Sandal, and to whom were horn, .Myrtle, aged two years,
and Ethel, aged sewn months; Conrad, who lives in the state of North
Dakota; Mahle. who died at the age of six months, and Malfred.
(in October 21, 1897, \.nton Christianson. was married, secondly, to
Caroline Rosenlund, who was horn in Denmark and when seven years of
age came to America, with her parents. To the marriage of Anton ami
Caroline Christianson were horn the following children: Jennie, Mabel,
Melvin, Harrv, George. Annie. Clifford and Adeline.
858 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MIN N ES< »TA.
Anton Christianson has been the occupant of several important offices
in the township, among which was that of clerk of the school district, direc-
tor of the affairs of the school district, and road overseer. Mr. Christian-
son has taken a leading part in the work and worship of the Norwegian
Lutheran church, at Vining, giving of his time and interest to the teaching
of a Sunday-school class and to the other activities of the congregation.
Anton Christianson is affiliated with the society of the Sons of Norway
and has been active in the conduct of the affairs of this organization.
TACOB THOMPSON.
Although the immediate subject of this sketch has passed from the
land of the living, he is still remembered by friends and neighbors near
his home in Tordenskjold township, where his widow still resides. He
was a man of kindly nature, who easily made friends, and was possessed
of such integrity and industry as won for him the respect of all who knew
him. By his labors he made for his family a comfortable home, practically
hewing it out of the wilderne-v
Jacob Thompson was born in Larwick, Norway, and when a boy of
sixteen years, ran away to sea. He was on the sea during the years of the
• nil War of this country and was on a vessel captured by the Confed-
erates and held a prisoner for some time. Upon his release, after the
close of the war. he came to Minnesota and settled in ( )tter Tail county,
homesteading a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold town-
ship. He later purchased twelve additional acres and was possessed of one
hundred and seventy-two acres at the time of his death, which occurred
on June 3, 1S00. His land was all covered with forest when he obtained
it and he cleared it all and made other great improvements, the house
which he originally built still standing.
On August 6, 1871, Jacob Thompson was united in marriage with
Martha Torstenson, who was born in Norway, June 24, [847, a daughter
of Torsten and Mallena Torstenson. The family came to America in [869
and located in < )tter Tail county, where they lived for a great many years.
To Jacob Thompson and wife were born five children. Thorn, the eldest,
lives in Underwood, where he is a drayman; Matilda is the wife of William
Mags of Sauk Center, this state; Annetta married Andrew Olson and lives
in Fergus Falls; Theo is Mr>. John Lindeblo, of Raymon, Montana, and
Julius, the youngest of the family, follows the trade of blacksmith and makes
his home with his mother. Both Jacob Thompson and his wife were mem-
bers of the Lutheran church and were active in the early year- of that faith
in this vicinity, as she -till is. lie was an excellent man and left to his
children that richest of all heritages-— a good name.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA. 859
JOHN G. NELSON.
It may he truthfully said that I >tter Tail county has no citizen of whom
she has more reason to he proud than John G. Nelson, who carries with
him the distinction, now left to few men, of having served in the Federal
army during the Civil War. The example furnished by his life is not only
an enviable one. but of inspiring character. His influence during an emin-
ently industrious life has made for the prosperity of the community whose
business interests he has ever held close to his heart. John G. Nelson, who
is known throughout the county in which he lives as Senator Nelson, was
born on the 16th of March, 1844. in Fureby, Sweden, and is the sixth in
order of birth of the children of N. D. Anderson and Martha Johnson,
both of whom were horn in Sweden hetween the years 1807 and 1808.
The father of the subject of this sketch, who followed the occupation of a
farmer in his native land, came to this country in 1854, bringing with him
his wife and their seven children, one of the sons having died in Sweden
before the family set sail. Upon arriving in this country the family located
in Chiscago county, Minnesota, where the father bought two hundred acres
of land for farming purposes, and where he lived until his death, which
occurred in Septemher, 1869. Two of the daughters, Helena and Char-
lotta, died in 1855, aged seventeen and nineteen years respectively. Two
other daughters, Christina and Josephine, married and lived in Chiscago
county. Christina died in [89.6. After the death of her husband, Mrs.
Nelson, mother of John G. Nelson, the subject of this sketch, came to
Otter Tail county and lived the remainder of her life with her three sons,
Anders P., John G. and Peter ()., dying in 1889.
The early education received by John G. Nelson was obtained in the
common schools of his native land and in the schools of Chiscago county,
Minnesota. As a young man he worked on his father's farm and also at
the lumber business whose interests carried him regularly on trips down
the St. Croix river.
( )n August 15. 1862, tin- subject of this sketch unhesitatingly laid
aside his business duties and offered his services to save the government,
which at that time was in great danger. He enlisted in Company C. Sev-
enth Regiment. Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and during the first four
months of service was assigned to Ft. Ripley to guard against attacks by
the Chippewa Indians at that point. The government man agreeable settle-
ment at the Chippewa agency with the Indians and Hole-in-the-Day. their
chief, after leaving Ft. Ripley, the regiment went to Ft. Snelling and then
to Mankato. Minnesota, where the company guarded a number of Sioux
Indian prisoners. During the months spent in this locality John (i. Nelson
had some of the most thrilling experiences of the war. During Christinas
860 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
dav and the day following the subject of this sketch was on duty for forty-
eight hours, "ii account of trouble with thirty-eight of the Indian-, who
were sentenced to be hanged on the 26th of December. The company had
charge of building the scaffold where all of the thirty-eight Indians were
put tn death at the same time on that date. After the hanging had taken
place the regiment guarded the remaining Indians until May of the follow-
ing year when they took the prisoners by boat from Mankato to Daven-
port, Iowa, where the_\ were stockaded in charge of Major Anderson. After
the return of the company to Mankato they with the balance of the regi-
ment started oil what is known in history as the Indian Expedition of [863,
under General Sibley. They marched first to a point about forty miles
southeast of Devils Lake. X. I)., where they camped. From this camp a
detail of two companies of infantry, one company of cavalry, and two held
pieces went to Devils lake, where they expected to meet in battle Indians
who were reported to he there. In the meantime the main part of the regi-
ment proceeded on to the Missouri river where they fought the battle of
Big Mound on July _'4. Mr. Nelson was with the detail sent to Devils lake.
On their arrival there, only the son of Little Crow was found, and the
detail returned to the camp, where they were rejoined by the regiment,
and camp was broken for the long march hack to Ft. Snelling.
They remained at the fort only a short time before leaving for St.
Louis. Missouri, where they remained until spring. Upon leaving the West
the regiment went to I'aducah. Kentucky, where they were in camp three-
weeks and then attached to the Sixteenth Army Corps, at that time in com-
mand of Gen. A. J. Smith. The next march was to Memphis, Tennessee,
and from there to Tupelo. Mississippi, where the regiment fought in the
battle of Tupelo, in which General Forrest, the until-then unconquered Con-
federate general, was decisively defeated in a battle hard fought and last-
ing three days. They then returned to Memphis for a few days and took
part in the Oxford raid. After the Oxford raid. Smith's army started on
what is known as Trice's raid through Missouri and Arkansas. The army
struck the Mississippi river at Cape Girardeau. From there transports were
taken to St. Louis. This was in the latter part of November. From St
Louis the army went to Nashville, Tennessee, arriving there on the 1st
of December, and there joined General Thomas in the defense of Nashville
against General Hood. On the 151I1 day of December, 1864. General
Thomas made the attack which lasted two days, General Hood being defeated
both days. The Southern army under Hood was completely defeated and
the turning poinl in the Western campaign. \fter this battle they
manhed to Last Port, Mississippi, where they camped for two months. At
die end of that time they left for Vicksburg and from there bv boat to
01 rER I All. COUN I Y. MINNESOTA. 86l
New Orleans. Here on Andrew Jackson's old battle ground they camped
for two weeks. They spent two weeks on Dauphine Island, to which place
they had been transported, and at the end of that time went to Fish River,
Alabama.
Mr. Nelson had part m the siege of Spanish Fort, Alabama, which
lasted two weeks. After the siege the army marched to Blakely where they
defeated a Confederate force in what was the last battle of the Civil War,
being fought several days after the surrender of I.ee to Grant at Appomat-
tox. From there they marched to Montgomery, Alabama, remaining there
two weeks, and then to Selma where they stayed two months. While at
Selma, the order was received by the Seventh Minnesota to return home.
The return trip was by rail to Jackson. Mississippi, from where they marched
tn Vicksburg, and from there to Ft. Snelling the transportation was by boat.
During all these perilous engagements, John (i. Nelson escaped without
injury, and remained with the regiment from the time they fired the first
shot until he received his discharge in August, 1865. In the battle oi Span-
ish Fort, Mr. Nelson, who was with his company on the skirmish line when
the fnrt opened fire, stepped behind a large tree from which place he began
to return their shots. The fire of the fort so filled the air and swept the
ground that when the company was relieved there was nothing lefl of the
protecting tree but a ten foot snag. Mr. Nelson looks upon this incident as
nne of the most dangerous in his career as a soldier.
\fter the war the subject of this sketch returned to Chisago county,
Minnesota, where for a time he was interested in farming and in the lum-
ber business. In the summer of [868, he came to Otter Tail county, and
located mi the place where he now resides in Parkers Prairie township. The
farm is located in section 17, and since the time of its purchase has been
extended over an area of two hundred and fifteen acres. The place in its
original state was a tract of wilderness, and the owner is the only pioneer
of that section now living, who had part in the development of the com-
munity at that time.
On the 23rd nf August, 1862, John ( i. Nelson was united in marriage
to ('aniline Lindquist, and to this union one son, Ernest P., was born 011
the 26th nf August. t863, who met his death on May 18, 1910, in an explo-
sion from a gas engine in Carmangay, Alberta. Canada, where he had
charge of a range of elevators. lie was survived by his wife, Stella
(DeMars) Nelson, and two children. Elise and Ernestine, The second
marriage of the subjeel of this sketch took place when he was united to
\lma M Carlson, who became the mother of one son, Daniel E., who was
burn on the 15th day of July, 1004. just forty years after his father tired
the first shot at the battle of Tupelo.
862 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
While the career of John G. Nelson as a soldier has been a notable
one. it is probably as a politician and a member of the Republican party,
that lie has received his greatest distinction. In 1872 he was elected sena-
tor, and is known throughout the state in which he lives as the "first sena-
tor (if Otter Tail county." He served in two sessions as senator, and in 1882
received additional honors by being chosen to serve as representative. He
has held various offices of public trust in the township, and from 1871 to
(872 served as county commissioner. Senator Nelson is a man who stands
out as a member of the "old school" and in his various activities has left an
indelible influence upon those whose lives have been touched by his.
GUNERIUS LARSON.
( iunerius Larson, who is a prosperous farmer of Sverdrup township.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who owns a farm, maintained in a very
high state of repair and cultivation, was born on July 24. 1868, in Norway.
Gunerius Larson is a son of Lars Sogge and Karen (Lesseth) Larson,
both of whom were also natives of Norway, the former born in 1830. and
the latter on May 26, 1836. In 1881 Air. Larson's parents came to Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, where the father worked at his trade as a carpenter. He
owned some eighty acres of school land for a time, but lived in Fergus
Falls for about two years, after which he located in Sverdrup township, and
spent his last days at Red Lake halls. Minnesota. His death occurred in
[897 at the latter place, while his wife passed away at Rainer. Oregon, in
[911. They were the parents of seven children, as follow: Anna, Hans
Theodore, (iunerius, Ludwig, Julia. Inga and Helmer, all of whom are
living.
(iunerius Larson received a liberal education in the public schools of
his native country, and in 1885, came to America, locating in < Itter Tail
county, .Minnesota. In [892 he purchased the farm where he now lives.
This farm is located in Sverdrup township, and here Mr. Larson carries
on a general system of farming and stock raising with a very commendable
degree of success.
( )n November 3. 181)2, Gunerius Larson was married to Hausine John-
son, who was born on July 9. 1 876, in Calumet, Michigan, and who i- a
daughter of Hans and Gunhild (Svenson) Johnson, both of whom were
born in Norway. Mr-. Larson's father was born on June 26, 1844.
and her mother on January 13, 1852. Hans Johnson and wife came from
their native land to the United States in the early seventies, settling at
Calumet, where he died in the spring of 187(1, while his wife survived him
several years, passing away in [881. Previous to this, in 1880, Mrs. Lar-
son's mother had conic to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where her parent-.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 863
Svend Jacobson and Anna (Peterson) Jacobson, both of whom were also
natives of Norway, had located in an early day, and were pioneers of Tor-
denskjold township. Svend Jacobson died here in 1902. and his wife in
[893. They were the parents of one child, who was Airs. Larson's mother.
Mrs. Larson was one of three children horn to her parents, the others being
Anna and Hannah, the latter of whom is deceased. Mrs. Larson's mater-
nal grandparents came from Norway to Calumet county, Michigan, in 1865,
and to Otter Tail county in 1871.
Gunerius Larson and wife are the parents of eight children, one of
whom, Dagny, is deceased. The living children in the order of their birth
are as follow: Gladys. Lillian, Stella, Roy. Mildred, Doris and Alpha.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson are faithful and earnest members of the Luth-
eran church, and take an active interest in religious work. They are highly
respected citizens of Sverdrup township.
HON. ORRIS ALBERTSON.
Among the oldest citizens of Battle Lake, Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
and among the most prominent citizens of the county, is the Hon. Orris
Albertson, former sheriff of Otter Tail county, who has been engaged in
many lines of endeavor and who. for many years, was engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Battle Lake.
Orris Albertson was horn in Jefferson county, New York, near Theresa,
January 5, 1850, and is the son of Josiah and Rhoda 1 Riggins) Albertson,
both of whom were natives of Xew Jersey. Mr Albertson's father was born
on March 29, [809, and his mother on May 6, [813. The former was a L;la— -
blower, who moved to Jefferson county, Xew York, but who, before that.
lived in Oneida county, at Sand Lake, where he followed his trade. From
Oneida he moved to Redwood. Jefferson county, where he also followed his
trade. Subsequently, however, he bought a farm near Theresa and later
another farm near the first farm. Both he and his wife died in that county.
ile was a Republican in politics and voted for Abraham Lincoln, lie and
his wife were members of the Methodist church. They were the parents of
nine children, of whom, Samuel. Josiah. Marx, William and Emma, are
deceased. The living children are Margaret, Orris, Sarah and Lewis.
Orris Albertson was educated 111 the public schools of Redwood, Jeffer-
son county, Xew York, and, until he was nineteen years old, worked on a
farm. In [869 he immigrated to Battle Lake, having a sister at this place,
who was Mrs. Benjamin Sherman. She took .me of the firsl boniest, .ids in
Everts township. After coming to Everts township, Mr. Albertson attended
school here. For a short time, he left the county, but returned 111 1 S 7 j and
was employed as a clerk by Johnson & Jackson at Otter Tail city. \fter
864 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
working for them a short time, Mr. Albertson was employed in a drug store,
after which he made his home with his brother, Josiah 11. Albertson, in
Everts township.
In the tall of 1873, Mr. Albertson was married to Mrs. Roseltha Corliss,
whose maiden name was In mid. and who was born 111 Ctica. New York, the
daughter of George and Eleanor Gould, who immigrated to Wisconsin, where
they homesteaded a farm and later to the southern part id" Minnesota. In
1868 they came t<> Everts township and took a homestead, where both died.
Mrs. Albertson also had a homestead and her husband, < Irris Albertson, also
took a homestead adjoining that of his wife, lie now owns three hundred
and twenty acres of land in Clitherall township on the site of the old Mormon
settlement. Mr. and Mrs. Albertson lived on this farm for some years and
finally established a store on the farm in 187'). Five years later, they moved
the stock to Battle Lake and established it in a building which Mr. Albertson
erected. He had the honor to purchase the first lot in Battle Lake and helped
to make the survey of the village. Mr. Albertson was engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Battle hake until [898, when he -old out and engaged in
the manufacture of butter. He erected a building for that purpose and con-
tinued in the manufacture of butter for four year-. Later the building was
converted into a summer hotel, which he recently sold. He then built a resi-
dence on the shores of Battle Lake, where he now lues.
Mrs. Albertson had one child by her first marriage. Minnie, who L now
Mrs E. M Holms, of Santa Anna. California! They have a fruit ranch
there. Mr. and Mrs. Albertson have been the parents of four children, ( >rris,
Jr., Eleanor, Coral and Lark Orris, Jr., who died in rgn at the age of
thirty years, married Lona Larson and had three children. Eleanor is the
wife of William Neshiem, a druggist of Moorhead, Minnesota, and has two
daughters. 1 'oral is the wife of Otis Hoyt, of Fergus Falls, who had a music
store in that cit\ until [910, when he sold out and moved to Missoula. Mon-
tana, where he bad a large piano store. He recently sold out at Missoula.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt have three children. Earl married Anna Davis, of
Detroit. Minnesota, where he now lives. lie is a traveling sale-man and the
lather of two children.
Mr. Mbertson has been a Republican all of his lite, lie served as town-
ship clerk for eight years during the early history of this township. He was
also postmaster of Battle Lake and held the office for six years. Mr. Albert-
son served 011 the school board and as president id" the village. In [904 he
elected sheriff of < itter Tail county and served for four years. Frater-
nally, Mr. Mbertson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mrs. Albertson is a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints.
M can fe said of former Sheriff Orris Mbertson. that be gave to the
OTTER TAIL CIH'XTV. MINNESOTA.
people of Otter Tail county a most efficient and effective administration as
sheriff and that he has well discharged his duties as a public and private
citizen. Few men living in Otter Tail county are so well known as he, and
few have an equal number of friends throughout the county.
CARL |. fOHNSON.
Carl J. Johnson, who owns eighty acres of land in section 9, of Everts
township, is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was born on
August 27, 1875.
Mr. Johnson is the son of Ole and Kara Johnson, both of whom were
natives of Norway. Air. Johnson's father was born in 1845 ancl ms mother
in 1855. They came separately to America and settled in Minneapolis, Min-
nesota, where they married. They were the parents of six children, four of
whom are living, Carl J., Anna, Tillie and Sophie. Mr. Johnson's parents
came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in r88o and in 1881 moved to Everts town-
ship, where they took a homestead. Here Mr. Johnson's father died 111 1885.
After his death, the mother and the remainder of the family returned to
Fergus Falls, where the mother died on December 31, 1886.
Carl J. Johnson, after the death of his mother, lived with Even A. Glende
and attended the public schools. For twelve years, he rented a farm of one
hundred acres in section 8, of Everts township. Mr. Glende is now deceased,
but his widow still lives on the farm. Mr. Johnson owns eighty acres in
section 9, of Everts township, which lie purchased in 1910. He is unmarried.
He is a member of the Lutheran church and popular as a farmer and citizen
of this township.
WILLTAM BECKMAN.
Born in Sweden, April 2, 1862, William Beckman, a well-known citi-
zen of Sverdrup township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was educated in
the schools of his native land, and came to America in 1883, settling finally
in ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota. Shortly after coming to this county, Mr.
Beckman was married, and for the next thirteen years he lived in Friberg
township, but in 19 10, came back to the old homestead in Sverdrup town-
ship. He is a general farmer and stockman, and has been very successful
in his chosen vocation.
On January 5, 1889, Mr. Heckman was married in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, to Nellie Pederson, who was born October 28, 1865, in Norway,
and who is a daughter of Ole and Olena Pederson, both of whom were also
natives of Norway, the former born in 1833, and the latter in 1838. Mrs.
866 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Beckman's parents were married in Norway, and in 1870 came to America
and settled in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, in 1871. They afterwards
came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they homesteaded one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Sverdrup township, and it is upon this farm
that Mr. and Mrs. Beckman now live. Mrs. Beckman's father died on
December 31, 1914, and her mother passed away on November 9, 1909.
Mrs. Beckman is the only child born to her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. William Beckman are the parents of six children, Oscar,
Olga, Selvin, Ludwig, Hulda and Willard. Of these children Ludwig is
deceased. Olga, the second child, is the wife of Christian Onstad, and they
have one daughter, Marie Geneva.
In the neighborhood where they reside, Air. and Mrs. Beckman and
family are highly respected and esteemed. They have a host of friends and
acquaintances throughout the township ami community.
HAXS S. NELSEN.
Hans S. Nelsen, who is a member of the firm of O. C. Nelsen & Company,
general merchants of Battle Lake. Minnesota, is a native of Norway, where
he was born June 30, 186-', and the brother of O. C. Xelsen, senior member
of the firm in which lie is interested.
Mr. Xelsen is a son of Xels and Helena (Johnston) Xelsen. both of
whom were natives of Norway, who were born there in 1827 and 1825.
respectively. Mr. Nelsen' s father was engaged in farming until his death in
18Q9, after which, on September 15, 1901, his widow emigrated to America
and settled iii Battle Lake. Minnesota, where her death occurred October 15,
1901. They were the parents of rive children, of whom the fourth and fifth
born are deceased. The living children are Ole Christian, Josephine and
Hans S.
Educated in the public schools of his native land. Hans S. Xelsen arrived
in America on October 16. 1 SSo. and settled at Chicago, from which place he
emigrated to Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1882, and after living two years in
the latter place, he removed to Battle Lake, working for the next few years at
both Stillwater and Battle Lake. In [889 he accepted employment with his
brother. Ole C. Xelsen. in the hitter's store, and was employed by him until
[907, when he became a member of the linn of O. C. Xelsen & Company.
Mr. Xelsen also owns a farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres in Everts
township, ami is a shareholder in the Farmers Elevator Company, of Battle
Lake, Minnesota. He also owns stock in the Battle Lake creamery.
In 1002 Mans S. Xelsen was married to Johanna Christine Scott, the
sister of Mrs. H. O. Larson, and to this union have been born live children:
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 867
Herbert Scott, who is deceased, Helen, Catherine, Frederick Alexander,
Julius Melvin and George.
Mr. and Airs. Hans Xelsen and family are prominent members of the
United Lutheran church. Mr. Nelsen has never been active in politics, and
has never aspired to office. Nevertheless he is known as a good man and a
good citizen.
OLE M. HAGEN.
Among the most successful stockmen and business men of Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is Ole M. Hagen, of Sverdrup township, who was born
in Norway, July 31, 1866.
.Mr. Hagen is the son of Mikkel and Gurina ( Hallan ) Hagen, who died
in Norway. They were the parents of nine children, Ole M., Martha, Gertie,
Johannes, Mette, Elseus, Elof, Margaret, who died in infancy, and Inger.
Mr. Hagen was educated in the public schools of Norway and. in 1888,
came to America and immediately thereafter settled in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, purchasing a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Sverdrup
township, which he now owns. When Mr. Hagen purchased the farm in
1896, there were only five acres of land in cultivation, but now the whole farm
is under cultivation and it is a very productive tract of land. Mr. Hagen has
magnificent buildings on the farm.
In 1894 Ole M. Hagen was married to Julian Nelson, who was born in
Aurdal township, Otter Tail county, in 1877, and who is the daughter of
Haldor E. and Alette Nelson, both of win mi were natives of Norway and
early settlers in Aurdal township. Mrs. Hagen's father died in 1880, but
her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen have been the parents of
twelve children. Mabel. Helmer, Alvena, Laura, Jonas, deceased, Ernest,
llilm.i. Julia. Olene, Henry, Marie and Ellen.
Mrs. Ole M. Hagen was the youngest of four children, the others being,
Gertie, who lives in the state of Washington; Josie, deceased; and Hannah,
also deceased. After the death of Mrs. Hagen's father, her mother was
married again in 1882, to Nels E. Nelson, a brother of her first husband.
To them were born four children, Haldor, deceased, Anna, Xels. Jr., and
I [enry.
( He M. Hagen is a stockholder in the Underwood Co-operative Creamery
and in the Co-operative Mercantile Store at Underwood. IK- is also mana-
ger for the stock shipping association and has been engaged in the stock
business as a dealer for the past ten years.
One of Mr. Hagen's brothers, who own an adjoining farm. Elof Hagen,
was lmrn in Norway, November 15. 1881, and was educated in the public
schools of his native land. He came to Sverdrup township, I >tter Tail county,
868 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
in 1S99 and, for some time, worked in Fergus Falls and in Dakota. Elof
Hagen was married on June 15, 1909, to Alvena Jensen, who was burn on
the farm where she and her husband now live, August 5, 1878. Mrs. Hagen
is the daughter of Jens and Karen Christina (Neilson) Jensen, who were
born in Denmark, the former on March 9, 1842. and the latter on January 6,
1847. They came to"< )tter Tail county in 1872 and homesteaded one hundred
and sixty acres of land. They also bought twelve acres of land, upon which
they erected good buildings. Mrs. Elof Hagen's father died in 1910 and her
mother three years previously in [907. They were members of the Unitarian
church and had a family of nine children, Alma. Caroline Marie, deceased;
Anna, deceased; Alvena, Hannah, who died in infancy: Xels Peter, Hannah,
deceased; George, deceased, and Alfreda.
Mr. and Mrs. Elof Hagen have two children, Katherine, born on July 5,
[910; and Mervin. burn on January 9, 1912.
It is doubtful if there are now living in Sverdrup township, any family
which surpasses the Hagen brothers in general intelligence, popularity and
all-around success in business. The Hagen brothers are well known in this
part of Otter Tail county and enjoy the confidence and esteem of a bos) ,f
friends.
OTTO NILSBY.
Born in Norway on February 18, 1861, Otto Nilsby, a successful
farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of
John O. and Karn Mathea (Larsen) Nilsby, both of whom were burn in
Norway, the former in 1824 and the latter in [822.
In 1870 the Nilsby family came to America and settled in Houston
county, Minnesota, and, with an ox team, moved to Otter Tail county two
years later, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land. John O.
Nilsby cleared a great deal of land during his life and made extensive
improvements upon his homestead farm. He died on this farm in 1909 and
his wife one year later. They were members of the Lutheran church and
prominent in the community where they lived. They had only one child.
Otto, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Nilsby's father was a tailor by trade,
but never followed his trade after coming to this state. He lived on his
homestead farm and his life was devoted to agriculture.
Otto Nilsby was educated in the public schools of Norway and in this
country. He was nine year old when he accompanied his parents to America.
After settling in Minnesota, he attended the public schools of this county and
state and, when eighteen years old, entered the Augsberg Seminary at
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was a student for three years.
Mr. Nilsby is a farmer by occupation and now owns the old homestead
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. OOO,
farm which his father acquired upon his removal to this country. Air. Nilsby
is a general farmer and stockman and is prominent in the agricultural life of
this township.
In 1884 Otto Nilsby was married to Emma Erickson, who was born on
December 15, 1863, in Sweden, and who is the daughter of Erick and Mary
(Larsen) Erickson, both of whom died in Sweden. Air. and Airs. Otto Nilsby
have been the parents of ten children, Olga Julia, Lydia .Matilda, Alma Ther-
esa, Hulda Malvina, deceased, Clara Eledia, Hulda Clarissa, Ida Melvina,
Alvin Victor, Wilhelm Ludwig and Hjalmar Rudolph. Of these children,
Olga Julia married Haldor G. Moen and has three children, Edna, Borgel
and Hilma, Lydia married Hans Hegen and has one child, Lila. Alma is
the wife of Andrus Graurud and has one child, Byron. Clara is the wife
of .Martin Gilbertson and has one child, Floris.
Politically, Air. Nilsby is identified with the Socialist party. For the
past twenty-seven years, he has been assessor of Sverdrup township and for
the past twenty-six years, he has been a member of the local school board.
Air. and Airs. Nilsby and family are members of the Unitarian church. They
are active in religious matters and contribute liberally to the support of the
church of which thev are members.
MART IX KNUTSON.
Martin Knutson, a prosperous farmer of Everts township, is a native of
the Hawkeye state, where he was born on May 21, 1865. He is the son of
Albert and Alary Knutson, both of whom were born in Norway, the former
in 1812 and the latter in 1824.
The Knutsons, after their arrival in America in 1845, settled in Iowa
and were there married. In 1868 they immigrated to Clitherall township and
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. Air. Knutson's father
lived at Battle Lake during the seven years prior to his death, which occured
in 1886. His wife died eight years later in 1894. They were members of the
Lutheran church and had a family of five children, ATartha, Jennie, deceased;
Charles, Martin and Anne, deceased.
Educated in Clitherall township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Mr.
Knutson engaged in the meat business at Battle Lake for eight years and is
now engaged in farming. He owns one hundred and seventeen acres in
Girard township, Otter Tail county, which he purchased in 1901. He now
lives on a farm of one hundred acres in section 25, of Everts township, which
formerly belonged to C. E. Berg, his brother-in-law, who now lives at Vin-
ning. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and is unmarried. Air. Knutson is a
general farmer and stockman.
In 1896 Alartin Knutson was married to Kare Berg, who was born in
870 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
1867 in Norway and who is the daughter of Olaus and Rebecca Berg, who
came to Everts township 111 1889. Airs. Knutson's parents are now both
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Knutson have one son. Orris Knutson, who was
born on July 30, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Knutson and their son are members of the Lutheran church
and take an active part in religious affairs.
WALTER WEST.
Among the well-known farmers of Otto township, Otter Tad county,
Minnesota, is Walter West, who was born in Otto township, on August 10,
1884, the son of Isaac and Bertha (Tapo) West, both of whom are natives
of Finland, the former born in that country in 1842, and the latter born in
the same country in 1846. Isaac West, shortly after his marriage to Louisa
Lonto, his tirst wife, came to America and located in the state of Michigan,
where he lived for some time and then his wife died, leaving two sons, Charles
and Arthur, with whom the elder West moved to Otter Tail county, Minnes-
ota. In Otto township, Isaac West bought eighty acres of land, to which he
added until he now is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of land on
which he lives as a general farmer. Isaac West was married, secondly, to
Bertha Tapo and to this marriage were born the following children : Ida,
Levi, Walter and Phillip, the latter of whom is deceased.
Walter West was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail county,
after wdiich he was a salesman for some time and then he became a locomotive
fireman, a line of work which he followed for a time and then took charge
of his father's farm, where he now engages in general agricultural pursuits
and stock raising.
In February, 191 5, Walter West was married to Anna Erkkila, the
daughter of Jacob and Lizzie Erkkila, well-known people of Otto township.
JOHN P. NELS( )N.
John P. Nelson, well-known implement dealer of . Minora. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is a native of Sweden, born on March 20, 1868. the
son of Nels and Pdlen Person, both of whom were natives of Sweden, and
who came to Henning township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1888. Upon
coming to this county, Mr. Nelson's parents purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land in Henning township and here Mr. Nelson's mother
died in ion. at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Nelson's father is now liv-
ing on the old farm and is sixty-eight years old. He sold the farm, however,
to his son, Peter P. Nelson. There were seven children in the Nelson family.
Ellen, who is the wife of John Brogart, who is mentioned elsewhere in this
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 871
volume; John P., the subject of this sketch; Hans, who is deceased; Nels,
Gustine, Peter P., and Ingre.
John P. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Sweden and in
1887 came to America and settled in Henning township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where for some time he worked by the day and by the month on
farms in Henning township. After a time, he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land in section 31, of Amor township. In 1912 Mr. Nelson
sold this farm and the same year moved to Almora and engaged in the imple-
ment business. He also purchased a blacksmith shop, to which he built an
addition for his implement business. Since [912, Air. Xelson has been
engaged in the implement business and is also manager of the blacksmithing
business. He is a stockholder in the Minora Co-operative Creamery Com-
pany. Mr. Nelson owns a residence'in Almora and it is here that the family
lives.
John P. Nelson was married to Jennie Axlena Osterberg, who was born
in New Jersey. She is a daughter of Alfred and Ellen Osterberg. They
immigrated from New Jersey to Douglas count}*, Minnesota, and it was there
that Mrs. Nelson's mother died. Her father is still living and is a farmer by
occupation. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Nelson have six children, Joseph. Millie,
Leonard, Reuben, Violet and Vernon.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Nelson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church. Mr. Nelson has served as treasurer of the school board and has been
more or less active in politics ever since coming to Otter Tail county. He
is a well known and popular citizen in Almora and vicinity.
JOHN SEM.
Among the successful young farmers of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is John Sem, who was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota,
September 28, 1883, and who is the son of Hans and Mary Ann Sem, both
of whom were natives of Norway, who came to America about 1880, settling
in southern Minnesota. One year later they emigrated to Otter Tail county.
where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of school land, and lived
on this land from 1895 unt'' I9I3> "hen they moved to Oregon, where they
now live. During the years from 1881 to 1895 the family lived in Fergus
Falls, where Hans Sem worked at the carpenter's trade. Both he and his
wife are earnest and faithful members of the Lutheran church. They art- tin-
parents of four children, of whom John is the second in order of birth. The
eldest child, Anna, is deceased. The other two children art- Hilma and Olga.
John Sem was reared in Fergus Falls and received his education in the
schools of that city. Mr. Sem is now the owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Sverdrup township, which he has acquired from his father.
8/-' OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Most of the buildings on the- farm were erected by the elder Sem, who sold
it to his son in 1913.
In 191 3 John Sent was married to Nellie Quam, who was born in
Sverdrup township, December 18, 1883, and who is a daughter of Ole and
Injebor Quam, both of whom were natives of Norway, and who were early
settlers in Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county. The}- homesteaded eighty
acres of land, to which they afterwards added forty acres, but they subse
quently sold the last forty to their son, Olaf. Mr. and Mrs. John Sem have
one child, Homer, who was born on March 12, 1914.
Mr. and Mrs. Sem are well known in Sverdrup township, and are pop-
ular in the community where they live.
DANA L. BURTON.
Dana L. Burton, who is the proprietor of a highly productive farm of
one hundred and twenty acres in Oak Valley township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is a native of Whiteside county, Illinois, where he was born on
November 27, 1869.
Mr. Burton is the son of Benjamin B. and Emerett ( Martin ) Burton,
the former of whom was born in Chautauqua county, New York, October
12, 1835, and the latter born in Oswega county, Xew York, September 29,
1 84 1. Mr. Burton's father immigrated to Illinois when eighteen years old
and his mother accompanied her parents, Edward and Chloe ( Hopson )
Martin, to the state of Illinois. Mr. Burton's father died in Illinois, but his
mother died in Otter Tail county in 1884.
The paternal grandparents of Dana L. Burton were William and Mary
(Pierson) Burton, the former of whom died in Xew York soon after his son,
Benjamin B., was born. His wife later moved to Illinois and died there in
1876.
Benjamin B. and Emerett 1 Martin ) Burton were married in Illinois.
April 11, 1858. and. in 1X78, moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, loca-
ting in Compton township on a homestead of eighty acres. Later Mr. Burton
purchased eighty acres adjoining his original farm and here he lived for
fifteen years. In the meantime, he purchased and sold eighty acres in section
2, of Oak Valley township. He lived on this other farm until the death of
his wife on April 10, 1004, and since that time has lived with his son. Dana 1...
in ( >ak Valley township, lie served as justice of the peace for about eighteen
years and is a prominent member of the Evangelical association. There were
six children born to Benjamin I'.. Burton and wife. William. Helen. Walter.
Jennie, Dana I., and Rose, who is deceased.
Dana I.. Burton, who was reared on a farm in the state of Illinois, where
he lived until nine years old, came to Otter Tail county with his parents. lie
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 873
attended the public schools of this county and has always been engaged in
farming. Twenty years ago, Mr. Burton purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 25, of Oak Valley township. In 1898 he sold this
farm and purchased eighty acres in section 24, of the same township. He
later sold this second farm and in [912 purchased one hundred and twenty
acres in section 15. of Oak Valley township. It is upon this farm that Mr.
Burton now resides.
Dana L. Burton was married on November 1. [899, to Minerva Rode,
who was horn in the state of Illinois. June 24. 1880. and who is the daugh-
ter of Christian Rode, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and
Mrs. Dana L. Burton have one son, Wallace, who was hum on July jj, [900.
Mr. Burton has long been identified with the Republican party and lias
been prominent in its councils in Oak Valley township. He is now serving
his second year as chairman of the board of supervisors of Oak Valley town-
ship.
JOHN L. OLSON.
Born in Norway in November, 1864, John L. Olson, of Inman township,
who is well known as a farmer and citizen, was educated in the public schools
of his native land and came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, in 1884.
Mr. Olson is the son of Ole and Mary Olson, both of whom were born
in Norway and both of whom died in that country. Mr. Olson's father died
in 1871 and his mother several years afterward. The)- were members of the
Lutheran church and had a family of several children, some of whom died
in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were, .Anna, Olaf, Mary, and
John L., the subject of this sketch.
After coming to Fillmore county, Minnesota, in 1884, John L. Olson
immigrated to South Dakota, and homesteaded land, where he lived until
[890. He then came hack to Minnesota and settled in Otter Tail county.
purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 25. Later he sold
this farm and purchased eighty acres in section 27, to which he moved in
1912. Mr. Olson has erected good buildings on the farm, lie raises good
crops which are current in this section of the state and not only has been
successful in this respect, but has enjoyed a large success as a stockman. He
is a stockholder in the Henning Shipping Association.
Several years ago, Mr. Olson was married in Otter Tail county, to
Martha Seversen, who was born southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in
[861. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have been the parents of two children. Lewis.
born on April 30, [901, and Myrtle, wlm died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs.
( llson enjoy the confidence of all of their neighbors and are popular in limi.m
township.
874 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
GILBERT EC PEDERSON.
Gilbert K. Pederson, who is one of the most extensive farmers in Sver-
drup township, where he owns two hundred and sixty-seven acres of splendid
farming land, is a native of the township where he lives, and was born on
February _, iSjU. Gilbert K. Pederson is a son of lvnut and Mary Pederson,
who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Horn and reared on a farm and educated in the public schools, Mr.
Pederson grew up on his father's old homestead, and has been an active
farmer all his life. He has made a specialty of raising stock, and has been
very successful in this line of agriculture. In fact, he is known as one of the
most successful stockmen in the township.
( )n June 2, 1903. Gilbert K. Pederson was married to Ragna Stomforo,
who was born in 1885 in Sverdrup township, and who is a daughter of the
late Fred Stomforo, of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert EC Pederson
are the parents of six children, all of whom are living, as follow: Fred,
Marion, Elmer, Grace, Ella, Clifford.
Mrs. Pederson's father and mother were both natives of Norway, and
educated in the schools of that country. They came to America about 1872,
and settled in Otter Tail county, where they hortiesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land. It was here that Fred Stomforo spent his last days.
Mrs. Pederson's mother is now living in her home.
When the history of this township and section is written it must accord
to Gilbert K. Pederson high rank as a farmer, citizen and business man.
He has worthily discharged all the duties of life, both private and public.
FREDERICK PREXTICE.
Frederick Prentice, prominent farmer of Rush Lake township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 10,
1873, the son of Adam F. and Sarah (Birch) Prentice, both of whom were
natives of Canada. Adam F. Prentice, after leaving his native country, went
to Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained for some time and then moved
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the oil business ami then.
in the year 1879, the elder Prentice homesteaded a farm in the state of North
Dakota, where he spent his last days, dying in the year 1005. His widow.
Sarah, survived her husband until the year 11)15, dying on February 10 of
that vear. Adam F. and Sarah Prentice were the parents of the following
children, Wesley. Deborah. Frederick, Florence, William and Edith.
Frederick Prentice received his education in the schools of Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania, and in the schools of North Dakota, to which state he went
with his parents, in the year [870, after which be came to the state of Min-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 875
nesota and became a student at the University of Minnesota, from the dairy
department of which he graduated in 1890. Following his graduation from
college, he came to Deer Creek, where he had charge of a creamery from
1890 until 1893, aiJd then Air. Prentice engaged in the hardware business
for about two years. In 1905, Frederick Prentice came to the town of Rich-
ville and became a member of the firm known as Prentice & Brooks, general
merchants, continuing in this line of business until September, igio, when
he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Rush Lake township,
where he now engages in general farming and in stock raising. Mr. Pren-
tice is also the owner of a first-class residence in the town of Richville,
In 1902, Frederick Prentice was married to Mary Hackett, who was
born in Wisconsin, in 1877, the daughter of Frank and Ann Hackett, and
to this marriage have been born six children, Erma, Clifford ;iml Clifton,
twins: Merle, Dorothy and Ramona.
Frederick Prentice has taken a prominent place in the business life of
the community, he with Charles F. Franz and 0. A. Zimmer, well-known
citizens of Rush Lake township, having been the organizers of the Rush-
ville Telephone Company, a corporation of which Mr. Prentice is the chief
stockholder.
JOHN WALLACE.
Among the progressive and energetic farmers and business men of Otter
Tail county, is John Wallace, a native of Michigan, having been born in Ann
Arbor on September 25, 1869. He is the son of John and Mary Ann ( Fer-
guson) Wallace, both of whom were born in Scotland, the father being born
in 1829 and the mother in 1827. In 1855 Mr. Wallace left his native country
and came to Canada, where he remained until the next year, on the arrival
of Mary Ferguson, whom he married and they took up their residence in
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The family remained in Ann Arbor until [879, when they came to Can-
dor township, where the father entered one hundred and twenty acres of
land in section 4. Substantial buildings were erected and the land improved.
and here the father and mother made their home until their death, the former
on March 31, 1915, and the latter on April 26. 1903. They were the parents
of the following children: Margaret, Hannah and John. Jr.
John Wallace received his education in the town of his birth and in the
public schools of Cander township. Coming to the new home when but a lad
of ten years, he experienced the difficulties of getting an education in the
rural schools of that time, as well as the trials of the boy on an undeveloped
and unimproved farm. Most of the farm was cleared and improved by the
8/0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
elder Mr. Wallace and his young son, and many difficulties were encoun-
tered and overcome.
John Wallace today owns and operates the old home place, where he
carries on general farming and stock raising. The farm is an index of the
progressive and industrious farmer of today, being well cared for and the
stock among the best. Mr. Wallace is also a stockholder in the Equity Ware-
house at Vergas.
On January 11. 1005. John Wallace was married to Ella Nicholson,
who was born on January 15, 1883. in Norway, having come to the United
States in early life.
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents of the following children: Rob-
ert Marlin, born on October 12, 1905; Bessie Margaret, October 23, 1907:
John William, April 9, [910; Mary Elizabeth, May jo, 1912, and Harold
Waller, November 13, 1014.
FRED C. BRANDT
Among the well-known farmers of Maplewood township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, is Fred C. Brandt, who was born in Germany, on April
14, 1846, the son of Henry and Sophia Brandt, both of whom were natives
of Germany, in which country they lived their entire life.
Fred C. Brandt came to America in September. 1864, and located at
VVaverly, limner county. Iowa, where he lived until 1882, and then moved
to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, working near that city for H. E. Page, a well-
known farmer of the community, after which Mr. Brandt came to Maple-
wood township and bought a small farm, which he has extensively improved
and supplied with good equipment and where he now engages in general
agricultural pursuits.
In 1869. Fred C. Brandt was married to Sophia Fischer, who was born
in Cook county, Illinois, in 185-', the daughter of Henry and Sophia Fischer,
who were among the early settlers of Cook county, where the elder Fischer
lived for some time and then moved to the state of [owa, where he farmed
for some time and then moved to Wall Lake township. Otter Tail county.
Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his days. To the marriage of
Fred C. and Sophia Brandt have been born the following children: Emma,
now deceased, who married William Haverty; Herman, who after service
in the Spanish-American War, where he became incapacitated as the result
of typhoid fever, returned to Minnesota and was appointed to a position at
the state hospital, at Fergus balls, where he has been engaged for sixteen
years; Mary, who is the wife of Frank Bone, formerly of Maplewood town-
ship, now of Kidder county, North Dakota; Henry, who after two year- as
an employee of the state hospital at Fergus Falls ami after some time as a
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 8j/
mail carrier became a student of, and graduated from, a college of phar-
macy, after which he became a pharmacist of Omaha, Nebraska; and Clara,
who is an employee of the state hospital, at Salem, Oregon.
Fred C. Brandt has served on the school board of Maplewood township
for fourteen years and is a citizen who has taken an active part in the advance-
ment and development of the community and its interests.
DAVID TULLIS.
David Tullis, a native of Canada and a retired citizen of New York
Mills, Newton township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is the son of David
and Matilda Tullis. who were also natives of Canada.
In 1883 the Tullis family came to ( )tter Tail county. Minnesota, and
homesteaded one hundred and thirty-six acres of land 111 Newton township
about two miles from New York Mills. David Tullis, Sr., died on this home-
stead farm after he had succeeded in clearing much of the land, in tyo8.
His wife died many years previously in 1895. They were the parents of five
children, of whom three, Arthur, the eldest, Margaret ami Mary the two
youngest, are deceased. The two living children are, Thomas and David, the
subject of this sketch.
David Tullis was reared and educated in Canada. He came to Newton
township, Otter Tail county, with his parents and has done most of the work
on the old homestead farm. Some years ago, however, Mr. Tullis, purchased
the homestead of one hundred and thirty-six acres in section 18, of Newton
township. Mr. Tullis is unmarried. He has never aspired to office and lives
a. quiet life. He now lives on his farm and enjoys life. He has a good farm
and produces abundant crops and keeps his farm in an up-to-date manner.
In fast, it is doubtful whether there is a farm of the same size in Newton
township which produces more abundantly than the farm owned by David
Tullis.
Mr. Tullis is popular in the neighborhood where he lives and, although
a man of modest and unassuming manners and of quiet demeanor, he is
admired and respected in this community.
TOHN SAYER.
One of the best known and successful farmers of Otter Tail county, is
John Saver, a German by birth, having been 1x)rn in that country on July
18, i860. He is the son of Joseph and Walberga ( Schneider haun) Saver.
both of whom were natives of Germany, where they died, the father in iqoo
and the mother in 1864.
Tohn is one of a family of five children as follow: Carl. John, Katie.
878 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mary and Magdaline, all of whom are alive excepting Mary. John Sayer
received his education in his native country, where he grewr to manhood. On
coming to the United States he settled in Scott county. Minnesota, where he
worked as a farm hand for some time, after which he located in McCloud
county, where he purchased eighty acres of land. After selling this land
some time later, he came to Otter Tail county, in 1887, and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres in section 4. Candor township. Later, he purchased
forty acres in Hobert township.
Mr. Saver has always lived an active and industrious life and by con-
stant application to his work, he has succeeded in clearing his farm, on which
are to be seen substantial and well-kept buildings. He has a barn thirty-four
by fifty- four feet, which is one of the best in the township. The farm is
well tilled and always in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Saver practices
general farming and is an extensive stock raiser, in both of which he is most
successful. He is a stockholder in the creamery at Yergas and is active in
its management. For the past six years he has been treasurer of the school
board and takes an active interest in all educational work.
In [889 Mr. Saver was married, at Frazee, Becker county, to Margaret
Shear, who was a native of Canada and the daughter of Ignatius and Malissa
Shear. The father died in Canada, the mother and family came to Otter Tail
county, where she died in 1914, while making her home with Mr. and Mrs.
Sayer.
Mr. and Mrs. Saver are the parents of the following children, all of
whom are ali\e : Louis, Clements, Henry. Katrine, Theresa. Francesca and
George.
PERRY REYNOLDS.
Perry Reynolds, a well-to-do farmer of Scambler township, was horn
on October 4. 1859, in Branch county. Michigan. He was the son of
Ambrose and Margaret (Delori) Reynolds, both of whom were born in
New York, the father on October 31, [827, and the mother in 1826. They
both settled in Branch county in early life and were married there, having
lived in Ligonier, Indiana, for a time. The family owned a farm in Michi-
gan, which was sold, and then they came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in
1887, where the father died in 1807 and the mother in 1901. They were
the parents of three children: Harrison, who is dead, Clarissa and Perry.
Perry Reynolds received his education in Branch comity. Michigan.
where he grew to manhood. In 1882 he left the state of his nativity and
located in Olmsted county, Minnesota, after which he removed to Dodge
county, where he purchased land and remained until [899, when he came to
Otter Tail county and bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 26.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 879
Scambler township. Here lie has made his home and the farm has been
much improved, the care of the buildings receiving his careful attention and
the entire place being an index of the careful, prudent farmer. In the past,
Mr. Reynolds has been a member of the school board and for the past two
years has been supervisor of his township, lie is a man held in high esteem
by those who know him and has been successful in his life work.
Mr. Reynolds was married in April, [892, to Ann Caldwell, who was
horn on May i<), iS-j, in Dodge county, and who was the daughter of
Thomas and Lany (Billings) Caldwell. The father was horn in Wisconsin
in 1845 and the mother in Indiana in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell came
to Dodge county from Wisconsin in 1870 and here made their home, where
the mother died in February, 1915. They were the parents of five children:
Ellen, Anna, William, Thomas and Roy Mr. Caldwell served in the army
during the entire Civil War, having enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin Infan-
try in 1 861.
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of six children as follow: May,
Flovd, Ethel, Hazel, William, deceased, and Pearl.
ROBERT HORNER.
Born in St. Claire county, at Fair Haven, Michigan, February y, 1851,
Robert Horner, a well-to-do farmer of Oak Valley township, began life as
a poor man, and is today rated not only as a successful farmer, but as one
of the leading citizens of the township where he lives. Mr. Horner has
property in Deer Creek and is a prominent stockholder in the Lyman cream-
ery. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and this farm
is now operated by his son. Mr. Horner is living retired after many years
of active labor in the farming and business world.
Robert Horner is a son of Samuel and Bridget Horner, who were
natives >>i County Cork, Ireland, and of Scotland, respectively. After their
marriage, Samuel and Bridget Horner settled in St. Claire county, Michigan,
where the former was killed in an accident in 1868. His wife had died
previously in 1851, when her son, Robert, was only an infant. Samuel Hor-
ner and wife were the parents of four children, Maggie, Samuel, Alice and
Robert. Mr. Horner's father had been previously married, and by his first
marriage there were two sons. John and James, both of whom are deceased.
By a third marriage he had six children.
Robert Horner lived in Michigan until he reached the age of eleven
years, and attended the public schools of St. Claire county. He came at the
age of eleven years to Rice county, Minnesota, where he lived until 1898, at
which time he moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Mr. Horner had
owned fifty acres of land in Rice county. After coming to Otter Tail county
880 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of landin section 8. of Oak Valley
township. During the next few years, Mr. Horner made many substantial
improvements on his farm, erecting good buildings, fences, and draining and
cultivating the land. His barn is large and commodious, being thirty-two
by fifty feet in dimensions. He has cleared all of his land with the excep-
tion of fifty-five acres, there being at the present time one hundred and
fifteen acres under cultivation. In 1914 Mr. Horner retired from active
life and moved to Deer (.'reek, where he is now living. His son, Samuel R.,
rents the farm and operates it for his father.
On July 22, 187O, Mr. Horner was married to Malissa Gilhousen, who
was born in Rice county, Minnesota, and who is a daughter of Elias and
Elizabeth (Gifford) Gilhousen. both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania,
and came to Rice county, Minnesota, in pioneer days. The)- later lived in
McCloud county, Minnesota, but died in Rice county.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Horner are the parents of eight children, of whom
one, Nora Ellen, the eldest child, is deceased. The living children are Fran-
cis M., Mary Ellen, Robert Allen, Cora Ellen, Fannie Esther, Samuel Ray.
and Grace Ellen.
Mr. Horner served on the township board for eight years, and also
served on the school board of the township for a number of years. He has
been prominent in local affairs, and is rated in the township where he lives
as a first-class citizen.
TOHN B. LEHMANN.
Born in Hastings, Dakota county, Minnesota, August 27, 1864, John
B. Lehmann, a prosperous farmer of Oak Valley township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, owns eighty acres of land in section 14. Oak \ alley
township, and is well known as a farmer and stockman.
Mr. Lehmann is the son of Frederick and Mary (Roller) Lehmann.
His father was born in Germany in 1825 and his mother in 1838. The
former came to America and settled at Burlington, Iowa, when still a young
man. Later he moved to Hastings, Minnesota, in pioneer days and was
married there. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, all of
whom are living, John B., Frank, Fred, Albert, George, Otto, Ernest and
Bertha. The late Frederick Lehmann and his wife came to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, in 1876, and located on a farm in section 12, of Oak
Valley township. Here he lived until his removal to Wadena in 1 8<> 3. He
lived in Wadena about ten years, passing away in that town in 1003. His
widow is still living and is now a resident of Wadena.
John B. Lehmann was reared on a farm principally in ( >ak Valley town-
ship, Otter Tail county, and was educated in the public schools of the town-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 88l
ship. Mr. Lehmann owns eighty acres of land in section 14, of Oak Valley
township, and has been prominent as a farmer and stockman for many years.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company at
Hewitt, Minnesota.
On November zi, 1895, ^lr- Lehmann was married to Mary Ann .Mar-
shall, who was born in Iowa, on February 25, 1874. Mrs. Lehmann is the
daughter of Rasmus and Laura (Nelson) Marshall, the latter of whom was
born in Denmark in 1853. and who is now living at Wadena.
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lehmann have been the parents of six children,
allof whom are living and whose names in the order of their births are as
follow : Erwin Stanley, Florence Lillian, Robert, Irene, Clarence and Edna.
Mr. Lehmann has been a member of the school board in Oak Valley
township for some years and has also been road overseer in this township.
He is a prominent farmer and citizen and a popular man in the neighborhood
where he lives.
JOSEPH H. FARNHAM.
Born in Jefferson township, Buchanan county, Iowa, September 14,
1856, Joseph H. Farnham, a well-to-do farmer of Oak Valley township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Sidney and Catherine (Jones)
Farnham, the former of whom was born in Oswego, New York, and the
latter near Toronto, Canada. Mrs. Catherine (Jones) Farnham was the
daughter of John Jones, who came to America from Lincolnshire, England,
and, after living in Canada for some time, migrated to the United States
and settled at Rockford, Illinois. John Jones was a soldier in the War of
1812 and was taken prisoner during the war. He and his wife died at
Rockford.
.Mr. Farnham' s father, the late Sidney Farnham, immigrated to Rock-
ford, Illinois, in pioneer times and, after his marriage at that place, moved
to Iowa in 1853. In 1857 he returned to Rockford, Illinois, but came back
to Iowa in 1876 and there died in 1888 at the age of seventy-two years. His
wife died several years later. They had seven children. William, Joseph,
George, Addie, Benjamin, Debbie and John.
Joseph H. Farnham was reared at Rockford, Illinois, and attended the
public schools of that city. He came to Iowa with his parents in 1876 and
engaged in farming there until 1882, when he immigrated to South Dakota.
Mr. Farnham lived in South Dakota nine years and then returned to Iowa
and lived there for one year, after which he returned to South Dakota. In
1805 he came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and in 1897 purchased a
farm of fortv acres, soon adding forty acres and later one hundred and sixty
(56b)
882 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
acres in sections 21 and 16, of Oak Valley township. Mr. Farnham is a
general farmer and stockman and has been prominent in this county since
coming here.
( >n .March 10, 1878, Joseph H. Farnham was married to Lois Hill, who
was born on February 15, 1850, in Wisconsin and who is the daughter of
Frank and Rebecca (Smith) Hill. They died in the state of Wisconsin
when Airs. Farnham was a small girl. Her mother died about 1807. Mr.
and Mrs. Farnham have nine children, Edna, Elmer, Everett, Ethel, Elsie,
Ernest, George, Olive and Delia.
Mr. Farnham has served as supervisor of Oak Valley township for
several years and is the present supervisor of the township. He also served
as a member of the school board for several years and has been otherwise
prominent in local affairs. In the community where he has lived for several
years, Mr. Farnham is rated as a first-rate and successful farmer.
SYVERT SKARSBO.
Born in Norway, December 28, 1871, Syvert Skarsbo. a prosperous
farmer of Nidaros township, is the son of Sakaros and Anna (Knutson)
Skarsbo, both of whom were born in Norway. Mr. Skarsbo's father died
in 1912 at the age of eighty-four years, while his mother is still living in
Norway, and is now about seventy-five years old. Syvert Skarsbo is one
of nine children, one of whom, Berit Anna, is deceased. The other living
children are Knut, Anna, Yatina, Olavus, Anna, Edward and Christiana.
Educated in the public schools of his native land. Syvert Skarsbo came
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1892, settling first at Clitherall, in the
vicinity of which he worked by the month for a number of years on neigh-
boring farms. In 1903 Mr. Skarsbo purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land in section 28 of Xidaros township, and from time to time he has
added to this farm until he now owns two hundred and twenty acres of land
in one body, besides forty-five acres in section 15, of Xidaros township. The
buildings which now stand on the farm were already erected when Mr.
Skarsbo purchased the farm. However, he has built many rods of fencing,
and made other substantial improvements.
In 1904 Syvert Skarsbo was married to Clara Ellingson, who was born
in Xidaros township in 1883, on the farm where she is now living, which
her husband owns. She is a daughter of Truls and Leva Ellingson, both of
whom were natives of Norway, the former of whom was born on Jul} 22.
1835. and the latter in 1838. They emigrated to .America in 1861, locating
in Houston county. Minnesota, where their marriage occurred. They came
to Otter Tail county in 1872, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Nidaros township, and it is this farm which now belongs to Syvert
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 883
Skarsbo. Truls Ellingson is a son of Elling Olson and Leva Trulson, both
of whom were born in Norway, the former in 1819, and the latter in 1 8 1 6.
They came to Houston county in 1861, and in 1864 the grandmother of
Mrs. Skarsbo died in that county, and in 1S70 her grandfather removed to
Grant county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land. About 1876 he removed to Xidaros township, Otter Tail
county, and here lived with his son, Jens Ellingson, until his death in 1912.
Elling Olson and wife were the parents of four children, Carrie, Truls, Ole
and Jens. Mrs. Skarsbo's mother died in 1908. There were eight children
in the Ellingson family, as follow: Edding, Tolena, Helmer, Lizzie, Clara,
Helma, Ole B. and Sarah Matilda, all of whom are living with the excep-
tion of Ole B.
Mr. Skarsbo and family are active members of the Lutheran church,
in which denomination the parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Skarsbo were also
very active and prominent during their lives.
AUGUSTUS ROSELL BULLOCK.
Augustus Rosell Bullock, well-known farmer and prominent citizen of
Dead Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Ereeborn
county, Minnesota, on February 26, 1877, the son of Samuel Lewis and
Sarah Ann Bullock, natives of Oswego county, New York, and Lake county,
Illinois, respectively.
Samuel Lewis Bullock went to the state of Illinois with his parents,
Tyler and Wealthy Maria (Cook) Bullock, who settled in Chicago, Illinois,
and who later moved to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where Wealthy Maria
Bullock died, after which Tyler Bullock came to Otter Tail county, where
he died about the year 1893. Sarah Ann Bullock was the daughter of Joel
and Mary Ann (Chope) Bullock, who settled in Lake county, Illinois, and
then came to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where they lived for a time after
which they moved to Otter Tail county, and in 1879, located in Dead Lake
township, where Joel Bullock secured a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
which he cultivated until his death in 1895. Mary Ann, the wife of Joel
Bullock, died at Battle Lake, Minnesota, in 1913. Samuel Lewis Bullock,
father of the subject of this sketch, was educated in the schools of Chicago,
Illinois, after which he moved, with his parents, to Freeborn county. Min-
nesota, and later to Otter Tail county, where he took up a pre-empted claim
of seventy acres of land, which he later sold and then Mr. Bullock bought
twenty acres of land in section 36, Dead Lake township, where he lived until
his death in June, 1913. Samuel Lewis and Sarah Ann Bullock wen- tin-
parents of six children. Wealthy Maria, Alice, Augustus R.. Elizabeth Ann,
Charles Edward, and Marion, all of whom are now living.
884 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Augustus Rosell Bullock was educated in the schools of Amor town-
ship, Otter Tail county, after which he became a farmer, buying forty acres
of land, and later adding to his original purchase until he now owns one
hundred and twenty-eight acres of land in sections 15 and 16. in Dead Lake
township, where he engages in general agricultural pursuits.
On July 3, 1894, Augustus Rosell Bullock was married to Bertha Eck-
ert, who was born in Freeborn county, Minnesota, on September 8, 1X78,
the daughter of James H. and Ida Ellen (Thompson) Eckert, natives of
New York and Iowa, respectively. To the marriage of Augustus Rosell and
Bertha Bullock have been born two children, Elmer Owen and Loran
Douglas.
Augustus Rosell Bullock has served his township as school director for
seven years, is now chairman of the board of supervisors, and is a man who
is recognized as a leading citizen and one who has done no little in the
development of his community and its various interests.
OLE A. CHRISTENSON.
Ule A. Christenson, a prosperous farmer of Utter Tail county, Minne-
sota, is a native of .Norway, born there February 28, 1861. Mr. Christen-
son is a son of Christian and Johanna (Yergenson) Severson, who were
natives of Norway, and who, in 1881, settled in Chippewa county, Minne-
sota, where they purchased forty acres of land. Here Air. Christenson's
father died on January 17, 1900, at the age of seventy years; his mother
died in 1888, at the age of sixty-one. They were the parents of seven chil-
dren, all of whom are living, and whose names in the order of their birth
are as follow : Sever, George, Martin, Lizzie, Ole A.. Carl and John.
Ole A. Christenson received his educational training in the schools of
his native land, attending school from the age of seven until he was sixteen.
In 1881 he came to America and settled in Chippewa county, Minnesota,
with his parents. Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres and
purchased eighty acres of school land. He also purchased another eighty-
acre tract of land which he subsequently sold. In 1902 he sold all his hold-
ings in Chippewa county, and moved to the state of Washington, purchasing
eighty acres of land in that state. Finally, he disposed of his land in Wash-
ington, and in 1905 settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Here he pur-
chased fifty-five acres of land in Henning township, but three years later
sold the farm and bought one hundred and thirty-two and a half acres, all
within the corporation limits of Henning, except forty acres. Mr. Chris-
tenson is a farmer and stockman, but has been engaged in other vocations
at various times. He operated a restaurant at one time, and he now owns
the building on the corner occupied by William Johnson. While a resident
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
of Chippewa county, he was supervisor of the township where he lived for
five years, and chairman of the board for one year. He was also clerk of
the school board for several years. While a resident of that county, he not
only had a store on his farm, but was postmaster at Gletner for some years.
In 1 89 1 Mr. Christenson was married in Chippewa county to Bertha
Rear, who was born May 17, 1868, in Iowa, and is a daughter of Ole and
Martha (Christoferson) Rear. Mrs. Christenson's father was born in Nor-
way in 1830, and her mother in the same country in 1847. The latter was
brought to America by her parents in 1850, and after living for a time in
Iowa, the family finally settled in Lyon county, Minnesota, and here both
her -parents died, her father in 1883. Mrs. .Christenson's .father came to
America when a young man and after his marriage in Iowa, emigrated to
Lyon county, Minnesota, and in 1902, removed to the state of Washington,
where his death occurred in 1912. His widow is still living in Washing-
ton, and is a resident of Ferndale. Ole and Martha Rear were the parents
of seven children, of whom, Edward, the second born, Esten A., Anna A.
and Mary, the last born, are deceased. The living children are Anna Bertha,
who is now Mrs. Christenson, and Marie Christena.
Mr. and Mrs. Ole A. Christenson are the parents of five children, all
of whom are living, as follow : Matilda Josephine, Carl Oscar, Axel Mon-
roe, Edward Andreas and Melvin Ernest.
Mr. Christenson is known in Otter Tail county, not only as a prosperous
and enterprising farmer, but as a generous-minded man and citizen.
JULIUS SHIRLEY
Julius Shirley, a well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Trondhjem
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Norway, on January
26, 1856, the son of Lars and Jennie Shirley, who were natives of Norway.
Lars Shirley came to America, in 1869, and located in Winneshiek county,
Iowa, where he lived until 1879, and then moved to Otter Tail county, and
homesteaded fine hundred and sixty acres of land in section 30, Trondhjem
township, a place where Lars Shirley spent the remainder of his days.
Julius Shirley was educated in the schools of Norway, after which he
came to America and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, living there until
1870. when he went with his parents to Minnesota and located in Otter Tail
county, where he bought two hundred acres of land in section 29, Trondhjem
township. Mr. Shirley improved his place with substantial buildings and
has since lived on his farm as a general farmer and stock raiser.
On May 9, 1884, Julius Shirley was married to Anna Wee. a native
of Norway, who was born on June 2, 1861, the daughter of Erick and Mary
Wee, who were born in Norway, where thev lived until [880, when they
800 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
came to America and located in Iowa, later moving to Otter Tail county,
.Minnesota, and settling in Trondhjem township, where they spent their last
days. To Julius and Anna Shirley have been born five children. Louis,
John, Milla (deceased), Alfred and Alma.
Julius Shirley has been active and prominently affiliated in the public
and official life of Trondhjem township, he having served as clerk of the
school district for some time and for more than seventeen years Mr. Shirley
has been a leading member of the board of supervisors, he at the present
time being the chairman of that board. In political creed Julius Shirley is
independent of party.
SYVRIN PEDERSON.
Among the well-known farmers and stock raisers, of Trondhjem town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Syvrin Pederson, who was born on
the old Pederson homestead in Trondhjem township, Otter Tail county, 'in
January 12, 1879, the son ot A. G. and Johanna (Opegard) Pederson, both
of whom were natives of Norway, the former born in 1840, and the latter
born in the same year. A. G. and Johanna came to America with their par-
ents and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where A. < i. and Johanna
Pederson were married, after which they came to Otter Tail county, and
settled nil three hundred acres of school land in section 35, Trondhjem town-
ship, where the elder Pederson lived as a farmer for some time and then
went to the states of Minnesota ami North Dakota, where A. G. Pederson
acquired considerable land, he at the time of his death being the owner of
more than eight hundred acres of land. A. G. Pederson died in the year
191 1, survived by his widow, who now lives mi the home farm in Trondhjem
township. A. G. and Johanna Pederson were the parents of the following
children: Kari, Julia Augusta, Mollie, and Hannah, who are deceased, and
Ole, Syvrin, Edwin, Thora, Henry and Melvin, who are living.
Syvrin Pederson received his early education in the common schools of
Trondhjem township, after which he attended Park Region Lutheran Col-
lege, and then he became a farmer, he renting one hundred and sixty acres
of the home -place, where he now is successfully engaged in general farming
and in the raising of good grade live stock.
Syvrin Pederson is one of the most active and progressive farmers of
Trondhjem township, not only conducting his place after the most approved
scientific methods, but he is equipped with the best of machinery and imple-
ments for the conduct of his agricultural life. Although Syvrin Pederson
is a public spirited citizen interested in the public welfare, he has not aspired
I.- public office, but has preferred to serve his community as a private citizen.
Mr. Pederson is unmarried.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 887
BRADY BREDESON.
Brady Bredeson, a prosperous farmer of Nidaros township, Utter Tad
county, Minnesota, was born in Norway, October iS, 1865, and is the son
of Knut and Reka Bredeson, who spent all of their lives in Norway, never
having come to America. They were the parents of live children, Brady,
Chester, Anion, Tora and Gilbert, who is deceased.
Brady Bredeson was educated in the public schools of Norway. In
1S82 he came to America and settled in Nidaros township, Otter Tail county,
where he has since lived.
In 1886 Mr. Bredeson was married to Mrs. Anna Bordson, who was
born in Norway and whose parents died in that country. Mrs. Bredeson
was the widow of Anton Bordson, who immigrated from Norway to Amer-
ica. During his life, he took a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres
in Nidaros township and also purchased one hundred and twenty acres,
which now belong to Mrs. Bredeson. By her first union, Mrs. Bredeson had
two sons, Edwin, deceased, and Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Brady Bredeson
have been the parents of one daughter, Clara, who died in infancy.
Mr. Bredeson has been more or less prominent in local politics and
especially in educational affairs. He served as clerk of the Nidaros town-
ship school board and has held other positions of trust and responsibility.
He is a well-known and successful farmer, an enterprising citizen and is well
liked by all of his neighbors.
CHRIST KITTELSON.
Christ Kittelson, well-known farmer of Erhards Grove township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Norway, on February 9, 1862, the son
of Hans and Bertha Kittelson, both of whom were natives of Norway. In
1870, Hans Kittelson came to America and located in Waseca county, Min-
nesota, where he lived for one year and then came to Otter Tail county, and
homesteaded a farm in section 8, Erhards Grove township, a place which
the elder Kittelson improved and to which he added eighty acres at a later
time, and where he now lives. Hans and Bertha Kittelson are the parents
of four children, Christ, Sophia, Mary (deceased), Anton (deceased) and
Ragena.
Following his education in the public schools of Erhards Grove town-
ship, Christ Kittelson became a farmer, acquiring land from time to time
until he now is the owner of four hundred acres of land, which he cultivates
as a general farmer and where he engages in the raising of considerable
good grade live stock.
fn [882, Christ Kittelson was married to Tilla Teringson, and to this
OOb OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
marriage have been born the following children, Helmer, Albert, Hannah
and Clara, all of whom are now living. In 1900 the wife of Christ Kittel-
son died, and in the year 1902. Mr. Kittelson was married to Ottelia Lund.
To this marriage have been born eight children, Carl, Olga, Henry, Alice,
Emma, Arnold, Evalyn and Addela, all of whom arc now living.
Christ Kittelson is not only successful as a farmer but he takes an active
part in the public matters and general welfare of the community, now hold-
ing the office of township assessor and also the office of treasurer of the
school board. Mr. Kittelson has been a member of the board of supervisors
for a number of years and is recognized as one of the leading citizens in the
life of the township and county.
CORNELIUS GRANT CHESBOROUGH.
Cornelius G. Chesborough, a self-made man and highly respected citi-
zen of Gerard township, Otter Tail count). Minnesota, is a native of Calu-
met county, Wisconsin, where he was born on April 20, 1865. Mr. Ches-
borough is a son of Cornelius and Hannah Minerva ( Aldrich ) Chesborough,
both of whom were natives of New York state. Mr. Cheshorough's parents
emigrated from New York to Calumet county. Wisconsin, m 1X48, and from
there to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1891. The father died in Otter
Tail county, October 28, 1898, and the mother at Bemidji, Minnesota, in
1905. They were the parents of three children, of whom Cornelius Grant
was the eldest. The other two children were Mattie and Sadie.
Cornelius Chesborough, Sr., had been previously married to Isabel
Aldrich, who was a sister of his second wife, and by his first marriage had
two children, both of whom are deceased. One died in infancy, and the
other, Inez, died at the age of three years. Cornelius Chesborough, Sr..
was a piano-maker by trade, and was employed for fourteen years in one
factory in New York state, after which he engaged in farming. Early in
life he was identified with the Republican party, but in later years became
a member of the Prohibition party.
Cornelius G. Chesborough was reared in Wisconsin, and educated in
the public schools of that state, and in the Stockbridge high school. Mr.
Chesborough has always been engaged iir fanning. He came to Otter Tail
county many years ago, arriving at Clitherall, February 1, 1887. For some
time he worked as a laborer and made his home with C. J. Aldrich. a cousin,
working at that time for E. F. Corliss, and later for his father-in-law, John
A. Aldrich. He also worked for James 11. Allen, of Gerard township. In
1898 Mr. Chesborough purchased eighty acres of land, to which he subse-
quently added another eighty acres, and these two tracts of land comprise
his present farm, and here Mr. Chesborough has erected a comfortable
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 889
home and other farm buildings and here he lives at the present time, carry-
ing mi a general system of farming and stock raising.
In i8<;_> Cornelius G. Chesborough was married to Amanda Aldrich,
who was horn in Rice county, Minnesota, in 1883, and who is a daughter of
John A. and Amelia (Eddy) Aldrich, early settlers of Rice county. Cor-
nelius G. Chesborough and wife are the parents of six children, Florence,
Leroy, Jessie, Alice, Lawrence and Ruby, all of whom are living.
Mr. Chesborough is independent in politics. He has served as clerk
of the township board, and has been otherwise prominent in local politics.
He is a member of the Sverdrup Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
and a stockholder in the Henning Co-operative Farmers Shipping Associa-
tion. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America,
and has been a member of this order for seventeen vears.
SIMON OLSON.
Simon Olson, one of the younger and most successful farmers and
business men of Otter Tail count}-, was born on June 10, 1875, in Becker
county, Minnesota, the son of Ole E. and Olena (Hovelson) Olson, both
of whom were natives of Norway. Ole Olson was an extensive traveler
before his marriage, having made the circuit of the globe. After his mar-
riage he and his wife came to Otter Tail county, settling later in Becker
county where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. He
later sold this farm and purchased a smaller one in Cormorant township,
Becker county, where he lives a retired life. They were the parents of the
following children: Isabel, Edward (deceased), Simon, Henry, Olavus
(deceased) and Sarah.
Simon Olson was reared tm the old homestead and educated in the pub-
lic schools of his home county, and at the Park Region Luther College at
Fergus Falls. He is a successful farmer and an extensive landowner, having
purchased his original farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres in [910,
to which he added fort) acres 111 [911. He practices general farming and
is an extensive stock raiser.
Simon Olson was united in marriage on June 7. [899, to Betsey Nelsen,
who was born on August 1. 1N80, in Otter Tail county, and on the farm
Mr. Olson now owns. Sin- was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Nelsen.
Simon Olson has led an active and useful life, having served for thirteen
years as a member of the school board, three years as hvmsmh- and is at
present time township treasurer, which position Ik- has held for several
years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator < bmpany and the Peli-
can Rapids Telephone < iompany. He is also a member of the Pelican Rapids
Shipping Association.
89O OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. and Mrs. < llson arc the parents of the following children: Edward
Amlnian. born on June 5, 1900; Xester Sinn in, February 4, [902; Clifford
Tedmon, July 25, 1903; Bessie Olena, April 28, 1909, and Inez Jeneta, Max-
id. [914, all hi" whom are living and at home. Mr. Olson and his family
are active members of the Lutheran church.
JOHN H. OLS( IN.
John H. Olson, well-known fanner and respected citizen of Scambler
township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born 111 Sweden, on November
7, 1873, the son of Ole and Nellie (Johnson) Nelson, both of whom were
natives of Sweden, where Ole Nelson died in 1879, after which his widow,
Nellie, came to America and now lives with Iter son John, of this sketch.
( >le and Nellie Nelson were the parents of the following children. Ellen,
Peter, Nels, John H. and Charles, all of whom are living.
John 11. Olsmi was educated in the public schools of his native country,
after which he came to America and located in the state of Nebraska, where
he lived as a farmer for three years. In 1903 he moved to Otter Tail county
and bought eighty acres of land in section 25, Scambler township, a place
to which he added land until he now owns one hundred and sixty aero of
well improved and highly cultivated land, where Mr. Olson now engages in
general farming and stock raising. In addition to his general farm work
John H. Olson makes a specialty of breeding fine grade Holstein cattle.
On December 13, 1913, John H. Olson was married to Emma Olson,
who was horn in Sweden, on November 16. 1874. the daughter of Ole
Person and wife, who lived their entire life in Sweden, the former dying
in 191 3, the latter one year later.
John II. Olson is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator and Co-oper-
ative Creamery Company, of Pelican Rapids, and is a man who takes an
active part and interest in the development of the community.
MICHAEL EICHMILLER.
Michael Eichmiller, one of the young farmers and suGcessf-ul men of
affairs in Otter Tail county, was born in Carver county, Minnesota, May 22,
1873. He is the son of Michael and Barbara Eichmiller, both of whom
were natives of Germany, the former being horn on March 20, 1840, and
the latter on August 24. 1850. The two came to the United States in 187J,
locating in Carver county, where they were married, soon after taking up
their residence in the new country. In 1S78 they came to Candor town-
ship, Otter Tail county, and here they homesteaded in section 34, after which
they added to their farm until at one time they had nine hundred and nine-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 89I
teen acres. Much of the land was sold at various times during the life of
Mr. Eichmiller.
The family consisted of four children, .Michael, the subject of this
sketch, Philip, Augustas and Mary, all of whom are living. The* father.
Michael, died on November 7, 1902, and the son, Michael, and the mother
live on the old homestead, consisting of three hundred and eighty-seven
acres of well improved land, with good buildings, fences and other improve-
ments.
Michael Eichmiller, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the pub-
lic schools near the home where he was born and still resides. He was
always interested in threshing and followed that occupation for twenty
years. He now owns a threshing outfit of his own. Mr. Eichmiller has
devoted much time and attention to the development of his well improved
and highly cultivated farm. He believes in keeping his fields in a high state
of cultivation and his buildings in good repair.
The Eichmillers have never been, office seekers, yet the father of Mr.
Eichmiller was treasurer of the school board for some time. The family Is
a highly respected and influential one in the township.
KNUT HAXSEN.
Knut Hansen was born in Xorway on June 18, 1833, and was the son
of Hans and Maret Hansen, both of whom were natives of Xorway, where
they lived and died, the former in 1849 all(J the latter 1863.
Knut Hansen was educated in his native country where he lived until
1 88 1, when he came to the United States and settled in Otter Tail county.
He and Andrew Seversen purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
and later added one hundred and twenty acres to their original purchase.
This they fanned together for six years, after which they divided the place,
each taking one hundred and forty acres. In time, Mr. Hansen added to
his farm until today he has seven hundred and sixty acres. This is divided
into three tracts and has three sets of buildings. On the home farm Mr.
Hansen has erected a most excellent set of buildings and the farm is well
improved. He practices general farming and is an extensive stock raiser.
Knut Hansen was married in Xorway to Ingeberg Jensen, who was
born in 1830 and died in 1876. To this union one child was born, Hans,
who still lives on the home place. After the death of his first wife Mr.
Hansen was married to Petrine Brekke, of Otter Tail county, but who was
a native of Norway, where her mother died. Her father, Peter Hrekke,
came to Otter Tail county where he died some years ago. To this union
three children have been born, Peter, John and Ingram, all of whom are at
8gj OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
home. Mr. Hansen and his family are active members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church.
Hans Hansen was born on March 3. 1874, and was educated in the
schools of his home county. He is a successful farmer, but devotes a part
of his time to threshing. He was married in 1901 to Regnel Sanden, who
was born in Norway in 1873. Her parents still reside in that country.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansen are the parents of the following children: Hilda.
Knut, I'eter. Edna, Agnes, Grace, Selma, James (deceased) and James.
Mr. Hansen is a man of much prominence and influence in his home county.
having served for twelve vears as a member of the board of supervisors and
is at present their chairman.
TAYLER R. HALVERSON. .
Among the younger farmers of Otter Tail county and of Tumuli town-
ship who have made a success of agricultural pursuits is Tayler R. Halver-
son, who was born on the Halverson" homestead in Tumuli township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, September 3, 1883, the son of Robert and Tore
(Serenson) Halverson, who were natives of Norway.
Robert Halverson came to America during the year 1880 and settled
in Otter Tail county, where he took out a homestead in Tumuli township,
consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he improved and
to which he later added by purchase one hundred and sixty additional acres,
making one-half section of land owned by this pioneer farmer. On taking
possession of his farm Robert Halverson proceeded to prepare his ground
for cultivation and placed many improvements on it, until he had one of the
best farms of the county for the general agricultural pursuits, in which he
engaged until the vear 1 r>T 5. when he retired and moved to the town of
Dalton, after disposing of his farm land to his son Tayler, the subject of
this sketch. Tore ( Serenson ) Halverson came to America with her par-
ents, who located in Grant county, Minnesota, where they homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres of land, on which the father spent the remainder
of his days and where his widow now lives, at the age of eighty-five years.
Robert and Tore Halverson were the parents of the following children:
Mary, Oscar. Henry, Tina, Tayler, Tavler. Tina and Rose. Robert Hal-
verson and his family are all members of the Norwegian church.
Tayler R. Halverson, the subject of this sketch, following his educa-
tion in the public schools of Otter Tail county, helped his father on the
home place until the year 1015. when on the retirement of the elder Hal-
verson, Tavler Halverson succeeded his father and has since been engaged
in general farming and stock raising. Tayler Halverson has been thor-
oughly successful in the operation and the conduct of the Halverson home-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 8< »3
stead farm and because of his industrious ways, his resourcefulness and
his knowledge and training in modern agricultural pursuits, he promises
to continue as one of the enterprising and well-to-do farmers of the county.
ALVIN OLSON.
Alvin Olson is one of the four children horn to the union of Xels Olson
and Christena Evander, and his birth occurred on April 12, 1880, in Clitherall
township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. The parents of Alvin Olson immi-
grated to America in 1869, and secured a farm under the homestead law, in
Clitherall township, where they remained until their death. The paternal
grandfather of Alvin Olson was Ole Erickson, who lived and died in Sweden.
Alvin Olson is the second child born to his parents, and the names of his
brother and two sisters follow: Christenia, Oleva and Oscar.
Alvin Olson received his education in the schools of Eagle Lake town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and has always resided in this locality.
He owns one-half of the old home place and. beside, owns two hundred
acres on which he does general farming and stock raising. In 1905 he was
successful in winning the hand of Emma Elwanger, and of this union five
children have been born : Walter, Irene. Myrtle, Reynold ami Roy. Emma
(Elwanger) Olson is the daughter of Fred Elwanger, who immigrated to
America from Germany and became a pioneer of Clitherall township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. It was here that Emma Elwanger was born. Alvin
Olson and his wife. Emma (Elwanger) Olson are both members of the
Lutheran church at Eagle Lake, and are earnest supporters of this denomin-
ation. They have many friends among the citizens of this locality and arc
well liked by all who know them.
ED. E. LARSON.
Among the well-known and prosperous farmers of Otter Tail comm-
and of Tumuli township is Ed. E. Larson, who was horn in Tumuli town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on September 25, 1875, inc son OI
Erston and Creste (Peterson) Larson, who were natives of Norway. Ers-
ton Larson came to America at an early age, and engaged in general farm-
ing pursuits in Tumuli township, where he died. His widow, Creste Lar-
son, after the death of her husband, remarried and now lives in Tumuli
township. Erston and Creste Larson were the parents of six children:
Serena, Louis. Mary, Ed., Christina and Martin.
Ed. E. Larson was educated in the public schools of Tumuli town-
ship, Otter Tail county, after which he helped his father on the home place
for some time. During the year iqoo Mr. Larson bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Tumuli township, a place which he improved with
8()4 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the addition of new buildings and new equipment, where he has since been
engaged in general fanning.
During the year 1906, Ed. E. Larson was married to Bertha Ander-
son, who was burn in Norway, the daughter of Andrew and Dortha
(Mickelson) Larson, the former of whom is now deceased. Andrew and
Dortha Larson were the parents of three children: Sarah, who lives in
Norway; Lars, a resident of Canada, and Bertha, wife of the subject of
this sketch, she having come to America during the year 1904, locating 11
Otter Tail county, where she was married to Ed. H. Larson. To the mar-
riage of lid. and Bertha Larson were born four children, Chester, Alice.
Leona and Bernice. Ed. E. Larson and his family are members of the
Haugus Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation in which they are
respected and appreciated both for their lives and for their support of the
works and activities of the denomination.
In political life Ed. E. Larson has taken no especial part as an office
holder or party man, but has preferred to serve his community as a private
citizen interested and ready to aid his county and township in all ways.
WILLIAM TENTER
Township Clerk William Tenter, of Edna township, this county, was
born in Germany on November 8, 1866. He received his education in his
native land and worked in the mines and on a farm there until 1891, in
which year he came to America, coming directly to this county, to join
his brother, Henry Tenter, who had settled here some time before and had
become established as a substantial farmer of Ldna township. In a bio-
graphical sketch of Henry Tenter, presented elsewhere in this volume, there
are set out further details of the genealogy of the Tenter brothers, to
which the reader is referred in connection with this sketch of William
Tenter.
Cpon arriving in Edna township, William Tenter purchased eighty-
five acres of land on which he lived for two years, at the end of which
time he sold that tract and bought the farm of eighty acres on which he
now lives, to which he since has added by the purchase of forty acres
adjoining and now has an excellent farm, all of which is well improved
and under profitable cultivation. When Mr. Tenter located in Edna town-
ship, there were no roads thereabout and his place was practically unbroken
timber. Tins lie has cleared ami improved by the erection of excellent
buildings and is recognized as one of the leading farmers thereabout. In
addition to his general fanning, lie gives much attention to the raising of
Red Polled cattle and Poland China hogs and finds his stock raising a
profitable feature of his agricultural pursuits.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 895
In 1807 William Tenter was united in marriage to Lizzie Diederichs,
who was horn in Germain-, daughter of Albert Diederichs, now a well-
known resident of this county, a well-to-do farmer of Edna township, who
came to this country from Germany in 1895, and to this union five chil-
dren have been born, Tillie, Albert, Henry, Katherine and Margaret. Air.
and Airs. Tenter are members of the Lutheran church and their children
have been reared in the faith of that church. The Tenters are earnest in
their endeavors to aid in all ways the betterment of conditions, social, moral
and civic, in their home community and are active in all good1 works, being
held 111 the highest esteem by their many friends in the neighborhood of
their home.
William Tenter, ever since coming to this county, has taken a warm
interest in civic affairs and for the past sixteen years has served the public
in the important capacity of township clerk, in which position he occupied
a prominent place in all community activities. For six years he served as
township supervisor, during which period of service he did an excellent
work in the way of developing better roads in that section of the county.
He is a substantial citizen, well worthy of the entire confidence which his
neighbors repose in him and fully entitled to the high measure of esteem
in which thev hold him.
HANS L TORUD.
Hans L. Jorud is one of five children, born to the union of Lars Hal-
verson Jorud and Christenia Thorslenson, both natives of Norway, who
immigrated to America during the year of 1869. Immediately after their
arrival in the United States, a farm was purchased, under the homestead
law, in Fillmore count}-, Minnesota, and 111 1870 the present homestead
was purchased. This farm is located in Eagle Lake township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and, after many years of successful farming on this
place, Lars Halverson Jorud and his wife retired and spent the last ten
years of their life at the home of their daughter, Amelia. The names id
their children follow: Amelia, Thorwal, Hans L, Marcus and Oliver.
Hans L. Jorud was born on November 23, 1861, in Norway, and
immigrated to America with his parents in 18O9. He is indebted to the
sell, ink of Eagle Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, for the
education which he received, and he was reared, and has always remained,
on the old home place, which he has improved and now owns. In the fall
of 1014 the original buildings were destroyed by fire, but Hans L. Jorud
immediately erected new ones. He has also added forty acres of land to
the original homestead, and the entire place is devoted in general farming.
Hans L forud has been verv active in local matters, ami has served the
8<)() OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
community as road supervisor and overseer tor some time. In educational
matters he has served as school director and has discharged the duties con-
nected with both offices to the best of his ability. He has many friends
and is well liked by all.
CHRIST E. KIRKVOLD.
Christ E. Kirkvold is a native of Norway, born in 1857, the son of
Eric Larson and Mark R. Kirkvold, both natives of Norway, who lived and
died in that country. Eric Larson Kirkvold was a farmer in Norway and
the father of eight children.
( hrist E. Kirkvold received his education in his native country, and
immigrated to America in 1882, locating in Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota,
where he has since resided. In connection with his brother. Hans, he pur-
chased two hundred acres of land in St. Olaf township, but retained the
property only one year. In 1892, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
was purchased, in Eagle Lake township, this county, on which he raises
general crop and specializes in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle.
In 1906, Christ E. Kirkvold was successful in winning the hand of
Olena Rea, a native of Norway, and daughter of Olas and Olova Rea, who
still reside in Norway on a small farm, and to them have been born these
children : Clarence, Norris and John. Religiously, Christ E. Kirkvold and
his wife are members of the Lutheran Free church, and are active for the
advancement and support of this denomination. Christ E. Kirkvold was
appointed as a school director and served in that capacity for some time.
discharging every duty connected with that office in an able manner.
ANDREW B. OLSON.
Andrew B. Olson was born at Skane, Sweden, May 14, 1863, the son
of Ole and Hannah Tygeson, who were natives of Sweden and lived in
that country during their entire lives, where Ole Tygeson was a farmer.
Ole and Hannah Tygeson were the parents of four children: Par. who
came to America and died 111 1NN1 at Moorhead, Minnesota; Elna, Johanna
and Andrew.
Andrew B. Olson was educated in the public schools of Sweden, but
was compelled at an early age to leave his classes in order to make his way
in the world, his parents having died when he was a youth. Muring the year
1S87 Andrew B. Olson determined to come to America, and on reaching
this country he located at Odebolt, Sac county, Iowa, where he worked on
a farm for two months and then came to the state of Minnesota, where he
was employed generally in building and street work at St. Paul for some
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 897
time and then he was engaged on railroad construction work for a time,
after which he worked at general farm duties in the states of North and
South Dakota. In the year i8()i, Andrew B. Olson came to the city of
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, near where he secured work on a farm, in Buse
township, a place he lived until the year 1893, when he married and estab-
lished himself as a farmer in partnership with a brother-in-law. Shortly
afterward he bought eighty acres of land on which he built a house, planted
an attractive grove, and otherwise improved into a well arranged and mod-
ern farm. In 1909 Andrew i'>. Olson purchased a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Aasted township, where he now lives and a farm
which is well cultivated and well equipped for general agricultural purposes.
Andrew B. Olson was married in the year 1893, to Tilda Swenson, who
was born in Smoland, Sweden, and who came, at an early age, to America,
with her parents. To the marriage of Andrew ami Tilda Olson were born
four children, Edwin, Hilma, Emma, and Henry.
Andrew B. Olson and his family are esteemed and valued residents of
the locality, being people who are progressive and interested in the welfare
of the community and its activities.
OLE PETERSON.
Ole Peterson was born on September 29, 1864, in Sweden, the son of
1'er Nelson and Inger Thortelson both natives of Sweden, who spent their
entire lives in that country. Ole Peterson received his education in his
native land and immigrated to America when seventeen years of age. After
his arrival in the United States he located in Clitherall township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, and was employed on the railroad for a period of one
year. Following this position he became a farm hand for two years and in
1885 purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on which he now
resides.
On January 3, 1885, Ole Peterson was united in marriage to Hannah
Person, daughter of Per and Anna (Olson) Person, and they are the par-
ents of three children whose names follow: Emil S., who is employed as
a ticket agent in Bowman, North Dakota; Oliver and Edna. Hannah
(Person) Peterson, wife of Ole Peterson, was born on January 9, 1866,
and is a native of Sweden. Her parents were also natives of Sweden and
immigrated to America in 1869. They located in Clitherall township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and were the second family to locate in that com-
munity. They purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which
their son, Xels Person, now lives.
Ole Peterson has been very successful in his chosen line of endeavor
(57b)
898 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and an ardent worker in the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he is a
member, having held various offices in that congregation for a number of
years. He is now deacon of the church and held the office of clerk for
twenty-two years. He has also served his fellow citizens in the capacity of
school clerk for a period of six years.
CHRISTIAN HERXESS.
Christian Herness was born on January 22, 1879, in Eagle Lake town-
ship, Otter Tail county, -Minnesota, and is the son of Lars and Martha
( Hollo ) Herness, both natives of Norway. They immigrated to America
several years previous to the birth of their son, Christian, and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law, on which the
family resided until the father's death. They were the parents of nine
children whose names follow : Henry, Emma, Julia, Minnie, Christian
Lenna, Louis and Jessie, one other child dying in infancy. Lars Herness.
father of Christian Herness, was a very energetic man and, beside clearing
and cultivating his farm, erected buildings necessary for the family and the
products of the farm, and these buildings were all of the best possible con-
struction. The maternal grandfather of Christian Herness was Christian
Hollo, who 1 iwned a homestead in Clitherall township, which he cultivated
until his death.
Christian Herness received his education in the schools of Eagle Lake
township, and, with the exception of seventeen months spent in North Dakota,
where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, has resided 011
the old home place. Half of this farm is owned and retained by Martha
(Hollo) Herness, while the other half is operated and owned by her son
Christian Herness. In 1908 he was united in marriage to Wilma Thompson,
a native of Alba Lake, Minnesota, and daughter of Tave Thompson, and to
them have been born two children, Lyman and Lester. Christian Herness.
his wife and mother are all members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
and are active in its support.
ALBERT HOLLATZ.
Albert Hollatz. farmer and stock raiser of Effington township. Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born on July 2j. 1866, in Germany, and it was in that
country that his education was received. He is the son of Ludwig and Eliza-
beth (Mialke) Hollatz, both natives of Germany. Ludwig Hollatz immi-
grated to America in [882, with his wife and children, and located in Miller-
ville, Minnesota, where he was employed as a day laborer. In 1885 he
removed to Effington township, t hi-- county, where lie purchased a farm con-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 899
sisting of one hundred and sixty acres and located one mile east of the farm
which is the property of his son, Albert Hollatz. The death of his wife
occured on this place and he is still a resident there.
Albert Hollatz immigrated to America, with his parents, and some years
later purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres of unimproved
land, and has continued to cultivate this one place ever since. Previous to
buying the present farm he owned and cultivated eighty acres, located one
mile north of the farm which he now operates.
In 1894 Albert Hollatz was united in marriage to Bertha Brockapp.
daughter of Fritz Brockapp, both natives of Germany. Fritz Brockapp set-
tled in Effington township after his arrival in America. To the union of
Albert and Bertha Hollatz have been born the following children, namely :
August, William, Anna, Ida, Bertha, Albert, Martha, Herman, John, Elda,
Zelma and Paul. Both Albert and Bertha (Brockapp) Hollatz are devout
members of the German Lutheran church and are very active in its support.
AUGUST MILLER.
August Miller was born on April 29, 1853, in. Germany, and is the son
of Powell and Elizabeth (Schmitkens) Miller, both natives of Germany.
Powell Miller operated and owned a grist-mill in Germany, and followed
the vocation of miller until his death in that country. Two of his brothers
served in the German army, and were killed in service during the war of
1864.
August Miller immigrated to America in 1870, and first located in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, but soon removed to Kentucky, where he was occupied as stage
driver and at various kinds of labor, for a period of three years, later
removing to Illinois, where he was employed for three years as a farmhand.
He tlu-n removed to Moore county, Minnesota, where he returned to his
former trade of miller, which he had learned while a resident of Germany.
After following this vocation for some time he removed to Parkdale. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and operated a mill there for one year. In 1SS0.
one year following the arrival in Otter Tail county, he purchased a small
water mill located on the property which he now owns in Kagle Lake town-
ship. This mill he fully equipped and operated successfullv until [894, :it
which time it was destroyed by lire. The stream which ran the mill is an
outlet of Eagle Lake. August Miller purchased a small farm at the same
time he purchased the mill, and has added to the original place, until he now
owns three hundred and eighty acres of well improved land. Owing to his
realty investments he was fully equipped to enter the agricultural field, and
thus, undaunted by the destruction of his mill, he became a breeder of Short-
horn cattle, and has one of the finest herds ever raised in the county. In
900 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
1912 he retired from active farming and stuck raising, but still resides on
the place, of which he has sold a minor portion.
August Miller was united in marriage to Emma Xeller. a native of
Mower county, Minnesota, and to them have been burn four children:
Edward, Amelia, Nellie and Robert, all graduates of the high school in Fer-
gus Falls. Edward and Robert are also graduates of the Columbus Business
College located at Columbus, Ohio, and Edward is now a professor in a
business college in San Francisco, California, while Robert is the head sales-
man for a furniture concern in Springfield, Ohio. Amelia and Nellie were
engaged for some years in the capacity of school teachers. August Miller
has always been actively engaged in the furtherance of all questions pertaining
to the betterment of the community and has served his fellow citizens as
school director, treasurer, and chairman of the board of supervisors, lie is
a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.
HAAGEN PAULSON.
Haagen Paulson is a native of Norway and his birth occured on January
15, 1846. He is the son of B. and Isabel (Gunderson) Paulson, both natives
of Norway, who lived and died in that country. B. Paulson was engaged in
farming and followed that vocation until his death. To this union with
Isabel Gunderson were born these children: Peter. Guilder, Seivert. Gerena,
Haagen, Sophia, and Gertrude. This family lived near the town of Stodall,
Norway, and were members of the Verness church, located in that town.
Haagen Paulson is indebted to the schools of his native land for the
education which he received. At the age of twenty years he immigrated to
America, and chose Rock county, Wisconsin, as a temporary location. There
he was employed as a farm hand for four years, and was united in marriage
to Mary Clemenson, while a resident of that county. The marriage of Haagen
Paulson and Mary Clemenson was solemnized in 1870. and in 1873 they
removed to Otter Tail county, where eighty acres of homestead land was
purchased in Eagle Lake township. At the time of purchase this land was
unimproved but the entire farm was cleared of the heavy timber then stand-
ing, and was put under cultivation. A specialty has been made of breeding
and raising thoroughbred Belgian horses and Haagen 1'aulson has been
notably successful along this line. He has increased his realty holdings until
he now owns, besides the original eighty acres, two hundred and ten acres
located in the townships of St. Olaf and Eagle Lake.
To the union of Haagen Paulson and Mary Clemenson have been born
six children: Carl, Benjamin (deceased), Martin. Peter, lunula and Gina,
Carl Paulson, the first born, is a native of Rock county. Wisconsin, his birth
having occured on July 8. 1871. His education was received in the public
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 9OI
schools of Battle Lake, and he lias always remained under the parental root
tree. Realizing the opportunities in the agricultural field, he engaged in that
vocation at the close of his student days, and now operates a farm of two
hundred acres. This two hundred acres is the major portion of the land
belonging to his father, ten acres being retained by Haagen Paulson. The
family are members of the Lutheran Free church, and are very active in the
support of same. For sixteen years Haagen Paulson has been honored by
the citizens of Eagle Lake township by his election to the office of super-
visor, his term of service having covered a period of sixteen years.
.MARTIN ERIKSON.
That Martin Erikson is, and has been, of service to the community in
which he lives, is evidenced by the fact that he was appointed to act as con-
stable and has served in that capacity for thirty-six years. He has also been
a member of the township board for many years, and has discharged all duties
connected with that office with dispatch and efficiency. Martin Erikson is one
of six children born to the union of Christ Erikson and Annetta Peterson,
and his birth occured on March 23, 1855, in Norway. Christ Frikson was a
native of Norway and immigrated to America, with his family, in 1866,
locating eight miles east of Beloit, Wisconsin. While a resident of that state
he was employed as a day laborer, but in 1872 he removed to Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land,
under the homestead law, in section 22, Eagle Lake township. He and his
wife remained on this place until his death, after which she resided with her
son, Peter, on the adjoining farm. The names of their children follow : Ed,
Martin, Peter, Anton and John. Cue daughter died in infancy.
Martin Erikson is indebted to the schools of Norway for the education he
received, with the exception of three weeks of schooling obtained in America
after his arrival here. At the age of seventeen years, and shortly after his
arrival in Otter Tail county, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
under the homestead law and remained on this property for a period of nine-
teen years. In 1889 he removed to the present site and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land, since adding two hundred acres, which measures
three-quarters of a mile square. The first homestead has been sold since his
location on the present place and, through energy and thrift, both places have
been well improved. General farming and the breeding of purebred Short-
horn cattle, Duroc- Jersey hogs and Percheron horses are the modes of pro-
duction on this well regulated farm. In former years the breeding of Poland
China hogs was a specialty, but the breeding of Duroc-Jerseys has been a
greater financial success.
In 1875. Martin Erikson was united in marriage to Betsy Peterson, a
9012 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
native of Norway and daughter of Elling Peterson, also a native of Norway.
To this union have been born fifteen children: Anna, Carrie, Edward
(deceased), Edward, Matilda, Hanna, Emma, Alfred, Julia. Selmer, Ella,
Melvin, Clarence, Mabel (deceased) and Mabel. .Martin Erikson and his
family are devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Free church, and are
very active in the support of this denomination. Betsy (Peterson) Erikson
was reared on the farm adjoining the one of which Martin Erikson is the
owner. Martin Erikson has been very successful as a farmer and as a citizen,
and has many friends among the inhabitants of Otter Tail county.
HANS JENSEN.
Hans Jensen was born in Denmark, January 17, 1855, the son of Mar-
tin and Maria (Christiansen) Jensen, both of whom lived and died in their
native country.
Martin Jensen was a miller by trade and served in the War of 1848.
He and his wife were the parents of three children, namely, Hans, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Anna, who died young, and Adolph, who went away on
a sailing vessel as a sailor and who was never again heard of. Hans became
a sailor just after his confirmation at the age of fourteen, sailing the Atlantic
Ocean and North Sea. Traveling by steamboat and sailing vessels he made
from ten to twelve trips to America and finally in 1873 decided to live here.
He worked as a sailor up and down the coast and 1 in the ( ireat Lakes. Start-
ing from Duluth, he worked on farms and drifted southward and in 1902
arrived in this county. Liking the looks of the land, he bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Eastern township where he still lives. This is in
the northwest quarter of section 32. At the time of the purchase it was
covered with timber. The land has been cleared and cultivated and on it
stand a number of good, substantial, modern buildings. Mr. Jensen is a
well-known breeder of purebred White Leghorn chickens and of graded
Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs.
Mr. Jensen has been twice married, his first wife being Carrie Sophia
Thorsen, a native of Denmark, and to her he was married in St. Paul. She
had come to America and located in that city in 1882. She died in [890
leaving one daughter, two older children. Ophelia and Arthur having died
in infancy. Vivian, the remaining daughter, was born in 1887. She is a
violinist, having received her early training from her father, who started
her on her musical career at the age of six. He modestly calls himself a
"fiddler." Later Vivian received her musical education at St. Paul and
Minneapolis. In the former city she was graduated from the high school
and later attended college. She now has her own studio in Silver City,
New Mexico, and has attained such prominence as to fill musical engage-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 9O3
ments all over the country. Among these was her successful appearance
at the fair in San Francisco in 1915. After the death of his first wife, Mr.
Jensen, in 1892, married Minnie Schroeder, who was horn in Germany and
who came to this country with her parents in i860 when she was only two
years of age. This family are affiliated with the Lutheran church in which
they take an active part.
Mr. Jensen has been painstaking, industrious, energetic and frugal, and
has earned all the good fortune that has come his way.
ADOLPH JACOBS.
w
Adolph Jacobs was born in Carver county, Minnesota, April 1, i860,
the son of Mathias and Mary (Bock) Jacobs, who were natives of Ger-
many, where they lived until the year 1841;. and then came to America,
locating in Dalgren township. Carver county, Minnesota, where Mathias
Jacobs secured employment on the farm of a man named Gephart, who made
terms with the elder Jacobs, that should he work on the farm for a period
of two years, that at the end of this time Mathias Jacobs would be given
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in the township; but after
working for the two years Mr. Jacobs learned that the land to be given was
not owned by his employer, but that it would be necessary to buy the land
from the United States government, paying for it the sum of one dollar
and twenty-five cents per acre, a thing which Mathias Jacobs was able to do
only as the result of his fiancee coming with sufficient money to purchase
the land.
Adolph Jacobs was not yet three years of age when the Indian massacre
of 1862 occurred, the Jacobs family escaping in an old ox-cart, to which a
cow was attached behind, making their way to Chaska, Minnesota, from
where the women and children were sent to Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, while
the adult male members of the community remained to fight the ravaging
Indians in the district. Later, after the capture of the Indians, at which
Mathias Jacobs was present, the family of the elder Jacobs returned to
l 'arver county, Minnesota, where he farmed on his original homestead of
one hundred and sixty acres of land, a place to which he later added two
hundred and forty acres of land. In 1877 ne made a trip to Otter Tail
county and bought twelve hundred and five acres of land in sections 7 and
23, in Dora township, land for which Mathias Jacobs paid the sum of fifty-
seven cents per acre, purchasing this land from the Northern Pacific Rail-
wav Company. Mathias and Mary Jacobs were the parents of seven chil-
dren, Joseph, Andrew, Adolph, John, Henry, Phoebe and Anna. Mathias
Tacobs and wife were communicants of the Catholic church.
\.dolph Tacobs received his education in the public schools of Carver
QO.J. OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
county, Minnesota, where he attended classes for three months, and later in
the German Catholic School, after which he helped on the farm of his
father in Carver county, and then in the year 1878, with his father, Adolph
Jacobs drove with four oxen and a wagon, together with sixteen head of
cattle, to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, the journey requiring fourteen day-.
On their arrival in Otter Tail county the Jacobs family found but three
settlers in Dora township, where they located, and where they proceeded
to clear the land and prepare it for cultivation, building for a home only
rude houses and for outbuildings sheds were made to serve the purpose of
shelter for the stock and provisions. Adolph Jacobs, with the other male
members of the family, devoted the winter months to the making of railway
ties, the money earned being used for the payment of taxes and other neces-
sary expenses, until such a time as the farm land could lie cultivated to the
point of a satisfactory income. During the fifteen years that Adolph Jacobs
lived on the home in Dora township, he succeeded in clearing more than one
hundred and ninety-five acres of land, bringing it to a good state of culti-
vation.
In the year 1901, Adolph Jacobs moved to Pelican township, Otter
Tail county, where he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land which
he has extensively improved and which he has highly culitvated until it is
among the desirable places of the township for general agricultural pursuits.
During the year 1881, Adolph Jacobs was married to Geneva Bear, who
was born in Dahlgren township, Carver county. Alinnesota, the daughter
of Gotlieb and Victoria (Oniser) Bear, natives of Germany. To the mar-
riage of Adolph and Geneva Jacobs have been born nine children, Emma
Mary, Bertha, Edward. Anna, Johnnie. William. Irvin, Ella Clara and James
Adolph.
Gotlieb and Victoria Bear, in the year 1850. left their homes in Ger-
many and came to America, where after their marriage in the city of St.
Paul, Minnesota, Gotlieb Bear homesteaded a claim in Carver count}-, Min-
nesota, and later, in the year 1S70, he bought a section of land located in
Dofa township, from the Northern Pacific Railway Company, which he
farmed for some time and then he erected the first store building in Dora
township, establishing there the first stock of general merchandise, a busi-
ness in which he was engaged until the year 1801, when he died. The chil-
dren of Gotlieb and Victor Bear are William, of Frazee, Minnesota :
Henry, of Carver county, Minnesota; Gotlieb, of Frazee, and Geneva, wife
of the subject of this -ketch. Of these children. William and Gotlieb were
for many years well-known merchants of Frazee. they conducting there a
general store until the year [913, when they traded their stock for eight
hundred acres of land in Otter Tail county.
OTTER TAII COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Adolph Jacobs is a man who not only has overcome obstacles toTfii
point of recognized success in the agricultural world, where he owns the
farm on which he lives, together with one hundred acres of valuable land
in Becker county, Minnesota, which he purchased in the year 191 1, but Mr.
Jacobs has served with notable efficiency on the township board and on the
school board in the county, this with his ability and judgment in all public
and general matters, as well as his work and effort for the promotion of
the welfare and progress of the community, giving him a position as one
of the leading and most valued citizens of the township.
WILLIAM JEZEWSKI.
William Jezewski, well-known merchant and prominent citizen of Rich-
dale, Pine Lake township, Utter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in the
city of Chicago, December 23, 1877, the son of Nicholas and Katherine
(WardynJ Jezewski, both of whom were natives of Germany. Nicholas
Jezewski was a picture-frame maker, of his native country, a business which
he followed during his entire residence in Germany, with exception of three
years when he served in the German army, having taken an active part in
the Franco-Prussian War.
Nicholas Jezewski came to America in 1872 and located in Chicago,
and in 1888 he moved to Pine Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared
and improved and a farm to which he later added land until he was the
owner of three hundred and eighty acres of well improved and highly pro-
ductive land. Nicholas Jezewski engaged in general agricultural pursuits
until his death on February 9, 1907. Katherine, the wife of Nicholas Jezew-
ski, died in the year 1005. Nicholas and Katherine Jezewski were the par-
ents of the following children: Ignatius, John, William, Frank. Anna,
Joseph, and four children who died in infancy. Nicholas Jezewski was a
communicant of the Catholic church.
William Jezewski was educated at district school No. 130. of Pine
Lake township. Otter Tail county, where he attended classes until a young
man, and then he became a farmer working on the farms of the neighbor-
hood, for live years, after which he went to Frazee, Minnesota, and became
an emplovee of the Nicholas & Chisolm Lumber Company, remaining with
this concern for about live years. Later William Jezewski came to Rich-
dale, Otter Tail county, in March. [909, and purchased the general mer-
chandise store of John llempel & Sons, William Jezewski a few months
later being appointed postmaster of Richdale, an office which he ha- since
occupied. In addition to the sale of general merchandise and machinery, at
his place of business, Mr. Jezewski has for more than three years been a
906 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
buyer of grain for the Perham Holding Company, as well as engaging in the
operation of an elevator at Richdale, on his own account, and in the buying
of potatoes.
During the year [896, William Jezewski was married to Molly Smith,
the daughter of Martin Smith and wife, .Martin Smith having been a pio-
neer settler in Pine Lake township, where lie lived as a farmer on one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. To the marriage of William and Molly Jezew-
ski, >ix children have been born, Raymond, Elsie, Margaret, Martin, Mamie
and Lettie. William Jezewski served his township as assessor, as justice of
the peace, as school clerk and as village councilman, while he was a resident
of Frazee, Minnesota.
MARTIN H. STANG.
Much iif the civil and industrial progress of Minnesota is traced to the
activities of the citizens of Norwegian birth or lineage who form a large
element in her population. Among the representatives of this element in
industrial progress, is Martin Stang, who for over thirty years has been a
resident of Otter Tail county, and who is known throughout that section
for his ability and influence in business activities. By his well-directed
efforts and high principles, he lias achieved a place of distinction in the
county.
Martin H. Stang was horn in Sarpsborg. Norway, on the nth of
August, 1867, and is the son of Hans and Gunhild Stang, also of Norway.
The fathers occupation was that of a farmer and although he was unusually
skilled at the blacksmith's trade, he never followed that line of work as a
profession. The immigration of Martin Stang in company with his uncle
took place in 1885. They landed at Philadelphia and the same year they
came to Otter Tail county and settled in Dane Prairie township. Being
unfamiliar with the language and customs of the people of this country.
the subject of this sketch worked at any employment available at that time.
The second year of his life in America was spent at the blacksmith's trade.
Although moderately successful at this line of work. Mr. Stang was not
content to spend the remainder of his life at that occupation. He was
ambitious to learn more of the American educational system and set at work
to study conditions, a move which was a large factor in his success later in
life, lie attended school after leaving the blacksmith work, and devoted
his entire attention to study. Ik-fore coming to Fergus Falls, which he has
made his permanent residence, he taught school for three terms, during the
winter months. For four or five years after he came to Fergus Falls he
worked as a blacksmith until lie was stricken ill with a severe attack of
typhoid fever. The illness left his system in a very weak condition and
upon his recovery he was not able to resume his former occupation. In
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. (JO/
partnership with Julius Ryan he engaged in the grocery business, on West
Lincoln avenue, and after a year he sold out to his partner. For a short
time following he worked in the furniture store of Mr. Woodham, and dur-
ing that time became interested in lire insurance. This led to his permanent
affiliation with the insurance business, to which he added life insurance and
real estate. He has quite an extensive business in the buying and selling
of houses.
Mr. Stang married Mattie Utne, the eldest daughter of Oline Utne,
one of the progressive farmers of Dane Prairie township. Although no
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stang, they have reared an adopted
daughter, Annie Flaten, with all the affection of their noble characters and
the daughter in return has proved most worthy of the devotion and advan-
tages given her. She is a graduate of the Fergus Falls high school where
she showed marked ability as a student. She took a normal course and is
now teaching at Henning.
JOHN P. LUNDIN.
One of the pioneers of Otter Tail count}- was John I'. Lundin, a man
whose zeal and ability added much to the material prosperity of the county.
Although he was born, educated and married in Sweden, .Mr. Lundin spent
the greater part of his life as a citizen of the United States, coming here
in 1875. His wife, also a native of Sweden, was before her marriage
Charlotta Holmstrom. Mr. Lundin homesteaded the farm where his family
now live. He added one hundred and eighty acres to the one hundred and
sixty originally purchased. Ambitious to have his country home well
equipped, he erected a good suhstantial residence and other buildings neces-
sary to carry on his farm work. He was a stone-mason during the majority
of his working years, having learned the trade in Sweden. He erected the
building at Northwestern College. He and his faithful wife were members
of the Swedish Lutheran church. The eight children born to them are Cort,
Alga, Emil, Gottfred. who was a student in Northwestern College; Edwin,
Emelia, Victor and Emma.
Edwin Lundin, a line progressive young farmer, attended the schools
of Otter Tail county and spent two terms at Northwestern College, located
at Fergus Falls. With the exception of the last two years before his lather's
death, when the son was employed near Ashby, he lived at home and was a
valuable assistant on the farm, for his father having another occupation was
required to be away from home much of the lime, llis father died on Febru-
ary iS, ii)i.s, and since that time Edwin has had entire charge of the farm.
John 1'. Lundin was one of the best-known workmen in his occupation
in this vicinity, and in all of the relations of life proved himself to he a
man of estimable qualities. \n honest workman, he was fair in all of his
"<>'S OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
business dealings; a God-fearing man, who sought to obey the Golden Rule;
a patient father, he sacrificed much for his family; a kindly, considerate
neighbor, he won and kept many friends.
AUGUST PETERSON.
Although deprived of early educational advantages, August Peterson
has become a man known and respected by the citizens of the town near
which he has farmed for many years. He was born in Sweden on Novem-
ber jo. [854, where both of his parents. John and Catherine (Magnuson)
Peterson died, the former when August was only rive years of age, and the
latter over twenty years ago. The children born to them were Skiler, John.
August and Sarah.
August Peterson attended school in his native land and came to this
country in the spring of 1874. He came directly to Utter Tail county where
he bought what was then known as railroad land situated in Eastern town-
ship. It extended over a quarter section. Retaining the farm, he worked
as a lumberman <>n the St. (lair river for eighteen years. Leaving this
work he resumed farming, a line of industry which he has followed up to
the present time. On his splendid farm of two hundred and twenty acres
he has erected many well constructed buildings.
Alma Lindquist; a native of Sweden, became Mrs. August Peterson in
1892. She is the daughter of Gust and Ann Linquist, natives of Sweden,
who now occupy a farm in Spruce Hill township, Douglas county, Minne-
sota. The children horn to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are Helma, Hilda.
Edward, Winfred and Dora. They are members of the Swedish Lutheran
church. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have won many friends in the county and
their home is noted fur its hospitality.
ANDREW DAHL.
Andrew Dahl, who has succeeded as a farmer and stockman of Everts
township, Otter Tail county, is a native of this township, born on the farm
which he now owns in section 17, on May iS, [882.
Mr. Dahl was educated in the public schi"ils and has always been
engaged in farming. He owns the old homestead, which his father pur-
chased on coming to this county. Mr. Dahl is the son of Ole H. and Karen
((ilende) Dahl. both of whom were born in Norway, the former in 1847
and the latter in 1848. They came separately to Otter Tail county. Min-
nesota, in [871, were married in [873 and immediately thereafter pur-
chased the farm, which their son, \11drew, now owns and occupies. Mr.
Dahl's father died in [882. His mother is >;till living and resides with her
OTTER I'AH COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 909
son, Andrew. Andrew Dahl is youngest of three children born to his par-
ents, the others being Mettie, the widow of Lewis Hansen, and Sophia, who
is deceased.
Andrew Dahl is a general farmer and stockman. His father, during
his lifetime, built a house which is still standing on the place and which is
now used by the family. Air. Dahl built a good barn in 1904 and has made
other improvements on the farm.
In 1905 Andrew Dahl was married in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, to
Josephine Hansen, who was the daughter of Peter and Christina (Henry)
Hansen, the former of whom was born in Denmark. April 29, [843, and
the latter horn in Norway. April 4, 1852. Peter Hansen's parents were
Hans and Mary Hansen, both of whom were natives of Denmark and who
died in that country. Mrs. Peter Hansen's parents were Henry and Mary
Peterson. Peter Hansen was educated in the public schools of Denmark
and emigrated to America, settling in Portland, Maine, May 2, 1868. A
little later he moved to Canada and for about six months worked in a brick
yard at Detroit, Michigan. From that city, he immigrated to Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, where he lived for one year and then moved to Iowa, where he
rented a farm. He was not able to make any money and left Iowa, lie
came to Minnesota in 1871 and was employed by the Northern Pacific rail-
road near Duluth. From Duluth he moved to St. Cloud and received employ-
ment from the Great Northern railroad, taking a homestead in ( )tter Tail
county. Peter Hansen and John Little were the first white settlers in Girard
township. Peter Hansen took eighty acres of land, but later gave it up and
took a claim in Gorman township. After living in that township for ten
years, he sold out and purchased a farm in Everts township of one hundred
and sixty acres, which he now owns. Here he has erected magnificent build-
ings. I11 1905 he moved to Battle Fake and built the house in which he
now lives. He also has a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Girard
township and has given forty acres of land to a son. He has a summer
residence on Battle Lake, and a resort which he established in 1913. Peter
Hansen assisted in the organization of the school district m his neighbor-
hood and served on the school board for about seven years. He was assessor
for Everts township and the. first assessor of Battle Lake village.
Mr. Hansen's wife, who before her marriage was Christina Henry, and
to whom he was married in 1873, moved to Goodhue county. Minnesota, in
1870, and the next year to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. She died in tin's
county, after having been the mother of six children. Jennie, who is tin- wife
of E. M. Nelson, of Freeburg. Houston county; Henry, who married Josie
Olsen, of Everts township; Matilda, who is the wife of Hans Nelson, of
Otter Tail county; Josephine, who was the wife of Mr. Dahl. but is now
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
; Dewey", who married Emma Lee and lives on his father's farm
6 township, and Edward, who died in infancy. Peter Hansen is a
member of the Lutheran church.
By this marriage to Josephine Hansen, Andrew Dahl was the father of
two children, Esther Luella Christine, who was born on December 26, 1906,
and Joseph, who was born on October 8. 1908. The mother of these chil-
dren died on October 8, 1908.
MICHAEL DERTINGER.
A representative of one of the influential and prominent families of
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and exemplifying the sturdy characteristics
and best traditions of his native land. Michael Dertinger has made a name
for himself in the ranks of those who live up to the highest ideals of citizen-
ship. He has long been identified with the lumber interests in the county
in which he resides and has achieved success through his own individual
effort. He was born on the t2th of August, 1872. in Buffalo, Xew York,
the son of Andrew Dertinger and Barbara (Hepper) Dertinger. both of
whom were natives of Germany, and came from Eltmann, Bavaria, to
America in the spring of 1872 and went to Buffalo, Xew York.
Andrew Dertinger stopped for a few months in Xew York before
coming to Otter Tail county. .Minnesota, where he made his home. In the
fall of 1872, he established his home in Otter Tail county, where he became
a successful agriculturist and a valued citizen. His first place of residence
in the county was in the township of Perham where he homesteaded forty
acres of land near St. Joseph's church. He sold this land and moved to
eighty acres in Edna township, where he spent some time before going to
a farm in Silver Leaf township. Becker county. He sold the farm in 1904
and moved to Frazee, where he passed away. His death occurred March 4.
1913, aged seventy years, two months and fourteen days, cause of death
being heart trouble and a complication of diseases from which he suffered
for two years. He left a wife and thirteen children to mourn his loss. The
funeral service was held at the Sacred Heart church and the remains were
interred in the Catholic cemetery at Frazee. His first wife. Barbara Dertinger.
died in the year 1890, at the age of forty-two, and was laid at rest in St.
Joseph's cemetery. Otter Tail county. By his first marriage the following
children were born t< > Mr. and Mrs. Dertinger: John, Fred. Michael, who
i- the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, Regina, Andrew. Katherina, < hris-
tine and Anna. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Dertinger married
[Catherine Krep, who became the mother of the following children: Joseph,
Stephen. Frank, Sophia and Susie.
The early educational training of Michael Dertinger was received in
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. gl I
the common schools of Perham township and in St. Joseph's parochial
school. Upon completing the course offered in the elementary schools he
learned the carpenter's trade and in that held of endeavor became a work-
man of unusual skill. He remained occupied with this trade for twelve
years. In the spring of 1903 he became manager of the Marcel Lumber
Company, and in this capacity has shown marked business ability and execu-
tive qualities. He is now a member of the firm, and in Perham where the
office is located, on the north side of the Northern Pacific railroad tracks,
near the freight depot, is looked upon as a reliable authority in lumber
affairs.
In 1899, Michael Dertinger was united in marriage to Barbara W'eis,
the daughter of Joseph W'eis, Sr., a native of Ohio, who came to Rush Lake
in the vear 1866 as a young man and married Magtlana Doll, in August,
1865, and died March 4. 1916, age seventy-three. To this union the fol-
lowing children have been horn : Gregory, Loretta. Rufina, Sylvester and
Andrew. Mr. and Mrs. Dertinger are members of the St. Henry Catholic
church. In his political activities Mr. Dertinger is a member of the Repub-
lican party. He has membership in the Eagles lodge, the Knights of Colum-
bus and the St. Henry Society of Minnesota.
ALBERT C. TOMHAVE.
Albert C. Tomhave was born on December 16, 1878, in Fergus Falls
township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, the son of John and Anna M.
(Mier) Tomhave, both natives of Germany. Albert C. Tomhave received
his education in the schools of Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and upon the completion of same, assisted his father with the
work on the home place until twenty-five years of age. At the age oi
twenty-three his father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land,
in Buse township, Otter Tail county, with the intention of selling it to
Albert when he should reach twenty-five years of age. Upon reaching that
age Albert C. Tomhave purchased the place but immediately re-sold it and
rented a farm, which he operated for one year. He then purchased eight}
acres of land of his father, located 111 Fergus Falls township, and has
increased his holdings until he now has one hundred and sixty acres, all
well improved. His original purchase was made in [905 and the entire
farm is devoted to general agriculture and stock raising The barn was
built in 1907 and the home in [912. Beside the general line of production,
a herd of fifteen dairy cows is kept.
In December, [909, \lbert C, Tomhave was united in marriage i"
Myrtle Raprager and they are the parents of two children: Erma, who
was bom on October 2"?, [910, ami Roland, who was born on June 22,
912 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA
1912. Myrtle (Raprager) Tomhave is the daughter of William and Nina
A.. (Blodget) Raprager, and her birth occurred on December iN. [887.
Albert C. Tomhave and his wife attend the German Evangelical church.
Politically, he is independent, and is at present overseer of roads for dis-
trict No. 5. In partnership with his brother be owns and operates a thresh-
ing outfit and i^m\ grinder.
CORNELIUS HUSEBY
Cornelius Huseby was born in Douglas county, Minnesota. .May jj.
[868, the son of Ole H. and Kari Huseby, who were natives of Norway.
in which country < He II. Huseby was a tanner until the year [864, when
he came to America, and located in Winneshiek county. Iowa, where he
lived for about two years, then going to Douglas county, Minnesota, he
lived there about one year, after which he came to Otter Tail county. Min-
nesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land in Eagle Lake
township, a place where at that time few people lived, it being located one
hundred and thirty miles from the nearest mill to which the farmers might
take their grain. With a determined spirit and with hardy persc\ erance
this pioneer farmer cleared his land and broke up the sod, cultivating his
land and improving his place until it was among the desirable farms of the
community, on which to pursue his general agricultural pursuits. < >le II.
Huseby was twice married and to each marriage were horn six children,
Cornelius Huseby, the subject of this sketch, being a son of his first wife.
Cornelius Huseby was educated in the common schools of Eagle Lake
township. Otter Tail county, attending the first school to be conducted in
the district, the classes of which were taught in a log cabin which was
located near where the home of Mr. Huseby now stands. Following his
school days Cornelius Huseby worked on the farm of his father, afterward
taking possession of the farm where be now lives engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits and in the raising of good grade live stock.
Cornelius Huseby was first married to Emma Hemes, of this union
twins, Mervin and Mabel, being born. Afterward Cornelius Huseby was
married to Martha Kulberinson, to this marriage two children. Cora and
Josephine, being born. At a later time Cornelius Huseby was married t>>
Raghnild Gulliksen, a marriage to which were bom the following children:
Elmer, Matilda. Hildor, Myrtle, Evline and Walton. Mr. Huseby and bis
family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, they taking an
active and leading part in the work and worship of that congregation.
Politically, Cornelius Huseby is an ardent Republican and although he has
taken no especial part in the political or official life of the community he is
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 913
known as a citizen whose efforts, and whose counsel and judgment in party
and official matters, is of value in the solution of local problems and in the
promotion of township and county interests.
CARL L. WALSETH.
Carl L. Walseth was horn on May 3, 1869, in Norway, and was reared
in that country and also received his education there. He is the son of Inge-
bret and Maren (Nosum) Walseth, both natives of Norway, who lived and
died in that country. Ingebret Walseth was a carpenter and followed that
vocation until his death in 1874. Two children were born to the union of
Ingebret Walseth and his wife and their names follow: Carl L. and Bennie,
who live in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, and Minneapolis,
respectively.
Carl Walseth is indebted to the schools of his native land for the edu-
cation, which he received, following which he was engaged in various kinds
of employment but principally as a farm hand and sailor. He immigrated to
America in 1889, and immediately located in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he purchased the farm on which he still lives.
This place is devoted to general farming and stock raising and is well
improved. In March, 1906, Carl L. Walseth was united in marriage to
Anna Ronningen, who was born in 1875 and is the daughter of Ole Ron-
ningen, and to them have been born these children: Geneva O., Ernest M.,
Olga M., Carl U., and twins who have not yet been christened.
TORKEL OLSON.
Torkel Olson is a native of Norway and his birth occurred on September
29. 1845. He is the son of Ole Torkelson and Betsey Olson, both natives of
Norway, who immigrated to America in 1856. Ole Torkelson was employed
as a day laborer while a resident of his native land but engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits during his residence in the United States. For one year he-
was located in Houston county, Minnesota, but removed from there to Win-
neshiek county, Iowa, and thence to Douglas county, Minnesota, where he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law, on
which he established a home where he still resides.
Torkel Olson is indebted to the schools of his native country and. also, to
the schools of Iowa, for the education which he received. He was eleven
years of age when he immigrated to America with his parents and only
about seventeen, when he enlisted in Company D, Sixth Regiment, Iowa
Volunteer Infantry. Tin's regiment was in many skirmishes with the Indi-
(58b)
914 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ans. notable of which was the battle at White Stone hills, in South Dakota,
in which he was severely injured. After the close of the Civil War, Torkel
Olson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Douglas county,
.Minnesota, under the homestead law, which he held for three years and then
removed to Otter Tail county. .Minnesota. Soon after his arrival in this
count)- he was given a farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres, by Jacob
Torkelson, and he still resides on this place which he has since improved and
put in the best of condition. He was united in marriage to Carrie Ingebret-
soii and they are the parents of nine children, whose names follow: Ole,
ingehret, Clara, Bennie, Tilda. Henry, Thelma, Sarerno and Dena. The
family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church ami are active in
its support. In his political faith, Torkel Olson is a stanch Republican.
CARL HANSON.
Carl Hanson is the son of Andrew and Martha (Elius) Hanson, both
natives of Norway. Andrew Hanson was born on August 1 1. 1832, and the
birth of his wife occured on July 4. 1839. They were united in marriage
on October 11, i860, and immigrated to America in [863, locating in Fill-
more county, Minnesota, until 1865. They then removed to ( irant county,
Minnesota, where the}- remained one year, in [866 choosing St. Olaf town-
ship. Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, as their permanent home and removing
to that place. It was here that their son, Carl, was born on November J4,
[873, and here he has since remained. Andrew Hanson was the first to
locate in this neighborhood and the roads consisted only of Indian trails.
There were also elk in abundance and to witness them traveling in droves
was almost an everyday occurence. During the first three years of their
sojourn in St. Olaf township, (old Springs. Minnesota, was the nearest
trading point anil flour was twenty dollars per barrel and potatoes were five
dollars per bushel. The place was soon cleared and under cultivation, for
no time could lie wasted with facilities so poor and provisions so high.
Andrew Hanson not only cleared the farm but put on all of the improve-
ments and added to his holdings, until the farm was increased to one hun-
dred and sixty acres. The names of the children born to Andrew and
Martha Hanson are: Jeh, Matilda, bred, Lewis. Anna. John F. and Carl.
The family are all members of the Xorwegian Lutheran church. Andrew
Hanson is a stanch Republican.
Carl Hanson received his education in the schools of St. Olaf township.
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and upon completion of his studies assisted
his father with the work on the home place and has continued to do so until
the present time, although he owns eighty acres, independently, on which
he does general farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of breeding
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 915
thoroughbred Percheron burses. His farm of eighty acres was purchased
in 1895. O" March 29, 191 5. Carl Hanson was united in marriage to Caro-
lina B. Holt, daughter of Iver Holt.
I \kl. LARSON RYG.
Carl Larson Ryg was born on June 23, 1868, in Norway, and is the
son of Martin Larson Ryg and Matea Christenson (Olson) Ryg, both
natives of Norway. They immigrated to America in September, 1879, and
located on the farm which is now the property of their son, Carl Larson Ryg,
on April 24, 1880. The homestead was covered with heavy timber and
entirely unimproved and the struggle for an existence was a difficult propo-
sition indeed, but with thrift and the endurance, which only the pioneers
knew, the place was cleared and put under cultivation and a comfortable home
made. Martin Larson Ryg did general farming and stock raising until his
death on January 5, 1908, at which time Carl Larson Ryg assumed full
charge of the place and has farmed it on an independent basis. Matea
Christenson (Olson) Ryg now lives with her son Carl. The names of the
children born to the union of .Martin Larson Ryg and his wife follow : Carl,
Amie, Anna, Hannah who died at the age of four years; Inga, Ovedia,
Ranga. Both parents were devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church.
Carl Larson Ryg received a meager education in the schools of St. Olaf
township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, following which he assisted his
father with the work on the home place, where he has since remained. In
1906, he purchased forty acres of land for himself, located in St. Olaf town-
ship, on which he follows general agriculture and stock raising. Religiously,
he is a devout member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and in his political
affiliations is allied with the Republican party.
OLE E. BUSK R UD.
Ole E. Buskrud is a native of Norway and was born on March 16, 1857.
He is the son of Elof and Emma M. Buskrud, both natives of Norway. Elof
Buskrud was a farmer and followed that vocation until his death. He was
the father of eight children, three of whom are residents of the United States.
Ole E. Buskrud is indebted to the schools of his native land for the
education which he received. After the completion of his student days, he
followed farming for a short time, later serving as an employee of a rail-
road company and then he became a laborer in the nickel mines, where he
worked until his immigration to America in the spring of [879. Upon his
arrival in the United States, he immediately located in St. Olaf township,
916 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, wherie he remained for a period of five years,
finally removing to Clay county, Minnesota. While a resident of Clay
county he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the home-
stead law, and cultivated that place for twelve years. He was also united in
marriage, while a resdent of that county, to Gunil Jacobson and they became
the parents of seven children whose names follow: Helmar, Edwin, Emma
(deceased), Minnie, Olauas. Edwin (deceased) and Emma.
During the family's sojourn in Clay county, the mother of these child-
ren passed away, after which Mr. Bruckrud returned to St. Olaf township,
Otter Tail County. Minnesota, where he has since remained. Some time
after the death of his first wife, Ole E. Buskrud was united in marriage to
Betsey Hola and they are both members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
The farm consists of one hundred and eighty acres which he devotes to
general agriculture and stock raising and keeps a dairy herd of ten cows.
Politically, Ole E. Buskrud is affiliated with the Republican party.
SEVERT H. GULDSETH.
Severt H. Guldseth is the son of Huldor Guldseth who led a very inter-
esting life, in spite of the fact that he was engaged in agricultural pursuits
and was the father of a large family. Huldor Guldseth was born in Norway
and had the true spirit of the hardy Norsemen. His marriage to Segred
Garberg was solemnized in his native land and shortly afterward they immi-
grated to America and effected a temporary residence in Spring Grove,
Minnesota. In 1863, Huldor Guldseth enlisted in the Civil War and served
his adopted country until the close of the conflict. In 1867 he removed to
St. Olaf township Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law, and farmed this land until
his death. When he first located in this township, St. Cloud, Minnesota,
was the nearest trading point. Mr. Guldseth made two trips back to his
native country and several journeys to the state of Washington. On one of
these trips to the Northwest, the return was made with a team from the state
of Montana. He also made a trip to Canada with a team and upon his return
was for two days without water, while crossing a desert in Montana. He
was the father of these children whose names follow: Ed, Severt H., Gus-
tav, Emil, who died at the age of thirteen; Joseph, Henry, who died at the
age of twelve; Isabelle and Hilda. Huldor Guldseth and his wife were
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and active in its support. Hul-
dor Guldseth was a stanch follower of the Republican party.
Severt H. Guldseth was born on August 15, 1873. on the homestead in
St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has since
remained. He is indebted to the schools of his native locality for the edu-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 917
cation which he received, following which he assisted his father with the
work on the home place and has continued to devote his time and attention
to general farming and stock raising. He has razed the old buildings and
erected new ones and has improved the place to the best of his ability, con-
sidering the many obstacles which he has had to overcome. In addition to
the ardouus duties which devolve upon him in connection with the cultivation
of his farm, he is engaged in house moving, in the adjoining towns, and has
followed this vocation for a period of fifteen years. The farm consists of
one hundred and sixty acres. In 1893 Severt H. Guldseth was united in
marriage to Renda Olson, daughter of Ole A. Olson. They are devout
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and are very active in the sup-
port of this denomination. Severt H. Guldseth is a strong Democrat and has
the courage of his convictions, whether political or religious.
ALFRED MALMGREN.
Alfred Malmgren, farmer and stock raiser of Eastern township, Otter
Tail county, was born on November 10, 187^, at the place where he still
resides, and is a son of Nels and Anna (Monson) Malmgren. His education
was obtained at the public schools of the district, and as a young man, he
began farming for himself on the place which he now owns. In 1900 he
bought one hundred and sixty acres in Parker's Prairie township. In 1914,
he bought and paid for his present home place, consisting of one hundred
and seventy acres, and follows general farming and stock raising, and for
the past fifteen years has made a specialty of buying and selling cattle, and
for the past two years has done the shipping for the Farmers Equity Com-
pany. Mr. Malmgren has put valuable improvements on his place, including
a splendid barn, erected in 191 5. Mr. Malmgren is a public spirited young
farmer, and an earnest member of the Swedish Lutheran church, to which
he contributes liberally. Politically, he is an independent voter.
Nels and Anna (Monson) Malmgren were both born in Sweden, where
they followed farming until 1872, when they emigrated to America, stopping
at Sauk Center, where they kept a boarding camp during their first summer
in this country, in connection with which means of livelihood, Mr. Malm-
gren was employed on the railroad, and in the fall of that year, they came
to Otter Tail county, and settled in Eastern township, where they took up a
homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which place is now owned by
their son. Mr. Malmgren improved his home place and followed general
farming and stock raising, spending the remainder of his life here. To
Nels and Anna (Monson) Malmgren were born seven children, Johanna,
Magnus. Alfred. Ida. Mary. Flof, and Selma M.
Alfred Malmgren was united in marriage, in 11105. with Jennie Spoden,
918 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
which union has been blest with five children. Aimer. Edwin (deceased),
Leonard, Edith and Fern. Mr. Malmgren has lived and labored to worthy
ends, and is one of the sterling and substantial men of his community, where
he is respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
JOHN AUGUST PETERSON.
John August Peterson, of Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, was born in Sweden. .March 21, 1849, the son of Peter and
Marv (Carlson) Anderson. John August Peterson lived in that country
where he received his education in the public schools, until the year [869,
when he came to America, going to the city of Duluth, Minnesota, where he
was employed at railway work between the cities of Duluth and St.
Paul, Minnesota, for about one year and a half. In 1872 he came to Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land
in Parkers Prairie township, a farm which he leased out while he worked
at farm work through the states of Minnesota and the Dakotas, and then
about the year 1SS0. returned to his land, which he improved extensively
and where he has since lived as one engaged in general agricultural pursuits.
After some years of unbroken success as a farmer. John August Peterson
added forty acres of adjoining land to his farm, land which later he deeded
to his son, Alfred, who is well known among the farmers of the township
and county.
John August Peterson and his wife Charlotta (Johnson) Peterson are
the parents of two children, Alfred and Edwin. Mr. Peterson and his family
are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, they taking an important
place in the work and worship of this congregation in the community. In
politics John August Peterson is an ardent Republican.
WILLIS A. SMITH.
Willis A. Smith, general farmer and stock raiser, Parkers Prairie
township. Otter Tail county, was born on May 3, 1881, in Steuben county.
New York, a son of Azariah and Abbis (Burlingame) Smith. His early
education was received at the public schools of his native state, and after
coming with his parent- to Otter Tail county, in 1809, continued his studies
in the public school of of Parkers Prairie township, this school having a sod
roof and earthen floor. After leaving school, he assisted bis father with the
farm work, taking entire charge of the place at the age of eighteen years, in
[878, and managing it from that time on, during the firsl year and a half of
which time he worked out in order to obtain sufficient funds with which to
keep things going during the famous grasshopper year. In 1893, Mr. Smith
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 9I9
became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of his father's home-
Mead, which he has owned and farmed ever since. In the fall of 1895, ne
bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of eighty acres, adjoining the
old homestead, and has lived here ever since. He has erected practically
all the buildings, and follows general fanning and stock raising, giving
special attention to the breeding of purebred Shorthorn cattle, of the milk-
ing strain, blooded Poland China hogs and brown Leghorn chickens. His
farm is known as the "Cedarvale Farm," which is splendidly equipped with
guild buildings. Politically, Mr. Smith is a strong Republican, while in
religion he is an earnest member of the Baptist church, in the work of which
he takes an active interest, having long served as choir leader and trustee.
Fraternally, he is allied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
has served as chairman of the board of supervisors of Parkers Prairie
township.
Azariah Smith, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on Jan-
uary 16, 1829. at Deerfield, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Abbie
(Burlingame) Smith, was born un March 17, 1833. and was a native of
the same place. Mr. Smith was educated at the public schools of Deerfield,
Pennsylvania, and as a young man went to Woodhull, Steuben county, New
York, and settled on a timber farm, living there from 1857 to 1867, and
while hauling lumber from a mill to the town, he and his team went through
a bridge into the river, and he was so injured that he was unable to continue
his farm work for two years. He had another misfortune in the loss of a
flock of tine thoroughbred sheep, in which he had invested in 1867. caused
li\ disease. This loss so crippled him financially that he left for the west,
coming to Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, in 1869, spending the first
winter here with his brother. Cyrus P. Smith. On this trip he brought with
him his eldest son, the remainder of the family following in May of the next
year. He took up a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres where he
spent the remainder of his life, his death occuring on August 7. 1889.
Azariah and Abbie 1 Burlingame) Smith were the parents of three children:
Ellen, horn on November i_>, 1857; Sherman B., born on March 10. 1880,
and died on December 23, 1908. and Willie A. His first wife died, and Mr.
Smith was then married to Eliza M. Mariner, by whom he had one child,
Herbert A., born on January jj, [866, ami died on January -' 1 , [903. Mr.
Smith's second wife died on December 6, 1898. Politically, he was a Repub-
lican, and in religion a member of the Baptist church, in the choir of which
he was leader for many years in both New York state and Otter Tail town-
ship, during which time he also officiated as deacon of the church.
Willis A. Smith was united in marriage, August 30, 1893, w'tn Estella
P. Bacon, by whom he has had the following children: Asa A., Beth, who
920 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
died at the age of nine years; Fernie F., Rudy, Alten and Donna. Mrs.
Smith is a member of the Methodist church.
Mr. Snmh is one of the busy men of Parkers Prairie township, but
always manages to rind time to be affable and agreeable to all with whom he
comes in contact, and is a prominent citizen in the community honored by
his residence.
NELS NELSON.
Xels Nelson, farmer, Eagle Bend, Eastern township, Otter Tail county,
was born on February 15, 1866, in Sweden, and is a son of Nels and Ellen
(Nelson) Christianson. His education was received at the public schools
of Sweden, where, as a young man, he learned the blacksmith trade, which
vocation he followed until he came to America in 1887, at which time he
located at Litchfield, Minnesota, where he did mason work for six years.
Mr. Nelson then lived in Minneapolis for about twelve years, after which
he bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in sec-
tion 13, Eastern township, Otter Tail county. He moved to this farm in
1904, which has since been his home. Mr. Nelson grubbed this farm and
put all the improvements on it, including good buildings of every descrip-
tion, and is now engaged in general farming and stock raising, keeping ten
dairy cows. He is a member of Swedish Lutheran church.
Nels Christian, father of the subject of this sketch was born in Sweden.
His wife Ellen (Nelson) Christianson, was also a native of that country,
where they both lived ami died. Mr. Christianson followed the vocation of a
miller all his life.
Nels Nelson was united in marriage, June 30, 1894, with Emma Swan-
son, who was burn on January 1, 1863, in Sweden. This union has been
blest with seven children: Ellen, who died when two years of age; Hilma,
Ellen, Algot, Hazel, Helmer, who died when three and one-half years old,
and Gladys, all of whom became members of the Swedish Lutheran church.
WILSON E NELSON.
Wilson E. Nelson, farmer and school teacher. Parkers Prairie, Minnes-
ota, was born on June 10, 1875, in Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail
county, and is the son of John N. Nelson. His education was obtained in his
native township, where he attended the public schools, after which he
attended the Moorhead Normal School for one year, graduating at the Val-
paraiso Normal College, in 1901. He then entered the Minnesota Stale
University' for one year, and with the exception of three years he has been
teaching in Otter Tail county. From 1005 to 1908 he was deputy clerk of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 921
the court at Fergus Falls, and for the past two years has been teaching the
district school near his home, and at the same time managing his farm of
one hundred and sixty acres in Eastern township, where he does general
farming. Politically, Mr. Nelson votes independently. Fraternally, he
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
John N. Nelson, father of the subject of this sketch was born on March
22, 1 842, in Sweden. His wife was Emma (Olson) Nelson. They came to
America in 1868, stopping the first year in Wisconsin, and coming later, in
1869, to Otter Tail county, where he took up a homestead of one hundred
and sixty acres, to which he afterward added forty acres more. His life
for many years was one long, hard struggle, success finally crowning his
efforts, and became less strenuous for him. He put all the improvements on
his place, including good buildings of every necessary description. John N.,
and Emma (Olson) Nelson were married May 29, 1865. She was a daugh-
ter of Oke and Elizabeth Olson. This union was blest with six children :
Ida, Wilson E., Axel. Elsie, Wilhelmina and Julia. John N. Nelson died on
July 22, 1905. He was a deacon in the Swedish Lutheran church.
Gustav Nelson, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Sweden, as
was also his wife, Martha. He was a farmer, and spent his entire life in
his native land.
Wilson E. Nelson was united in marriage, December 25, 1906, with
Lillie E. Olson, daughter of A. W. Olson. This marriage has been blest
with three children, lone, Ariel and Eloise. Mr. Nelson has long enjoyed
the respect and esteem of a wide range of friends and acquaintances, and
is one of the best-known men in school work in Otter Tail county.
CHARLES CHRISTIANSON.
Charles Christianson, farmer, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was
bom on February 28, 1874, in the township where he still resides, and is a son
of Ole Christianson and Betsey (Haagenson) Christianson. His education
was obtained at the public schools of Pelican Rapids, remaining on the home
place until 1901, when he began farming for himself, at which time he bought
a farm of eighty acres in Pelican township, and now follows general farming,
managing his father's farm in connection with his own.
Ole Christianson, father of the subject of this sketch was born on
December 15, 1842, in Norway, and is a son of Christ Telarson and his
wife, Alice (Olson) Telarson. He was educated at the public schools of
his native country, where he was married to Betsey Haagenson, also a
native of Norway. He came to the United States in [865, and located in
Fillmore county, Minnesota. In 1870 he took up a homestead in Pelican
township. Otter Tail county, where he still resides on his fine farm of one
922 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
hundred and sixty acres, giving his attention to stock raising and general
farming. The children born to Ole and Betsey I Haagenson) Christianson
are as follow: Molly. Charles, Levi, Theodore, Hilda (deceased), Anton
and Oscar. Mrs. Christianson died on January [8, [913.
Charles Christianson was united in marriage. November 4, [898, with
Sophia Wolbeck, who was horn on November 27, [869. This union has
been blest with two children, Oden. horn on September 28, [899, and Bir-
della, horn on March 30, 1901.
Mr. Christianson is an earnest and attentive member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church, to the work of which he contributes liberally. He also
gives his unrestricted support to all questions pertaining to the advancement
of his township, where he has a large circle of sincere friends.
OLE CHRISTIANSON.
Remaining true to the farming instincts of his ancestors. Mr. Christian-
son, whose abilities as an agriculturist have long been recognized in Pelican
township, is the possessor of a fine, well-kept farm, and is oik- of the larg-
est stock raisers in that locality.
Ole Christianson, farmer. Pelican township. Otter Tail county, was
born on December 15, 1842, in Norway, and is a son of Christ Telarson and
Alice (Olson) Telarson. his wife. His education was received at the pub-
lic schools of Norwav, and in 1865 he came to America, locating in Fillmore
county, Minnesota, where he spent five years. In 1870, he came to Pelican
township, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres.
dividing his time and attention between general farming and stock raising.
Religiously, Mr. Christianson is an earnest member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church.
Christ Telarson, father of the subject of this sketch was born in Nor-
way, where he was united in marriage with Alice Olson, also a native of
that country. They were farmers in their native land, ami came to Amer-
ica in [860, locating in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where thev later became
the owners of a large farm. They were the parents of seven children. Evan,
Ole, Tonetta, Christena, Bernt, Nettie and John.
Ole Christianson was united in marriage with Betsey Haagenson, also
a native of Norway. This union has been blest with seven children. Molly,
Charles, Levi, Theodore, Hilda (deceased), Anton and Oscar. Mrs.
Christianson died on January 18. [913.
Mr. Christianson's life work lias called for unceasing industry, and dur-
ing bis residence in Pelican township he has always been regarded as a man
of upright principles, combined with broad views, few men in this locality
being more favorably known.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 923
EDWARD VAN ANTWERP.
Distinctly qualified as a man of action and leadership in public affairs,
is Edward Van Antwerp, who has attained prestige as one of the repre-
sentative members of the bar of his state, where he has been engaged in the
practice of his profession for a number of years. The subject of this sketch
was horn in Cleveland. Minnesota, on the 20th of March, 187'), and is the
son of William and Hattie (Tooker) Van Antwerp. His father was horn
in Jefferson county, Indiana, and his mother claimed the state of New York
as her birthplace. William Van Antwerp is the son of John Van Antwerp,
a native of Jersey City, Xew York, and of Elizabeth (Nycoff) Van Ant-
werp, who was horn in Jefferson county, Indiana. The origin of the Van
Antwerp family in America is traced hack to John Van Antwerp, a native
of Holland, who came to this country as early as 1754, where he established
a shipping yard in Brooklyn, Xew York.
William Van Antwerp was educated in the public schools of Jefferson
county, Indiana, and upon reaching the age of manhood learned the black-
smith's trade. He followed this occupation for a short while, when he
realized that the work was too confining, and decided to take up farming as
a means of regaining his health. He came to Minnesota and finally located
in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1900, purchasing a farm in Dora town-
ship, where he continues to live. In political affairs, Mr. Van Antwerp
supports the principles of the Republican party, and his only son, Edward
Van Antwerp, continues to follow the example set by his father, whom he
joins in allegiance to the same political party.
Edward Van Antwerp has received the advantages of a liberal educa-
tion. His early educational training was received in the public schools of
Cleveland, Minnesota. After completing the normal course given in the
Gustavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter. Minnesota, he entered the Drake
University at Des Moines, Iowa, from which institution he was graduated
in 1898. Following an ambition which was to become a student of the law,
he entered the St. Paul College of Law at St. Paul, and completed the
course there in 1905. Mr. Van Antwerp began the practice of his chosen
profession in Dent, Minnesota, and after a short period of residence in that
section of the county, left for Brownsville, Texas, where he practiced law
for three years. In [909 hr left the South and returned to Dent, where he
controls a large and representative law business. Edward Van Antwerp
is a man possessing a strong personality, which has won friends in various
circles of business life. Outside the compelling duties of the law practice,
he has given attention to stock shipping and for a time was engaged in hand-
ling merchandise. From [903 until 1006 he served as postmaster at Dent,
but resigned the appointment to go to Brownsville, Texas.
924 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
The marriage of Edward Van Antwerp to Jennie Gow was solemnized
in 1900, and to this union two children, Gladys and Dorothy, have been
horn. .Mr. and Airs. Van Antwerp take an active part in the social life of
the community in which they live, where Mr. Van Antwerp is affiliated
fraternally with the Yeoman's lodge.
ALEXANDER KITTS.
Alexander Kitts. who is now engaged in the real-estate business in
Fergus Falls, was born on May 13, 1S66, in Davenport, Iowa, and is the
son of Thomas Jefferson and Margaret (Ross) Kitts.
Previous to his coming to Fergus Falls, in 1902, he had been engaged
in the lumber business for sixteen years. After coming to Fergus Falls he
gradually drifted into the real-estate business, and has been a close student
of real-estate systems and methods. The real-estate business he has built
up covers a large field and the interests of the enterprise carry him over
a large territory, where he has gained the good will of all with whom he has
come in contact.
Alexander Kitts married Rowena Hezzelwood, who was born in
Ontario, Canada, the daughter of William and Elmina (Foster) Hezzel-
wood, members of one of the oldest and most highly respected families of
Ontario. To Mr. and Mrs. Kitts have been born four children, Rex H.,
Ronald, Margaret R. and Mary R.
M. T. McMAHON.
Among the very oldest business men in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is M. T. McMahon, who has been continuously engaged in the
lumber business and in the retail sale of building materials for the past
thirty-three years. He is a man who has taken a prominent part in the
political life of Fergus Falls and community and has served as mayor, alder-
man ami as member of the school board. He is also prominent in Masonic
circles in this part of the state.
Mr. McMahon is a native of Rutland, Vermont, and is the son of
Thomas and Margaret ( Caffrey ) McMahon, who were natives of Ireland.
Thomas McMahon came alone to America when sixteen years old. Having
begun when a young man to fortify himself for the battles of life, he devel-
oped and cultivated habits of industry and economy which crystalized into
a very large measure of success. In his early life he was a well-to-do far-
mer, hut after his marriage removed to Castleton, Vermont. Subsequently,
lie removed to Rutland, where he continued as a farmer.
M. T. McMahon was horn and reared on the farm and grew to man-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 925
hood in the wholesome, inspiring freedom of the farm. After he had
reached maturity, he took up railroading and finally became a locomotive
engineer. In 1882 Mr. McMahon came to Fergus Falls and in partnership
with John S. Billings engaged in the retail lumber business. Mr. McMahon
continued in partnership with Mr. Billings until the latter was elected sher-
iff of Otter Tail county in 1891. Since 1891 Mr. McMahon has had sole
charge of the business and is the sole owner. He has always taken an active
interest in the welfare of his adopted home, and has served it as mayor,
alderman and as member of the school board, the latter position for a period
of twenty-one years. He is prominent in the financial circles of Fergus
Falls and vicinity, being a director of the Fergus Falls National Bank and
vice-president of the Fergus Falls Casket Works.
By his marriage to Ann Mars there were born two children, namely :
Royal, deceased, and Lynn ford, who married Charles Kiplinger, of Free-
port, Illinois. Mrs. McMahon died on July 16, 1900, and some years after
her death Mr. McMahon was married to Minnie Ramsey, a native of the
state of Pennsylvania.
Having joined the Masonic fraternity at Rutland, Vermont, Mr. Mc-
Mahon later demitted to Corner Stone Lodge of Fergus Falls. He is a
member of the York Rite Masons and also of the Ancient Accepted Scot-
tish Rite Masons.
HERMAN KRUEGER.
The story of an obscure beginning to a triumphant end is that of the
life of Herman Krueger, now the mayor of Perham, who at the age of
fourteen years landed in America, alone and practically without prospects
of finding business employment. The subject of this biographical sketch
was born on the 4th of February, 1877, in Germany, and is the son of
Carl and Amelia (Scholtz) Krueger, both of whom were born in Germany,
where the father followed the occupation of a farmer during his life.
The early education of Herman Krueger was obtained in the schools
of his native land, where he attended from the age of six to fourteen years.
At the age of fourteen he crossed the Atlantic, and upon landing in this
country came directly to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where ho found
employment in Hobart township. He worked in this community from 1891
to 1898, when he came to Perham and purchased the dray business con-
trolled by A. T. Newmann. Since that time he has found this line of work
especially profitable. The subject of this sketch has been agent for the
Standard Oil Company since 1898.
Aside from the immediate affairs of business. Mr. Krueger has always
taken part in local politics, where he is a prominent figure in Republican
926 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
circles, llis ability has been recognized and as a consequence he has served
in many offices of public trust. He was a member of the city council for
three years and has served as mayor of Perham since the election in 1913.
The marriage of Herman Krueger to Louisa Kiverbs, the daughter of
Earnest Kiverbs, was solemnized in 1900. Air. and Mrs. Krueger have
become the parents of the following children: Minnie, who is deceased;
George, Louisa, Otto, Henry and Edna. Mr. Krueger occupies a prominent
place in the fraternal affairs of the community in which he lives and holds
membership in the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Modern Woodmen and the Workman's lodge.
JOSEPH BAUER.
Among the prominent industries of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is the
heating, ventilating, plumbing and sheet metal industry of which Joseph
Bauer, a well-known resident of this city, is the proprietor. Mr. Bauer was
horn on February 9, 1869, in Lower Austria, eight miles from Vienna, and
is the son of Carl and Anne ( Dorn ) Bauer. Mr. Bauer's father was a
farmer while he lived in his native land, but, after emigrating with his fam-
ily to America in 1879, he worked for the Great Northern Railway Com-
pany, in Fergus Falls, Barnesville and at Devils Lake. Fie lived at Devils
Lake until his death in 1910. His wife died three years later, in 1913.
To Mr. and Airs. Carl Bauer were born ten sons and three daughters,
all of whom are living. Joseph Bauer, the subject of this sketch, received
hi- early education in the public schools of Austria and, after coming to
Fergus balls, Minnesota, attended the night school in order to become con-
versant with the language and trade customs. He then worked for four
years in the hardware store owned by M. Frankoviz, when he moved to
Barnesville, Minnesota, and there learned the copper-smith's trade, working
at the trade for two years. Subsequently, Air. Bauer moved to Duluth,
where he entered the employ of the Marshall- Well Hardware Company,
working in the tin and sheet iron department. In Duluth, Air. Bauer joined
the Duluth band, well known for their splendid music and played the cornet
and solo alto. He traveled with the band on their tour of the United States,
and visited all of the large cities. After a period of three and one-half
years in Duluth, Air. Bauer returned to Fergus Falls and was employed by
Howe brothers until they sold out.
Air. Bauer then purchased the Lepper and Spikerman business, at which
time Air. Lepper and Mr. Bauer engaged in the hardware business, which
the) have conducted successfully for the past seven years. Finally, how-
ever, Doctor Metcalf became Air. Bauer's partner in the hardware business
under the firm name of Joseph Bauer & Company. At the end of eight
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 927
months they sold out to A. E. Luedke. Air. Bauer then engaged in business
on his own account, beginning in cornice and metal work, to which he has
since added heating and ventilating, plumbing, etc., and in which he has been
most successful.
Joseph Bauer was married to Berth Babst, a native of Wisconsin, who
was born in November. 1N77, and they are the parents of eleven children,
as follow: Adelia L... Edwin C, Madeline, Alden J., Marie, Florian, Laur-
ence. Helen, Rose, Loraine F. and Retta.
Mr. Bauer is a man of great musical talent and has sung in the choirs
of various churches since he was sixteen years old. Fraternally, he is chief
ranger of the Catholic Order of Foresters. The Bauer family are prom-
inent members of the Catholic church of Fergus Falls.
JOHN SABBIN.
One of the citizens of Dora township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
known not only for his success as a farmer, but for his activity as a citizen
serving in public office, is John Sabbin, who was born in Erie county, New
York, on September 15. 1856, a son of John and Martha Sabbin, the former
a native of German}'.
John Sabbin, Sr., came to America when a young man and located in
Erie county. New York, where be lived until 1872 and then moved to Car-
ver county, Minnesota. There he lived as a farmer for three years and then
came to Otter Tail county in 1875, locating in Effington township, where
he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land which he cultivated as
a general farmer for the remainder of his days. John and Martha Sabbin
were the parents of six children: Fred, John, Mary. Frank, Caroline and
Katherine. The elder Sabbin and his wife were active members and work-
ers of the German Lutheran church.
John Sal >1 >in was educated in the public schools of Erie county, New
York, after which he became a farmer engaging in this work near the home
place. In 1K72, with his father. Mr. Sabbin moved to Carver county, Min-
nesota, where he remained until 1K7N and then came to Dora township,
Otter Tail county, and homesteaded 011c hundred and sixty acres of land in
section 22. On this land John Sabbin placed the necessary improvements,
thoroughly equipped his farm and his since been successfully engaged in
general farming and the raising of good grade live stock.
During the year 1881 John Sabbin was married to Ilulda Hoffman,
who was born in Germany on January jj. 1862. and to this marriage have
been born eight children: .Minnie. Emma, Gottlieb, Elma, ECatheryn, |ohn,
Ella and Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Sabbin are active members of the German
Lutheran church in this community and are highly respected people oi this
Q2.S OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
influential congregation, Mr. Sabbin now occupying the office as one of the
trustees of this church.
John Sabbin has taken his place in the official life of Dora township,
by serving with his usual ableness as a township supervisor for three years,
and is a man who is known to be willing to give of his time and effort for
the promotion of community affairs at all times.
EDWARD S. LAMSON.
The president of the Lamson-Gray Company, a well-known firm of
general contractors of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is Edward S. Lamson, who
came with his parents to Carlisle, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1881,
and who has spent most of bis life in this great county. Mr. Lamson was
formerly a teacher in the public schools of Otter Tail county.
Edward S. Lamson was born on October 2j, 1868, near Chatham,
Columbia county, New York, a son of Marcus I. and Mary E. (Spencer)
Lamson, the former of whom was born at Mt. Washington, Massachusetts,
and was reared in the Bay state. After reaching manhood, Marcus I. Lam-
son moved about from place to place, living for a time in Columbia county,
New York, and then in Sheffield, Connecticut. He also lived for a time in
Barkhamstead, Connecticut. In 1881 the family moved to Carlisle, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, and it was in this county that Edward S. Lamson
attended school, and there the family lived for seven years, or until 1888,
when they returned to New York state and located at Spencertown. While
living in the latter place Edward S. attended the State Normal School at
Albany, New York. His father remained in New York state about a year
and one-half, but on March 24, 1889, removed to Great Falls, Montana,
where his death occurred the following September. His remains were bur-
ied in the cemetery at Great Falls.
In 1890 Edward S. Lamson and his mother came to Fergus Falls,
where Mr. Lamson taught school for five years. Mr. Lamson's ambition
was to attend the University of Minnesota, but while a student in the high
school he saw an opportunity to engage in business. He purchased a store,
and after converting it into a grocery, operated it for seven years, when
he disposed of it. The store was located where the Manhattan building now
stands in Fergus Falls. Mr. Lamson then engaged in the carpenter's trade
and contracting work, having previously learned the trade while living in
Great Falls, Montana.
On January 10, 1913, the Lamson-Gray concern was incorporated with
Mr. Lamson as president and Frank II. Gray as secretary.
On the 15th of August, 1900, Edward S. Lamson was married to
Maud D. Libby, the daughter of Charles II. Libby and Mary J. (McKen-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 929
ney) Libby. In 1912 Edward S. Lamson was elected a member of the
Fergus Falls city council. He is a man of wide intelligence, naturally
shrewd, energetic and far-sighted in business matters. A profound thinker
and a wide reader, he keeps abreast of the times and is a student of every-
thing to which he turns his attention.
CHARLES HANSON.
For more than seventeen years the street commissioner of Fergus Falls,
Charles Hanson, a well-known resident of Otter Tail county, is respected
by the people of this enterprising seat of county government for his long
and efficient service.
Mr. Hanson was born on January 31, 1854, and is the son of Berger
and Martha (Saunderson) Hanson. Mr. Hanson came to America by way
of Quebec, Canada, when he was still a young man. After landing at
Windom, Cottonwood county, Minnesota, he worked on the construction of
the railroad through that place for a few months and then came to Carlisle,
Otter Tail county, where he was engaged in the same work for a period of
eighteen months.
In 1883 Mr. Hanson removed to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and assisted
in laying pipes for the waterworks during the next three or four years.
For two years he served in the capacity of steam-fitter, and shortly after-
ward worked for the city as street commissioner, an office which he is still
holding and which he has held now for a period of nearly eighteen years.
By Charles Hanson's marriage to Mathea Storffh. a native of Norway,
four children have been born, namely: Martin B., who was born in 1885,
married Marion Baglo and they have one daughter, Margaret; Edwin, who
married Ann Longfeld, is the father of one child, Ardia E. ; Henry is the
agent for a railroad in North Dakota, and Mabel lives at home with her
parents. Fraternally, Mr. Hanson is a member of the Modern Samaritans
and the Sons of Norway.
HOMER CASSIUS COOK.
Homer Cassius Cook, one of the prominent residents of Otter Tail
county, was a native of Ohio, having been born near Columbus,- December
27, 1839, the son of Ambrose and Eliza (Hesser) Cook, the former of whom
was born in Vermont in 1809 and the latter in Pennsylvania in 181^. They
settled near Columbus, and later, in 1855 moved to Iowa, where Ambrose
Cook died, at Elkader, Iowa, in 1884. Mrs. Cook survived ber husband
some years, having died in Huron, South Dakota, April 19, 1903.
' C59b)
930 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Homer C. G » >k w as reared in Ohio and reeeived his education in the
public schools of that state and at the Upper Iowa University at Fayette.
He enlisted in the Union army and served as a soldier during the Civil \\ ar.
After his first enlistment he became a member of Company 1. First Regi-
ment, Missouri Engineers and served in this capacity for three years. Mr.
Cook was married in Iowa to .Mary J. Albright, who was born in Xiles.
.Michigan. November 2, 1842, she being the daughter of Rev. William EC
and Anna ( Ritche 1 Albright. Mr. Albright was a native of Tennessee,
having been born in that state in 1812, while .Mrs. Albright was born in
Indiana, May 24, 1823. Before their marriage they both went to Michi-
gan and were married near Xiles, after which they moved to Winnebago
county, Illinois in 1845, a"d later moved to Fayette county. Iowa, in 1854.
Mr. Albright died there in 1894, his wife having died on March 17. [894.
They were the parents of the following children: John Wesley 1 deceased I,
Man- Jane, Hannah Elizabeth, Philip Jefferson, Sarah Emeline, Richard
Walsen 1 deceased), Joseph Fayette (deceased), Emma Malissa. Julia
Adalinel deceased 1. Wilbur Finley, Albert Harlin and Charles Sumner,
who lives in Minneapolis and is connected with the department of the labor
commission.
.Mr. Cook and wife after their marriage lived in Clayton county, Iowa,
and later moved to Winnebago county, where they remained until 1878,
when they moved to Detroit, Minnesota, where they lived for one year. In
the spring of 1870 they came to Candor township. Otter Tail county, where
they took a homestead of one hundred and forty-three acres, in section _>.
The widow still makes her home here. Homer Cassius Cook having died on
January 2, 1884. Mrs. Conk completed proving up the claim in [892, and
has had most of the land cleared and improved, with good buildings and
substantial fences. They were the parent- o\ nine children, namely: Min-
nie Alveretta, Lena .May, Clarence Watson, Jessie Bright, Willis Kincade,
Harlan Charles. Ambrose Philip. Julia Emma and Cora Pearl. Minnie
Alverta, is the wife of J. II. Wise, a conductor on the railroad and they
have three children, Herbert, George and Aileen. Lena May is the wife of
George W. Nfulp, of Keene, North Dakota, and they haw the following
children: William. Roy. Clarence, Hazel. Herbert (deceased), ha Pearl
(deceased), Ina Mary, Veda and Marvin. Clarence Watson lives in Mon-
tana and is single. Jessie Bright married Benjamin Eaman, and they had
three children, Gwendolin, wife of Arthur Xivey, they having four chil-
dren, Eaman Arthur, Kenneth Rolland. Royal Delos, and Carrol Barr.
Xita the wife of Abraham Weighand, they having two children, Lena
Jessie and Dallas Leverne (deceased): Homer Cvrie. who is still unmarried.
Jessie Bright, married, secondly, John McAn-ley and they have two children.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 931
Neoma Olive and lola Lucile. Willis Kincade lives in Minnesota. Harlin
Charles is single. Ambrose Philip lives in Montana. Julia Emma is the
wife of Henry Randolph, they having the following children, Marion Irene,
Earl Vincent, Ruth Winnifred, Wayne Russell and Melvin Lambert. Cora
Pearl died in infancy.
Homer Cassius Cook was of a family of six children, Hattie, deceased;
Orrin, who died in Ohio, at the aye of twenty-two years; George Washing-
ton, Homer Cassius, Marvin and Emma Mahaley.
Mrs. Cook, the wife of Homer Cassius Cook, is a woman of refinement
and education, having been educated in the public schools and at the Upper
Iowa University at Fayette. She was a popular and efficient teacher in the
schools of her state for a number of years.
fACOB BERNS.
Jacob Berns, prosperous farmer, stock raiser and man of business, in
Rush Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnnesota, was born in Bavaria,
Germany. September 27, 1848. the son of Jacob and [-Catherine (Simmer)
Berns, both of whom were natives of Germany. Jacob Berns, Sr., came to
America in 1850. and settled in Mercer county, Ohio, where he bought a
farm of eighty acres, on which he lived the remainder of his days. Jacob
and Katherine Berns were the parents of two children. Katherine and Jacob.
Jacob Berns was educated in the public schools of Mercer county, Ohio,
after which he went to the woods of Michigan anil Wisconsin, where he
worked until 1870. when he came to Otter Tail count}-. Minnesota, and located
in Rush Lake township. After some time as a workman in the woods of
Rush Lake township. Jacob Berns. with Victor Eifert, engaged in the manu-
facture of lumber products, at the town of 1'erham, while following this line
of work, these men erected tin- firsl building t" be built in Perham. In his
building, Mr. Berns started a blacksmith shop, taking as a partner |>>seph
Swabe, who was a blacksmith and who looked after that work, while Jacob
Berns engaged in the sale of machinery, a business in which he continued
for three years. \ fur disposing of his interests in Perham, Jacob Berns
went to the city of Minneapolis, where he was employed on the engineering
feat of putting a concrete wall fort}' feet below the Mississippi Falls, a
work in which he was engaged for one year, after which Mr. Berns went
to the state of Ohio. On .May 4. 1878, Jacob Berns returned to Perham
and shortly afterwards bought a farm of one hundred acres m section .},
Rush Lake township. Minnesota, a place to which he later added eighty acres,
as well as securing eighty acres east of Perham, twenty acres of timber land
in section 23, Rush Lake township, five acres of hay land in Otto township,
932 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and forty acres in Perham township. On his land Mr. Berns now engages
in general farming and in stock raising.
During the year 1878, Jacob Berns was married, in Mercer county,
Ohio, to Catherine Weis, who was born in Mercer county, on December 15,
1858, the daughter of Stanus and Magdalena (Stuter) Weis, natives of
Germany. To the marriage of Jacob and Catherine Weis have been born
nine children: Barney, who now lives near Los Angeles, California; and
Jerome, Aurelia, Mary, Leonida, Leo, Henry, Ragena and Simon, who are
residents of Otter Tail county. Jacob Berns and his family are members
of St. Josephs church, at Perham.
Jacob Berns has been active in the business life of his community, he
being one of the organizers of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, of Perham, and he is now a stockholder of the Perham Creamery
Company.
MAGNA SAMSON.
Magna Samson, one of the early pioneers of Otter Tail county, was
born in Voss. Norway, November 3, 1S38. His parents, Shure and Esther
Sattre, were also torn in Voss. The father of Magna Samson died in Nor-
way at the ripe old age of one hundred; the mother died in Iowa at about
the same age. One of the brothers of Mr. Samson lost his life in the Mexi-
can War.
Magna Samson came to America with his parents in 1842 and located
in Dane county, Wisconsin. He attended school in Deerfield township, in
that county, from 1849 to 1853, and then attended school at Janesville. in
the same state. At the opening of the Civil War, Mr. Samson enlisted as
a private and served with this rank throughout 1861 and 1862. During
1863 he became a corporal and in the following year he was made a ser-
geant. During 1865 he was doing scout duty for General Dodge, who at
that time was in charge of the Fifteenth Army Corps. Among the different
battles in which Mr. Samson was engaged may be mentioned the following:
Mt. Zion Church, Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, Atlanta and all of
the fighting which Sherman engaged in through Georgia and North and
South Carolina. Mr. Samson was in the Grand Review in 1865 at Wash-
ington, and soon afterward he was mustered out of the service in Dakota
county, Minnesota. He has his two honorable discbarges from the service
and a special certificate which was granted him by the government in recog-
nition of his long and faithful service.
Mr. Samson remained in Dakota county, Minnesota, until 1880, when
he came to Otter Tail county and settled on his present farm near Clitherall,
in Leaf Mountain township. He now owns two hundred acres of land.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 933
sixty acres of which is under cultivation. His place is called "Shiloh Farm."
Here Mr. Samson has lived with his good wife and reared a large family
of children. He was married on June 10, 1878, to Carey Anderson. She
was born in Norway, August 22, 1836, a daughter of Endre and Carey
(Forstro) Anderson. Her parents had seven children: Oley, Carey, Ran-
day, Christina, Knute, Agnes and John G.
Mr. Samson was surveyor of different counties of Minnesota in the
early days. He located settlers under the pre-emption law and later under
the homestead law. In fact, Mr. Samson has taken a prominent part in
the affairs of his community in several different ways. He was postmaster
at Eureka, Dakota county, Minnesota, from 1855 until the opening of the
Civil War. He has also served as township clerk and as supervisor. In all
of these capacities he has done his work well and earned the commendation
of his fellow citizens. Mr. Samson is a Republican. He has been a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a
member of the Protestant Lutheran church, to which a large number of his
countrymen belong.
Mr. Samson has a great fund of reminiscences of the early days in
Minnesota and Dakota. He has some especially fine stories to tell about the
Indians, whose language he learned. He is one of the few remaining pio-
neers of the past generation, and few old settlers in the county can tell of
more hair-breadth escapes or thrilling adventures. It is by such men as
these that the farms have been developed and Otter Tail county brought to
its present state of agricultural prosperity.
MONS ASKEROOTH.
Mons Askerooth, a well-known farmer of Everts township, was born
in Sweden, June 8, 1855, and is a son of John Askerooth, who, with his
family came to Minnesota, in 1869. John Askerooth settled in Meeker
county, where they lived for a short time, and in 1870, removed to Tor-
denskjold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they took a home-
stead of eighty acres, in section 12. Here Mr. Askerooth's father died on
April 7, 1884. His wife had died previously, in 1878, at the age of sixty-
seven years. John Askerooth and wife were the parents of eight children,
of whom Anne and Nels, the first and second in order of birth, are deceased.
The other children are Andrew, Rertha, Betsey, Hannah. John and Mons.
Mons Askerooth, the youngest child in his parents' family, was edu-
cated in the schools of his native land. He accompanied his father's family
tn America in 1869, and when old enough took up farming for himself. In
the fall of 1889 Mr. Askerooth purchased one hundred and twenty-four
acres of land where he carried on general farming and stock raising. Some
934 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
years ago he disposed of eighty acres of his land, and now retains forty-
four acres located in section 4, of Everts township, on Otter Tail Lake.
In 1885 Mons Askerooth was married to Alary Henkye, who was born
in the state of Wisconsin, in 1861. She is a daughter of Fred Henkye, a
native of Germany, who first settled in Wisconsin after coming to America.
but later removed to Tordenskjold township. He owned one hundred and
sixty acres of land, upon which he lived until his death. Mons Askerooth
and wife are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, as follow:
Jesse, Louise, Karl, Alice, May, Edwin, Florence and Earl. Air. Askerooth
and family are prominent in the social life of the community in which they
live, and are highly respected citizens of the township.
HENRY MAURIN.
Henry Maurin, merchant and president of the town of Elizaheth, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, was born on July 9, 1882, in the county where he
now resides, and is a son of Peter and Anna (Kaus) Maurin. His education
was obtained at St. John. Minnesota. After his father's death, Mr. Maurin,
in partnership with his brother, Mark, took over the management of the
•store, which is now the leading mercantile store in Elizabeth, in addition to
which he is the owner of other valuable property in the town. Politically,
Mr. Maurin is a Democrat, and for the past four years has been president
of the village.
Peter Maurin, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1839
on a farm in Austria, and was a son of Marcus Maurin. He was reared
on a farm and attended both the Slavic and German schools, coming to
America at the age of nineteen years. He landed at New York City in
1859, going direct to Chicago, Illinois, where he arrived with the magnifi-
cent sum of twenty cents. Securing a stock of goods on time, he started out
on a peddling tour through Minnesota with a horse and wagon, carrying a
good line of goods, which he sold to the soldiers and Indians, and at the
end of four years he engaged in a general mercantile business at Cold
Springs in 1863, conducting the business under the firm name of Maurin
Brothers for nine years. It was the largest store of the kind at that place.
He located at Elizabeth in 1872, in pioneer days, when no railroads entered
the village. This business was conducted in a log cabin for eight years, but
at the time of his death Mr. Maurin was the proprietor of the largest store
in Elizabeth. In addition to his mercantile interests, he also engaged in
stock raising and farming, in which he was equally successful, and event-
ually became the owner of about twenty-live hundred acres of land. He also
has an interest in the grain elevator at Carlisle, Minnesota. He was united
in marriage July 27. [868, at Faribault, Minnesota, to Annie Kaus. She
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 935
was reared at Lafayette, Minnesota, where she received a liberal education.
Mr. Maurin was always a public-spirited man, taking an interest in the affairs
of his home village, and holding a number of the village and township
offices, among which were the following : President of the village board,
chairman of the township board, postmaster for ten years, besides several
other offices. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, while his religious
sympathies were with the Catholic church, and was one of the organizers of
the church at Cold Springs. He died on August 14, 1914. Mrs. Maurin
was born at Milwaukee, and is still living. She makes her home with one
of her daughters at Elizabeth, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Maurin were the
parents of seven children: Emma A., Martha J., Matilda J., Marcus P.,
Frank J., Antoinette J. and Henry F.
Marcus Maurin, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Austria, and
came to America, settling in Wisconsin. He was engaged in the sale of
goldsmith's tools, and had traveled over Europe, and made several trips
across the seas to and from America. He and his wife were Slavs, and
spoke in the Slavic language. They were the parents of nine children, of
whom Peter was the third.
Henry Maurin was united in marriage, November 28, 1912, with Laura
Rush, daughter of James Rush, a railroad division superintendent. She
was born in Wisconsin. This union has been blest with one child, Dorothy,
born in 1913. Mr. Maurin has always been regarded as a man of upright
principles, and few men in Otter Tail county are better known. His manly
qualities, genial disposition and earnest endeavor to keep abreast with the
times entitle him to a position as one of the leading citizens of his home
town.
ROBERT ALTNER.
Robert Altner, farmer, Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county, was born
on December 27, 1886, in the county where he now resides, and is a son of
Gustave and Sophia Altner. He and his sister, Tillie, still live on the old
home place, and have cared for it ever since their father retired from an
active agricultural life, and moved to Fergus Falls. Mr. Altner and his
sister take their full measure of comfort out of a neat Ford machine, and
with the assistance of an extra farm hand the work of looking after the
home place is very much lessened.
Gustave Altner, father of the subject of this sketch was born in Ger-
many. His wife, Sophia, was born on October 14. 184-'. in Germany. He
came to this country in [862, and spent the first year at Washington, moving
from there to Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he
purchased a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, in section 7, to
93^> OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
which he afterward added two hundred acres more in Elizabeth township.
About three years prior to his death, Mr. Altner moved to Fergus balls, his
death occuring about 1906. He put all the improvements on his farm, and
was a very active man in the community, but never cared for public office.
Religiously, he was a member of the Evangelical church, in the work of
which he took a leading part, having been a well educated man. Mis. Alt-
ner died on June 25, 1909. Seven children were born to this union, namely:
Henry, John. Herman, Gustave, Sophia, Robert, Tillie. Henry was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Schocht, now deceased, and Mr. Altner resides
at Kermit. North Dakota; John was married to Anna Schneider, and lives
at Fergus Falls; Herman was united in marriage with Martha Wissbrod,
and lives at Xoonan. North Dakota; Sophia became the wife of Harry
Seibel, and lives at Emerson, Canada; Gustave is with his brother. Herman;
Tillie is on the home place with her brother, Robert, and teaches school in
district No. 80, during the winter months.
Mr. Altner has a host of warm friends throughout the county, where
he has become an integral part of the agricultural world, giving at all times
a full measure of honest business dealing.
ALBERT FRAUTSCHI.
Albert Frautschi, farmer, Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county, was
born on February 5, 1S70, in Switzerland, and is a son of John P. and
Katherine (Frautschi J Frautschi. He came with his parents to America in
1872, landing at New York when he was two years old. He was educated
at the public schools of Elizabeth, Minnesota, where he has always lived
and where he has achieved an enviable reputation as a progressive and pros-
perous agriculturist, his present farm consisting of two hundred and sixty
acres, and containing substantial buildings of every description, all of which
are well cared for and present a neat and attractive appearance, indicating
the exercise of good management in every detail. Politically, .Mr. Fraut-
schi is a strong believer in the policies of the Democratic party, and has
taken an active interest in local politics, holding the office of township
treasurer. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Lutheran church.
John P. Frautschi, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Switzerland, and was united in marriage with Katherine Frautschi, his
second cousin. They came to America in [872, landing at New York,
coming at once to Minnesota, where they bought one hundred and sixty
acres of good farm land in section 19, Elizabeth township, where they spent
the remainder of their lives. Mr. Frautschi was eminently successful in
bis agricultural vocation, owning, at the time of his death, four hundred
and twelve acres. Religiously, he belonged to the German Lutheran
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 937
church. This union was blest with three children, Albert, Henri and Eliza,
deceased.
Abraham Frautschi, the paternal grandfather, lived and died in the
old country, and was a member of the German Reformed church. He
was a son of Isaac Frautschi, and was a soldier in the German army, but
never participated in any battles. He was a farmer, and lived near Saanen.
Isaac Frautschi, the paternal great-grandfather, was a guard for the pope
in early days.
Jacob Frautschi. the maternal grandfather, was a soldier in the Civil
War of Switzerland, and spent his entire life in that country. He was a
son of Xoritz Frautschi, who participated in the battle of Waterloo. Mr.
Frautschi always followed farming, and was an earnest member of the
German Reformed church.
Albert Frautschi was united in marriage, November 8, 1904. with
Augusta Beske, daughter of Garl Beske. Mr. and Mrs. Frautschi have
the friendship of a large circle of warm friends and neighbors, and are
highly esteemed in the community in which they reside.
ROBERT BESKE.
Robert Beske, farmer, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, was born on Jan-
uary 14, 1890, on the farm which he now owns. He is a son of Carl and
Alvina 1 Giese ) Beske. He was educated at the district schools of Elizabeth
and later attended the parochial school. He bought his present farm in
1913, which is the farm formerly owned by his father, the place having had
but three owners all told, the improvements of which were all put on the
place by his father, including a house, built in 1890, and a barn, built in
1903. In all, Mr. Beske owns two hundred acres of land, located half a
mile from the town of Elizabeth. He is a member of the German Lutheran
church.
Carl Beske, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on April 14,
1 85 1. in Germany, and was united in marriage with Alvina Giese. Mr.
Beske was educated in his native land, coming to America at the age of
thirty-two years, his marriage having taken place in Germany. In two
weeks from the time of landing on American shores, he bought the place
now owned by Robert Beske, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, on
which be lived until his death, which took place on March 7. 1907. Five
years after making his original purchase, Mr. Beske added forty acres more
in Fergus Falls township, and in 1898, bought two hundred and seventy-
five acres more in section [9, Buse township, owning in all, at the time of bis
death, four hundred and seventy-five acres. He united with the Lutheran
church, in the work of which he always took an active part, officiating as
93^ OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
treasurer for fifteen years Politically, Mr. Beske was a strong believer in
the policies of the Republican party. The children born to Carl and Alvina
(Giese) Beske were: Anna (deceased), Augusta. Albert. Martha, Elsie,
Robert and Ada. Anna Beske was united in marriage with Max Kronne-
man. and lived in Fergus balls township; Augusta became the wife of Albert
Frautschi; Albert was married to Clara Rossow, and resides in Buse town-
ship; Martha was married to Rudolph Rossow, and lives at Orwell, .Minne-
sota.
August Beske, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Germany, and
came to America in 1883, on the same vessel with his son, Carl, and was
accompanied by his wife. He landed at New York and came immediately
to Fergus Falls township, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Robert Beske was united in marriage on June 24, 1913, with Amanda
Splittgerber, daughter of Charles Splittgerber, a farmer. She was born in
Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Mr. Beske is a busy man, but manages to
find frequent opportunity to inform himself as to what is going on in the
world, and always has a pleasant word for each of his many friends.
ALFRED W. SUNDBERG.
Among the many sturdy farmers of Swedish birth or descent in Amor
township, this county, few are better known or are regarded as more sub-
stantial citizens than Alfred W. Sundberg, who was born at Fergus Falls,
the county seat of Otter Tail county, on March 30, [872, -mi .if Olaf and
Augustava (Nordberg) Sundberg, native- of Sweden, who emigrated to
this country in the early day^ of the settlement hereabout and who became
prominent in the development of this community. Further details of the
genealogy of this family may lie found in the biographical sketch of the
late Olaf Sundberg, presented elsewhere in tin- volume. His widow, mother
of the subject of this biographical sketch, is still living in this county,
honored and respected by all who know her. Olaf Sundberg came to Amer-
ica in [865 and was married in this county.
Alfred Sundberg received his early education in district school No. 69,
in Amor township, and was reared to the life of the farm. In [902 lie
bought the farm of one hundred and twenty acre- on which he is now
living and his life since then has been largely devoted to bringing the place
to it< present state of excellent cultivation, he being regarded a- one of the
best farmer- in hi- neighborhood. All the present substantial improve-
ments on the place have been made by him and his present comfortable home
was erected in ton-, the year of hi- marriage ami the year following his
purchase of the farm.
On March [6, 1003. Ufred W. Sundberg was united in marriage to
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 939
Elma Murk, daughter of Oscar Murk, a well-known fanner of this county,
sun of Gabriel and Magdalena (Carlson) Murk, also natives of Sweden
and old residents in this county, further particulars of which family also
are presented elsewhere in this volume, and to this union has been burn one
child, a son, Herman E., who was born on November 9, 1910. Mr. and
Mrs. Sundberg have a pleasant home in Amur township and the rural free
mail delivery and the telephone keep them in close touch with affairs. They
display a proper interest in all good works in their neighborhood and arc-
very popular with their many friends.
Mr. Sundberg has a good farm, well cared for, and in addition to his
general farming gives much attention to the raising of live stuck, his Short-
horn cattle and his hogs showing evidences of his knowledge of the subject.
Mr. Sundberg is a stalwart, good-natured man and lias hosts of friends, all
of whom hold him in the highest esteem.
T. E. RITCHEY.
Member of the town board of Richville, this county, supervisor of
Amor township and treasurer of his school district, J. E. Ritchey is doing
well his part in the common life of Otter Tail county and is very naturally
looked upon as one of the leading citizens of the prosperous and progres-
sive neighborhood in which he lives and where he is held in high regard
by the whole community.
J. E. Ritchey was born in Steele county, this state, on October 6,
1862, son of Joseph and Amanda (Reasor) Ritchey. Joseph Ritchey was
born in Pennsylvania, son of Jacob Ritchey, a farmer and blacksmith, who
also was born in the Keystone state and who came to Minnesota in the
early days of the settlement of the great Northwest, settling in LeSueur
county, where he farmed until late in life, after which he retired and came
to Otter Tail county, where his last days were spent.
Joseph Ritchey, who died in this county in 1898, was but a boy when
his parents moved to Minnesota and lie was reared in LeSueur county.
where he began farming upon reaching manhood's estate and where he
lived until about 1885. He then sold his holdings there and moved to
Steele county. He was active in the civic life of the community and held
several public offices, in all of which positions he acquitted himself as a
faithful public servant and a good citizen. During the Indian war in Min-
nesota he performed excellent service as a soldier attached to the regular
army of the United States and was thoroughly acquainted with pioneer
conditions in this state. He and his wife were the parents of eight chil-
dren, Isaac (deceased), Isabella (deceased), Rachel. Joshua, William,
Andrew-, Georgre and ( Charles.
94° OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
J. E. Ritchey received his early education in Steele county, this state,
and grew up to the life of the farm. In 1901 he bought a farm of one
hundred and ninety-six acres in Amor township, this county, and has brought
the same to a high state of cultivation. The substantial improvements on
this place he has made himself, his present comfortable residence luning
been erected in 1909. His line barn was built in 1904. He gives consid-
erable attention to the raising of live stock and makes a specialty of Short-
horn cattle and Poland China hogs.
J. E. Ritchey married Isabelle Loney, who was burn 111 LeSueur county,
this state, and to this union four children have been born. Carl. Henry,
Myrtle and Leo, the latter of whom now is the practical manager of the
home farm. Air. Ritchey for years has given close attention to public affairs
m this neighborhood and is regarded as one of the substantial men of the
Richville community. He is a member of the town board, as noted in the
opening paragraph of this review, and is likewise township supervisor and
treasurer of the school district. He is a member of the local lodge of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and gives close personal attention to the
affairs of that popular order. He is a good citizen and has many friends in
this county, all of whom hold him in high esteem.
F. H. LANGVICK.
Among the well-known farmers and prominent citizens of Amor town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is F. H. Langvick, who was born on
the old Langvick homestead, in Amor township, August 15, 1873, tne son
of Mikkel and Bertha (Odegaard) Langvick. natives Of Norway. Follow-
ing his marriage, in his native country, Mikkel Langvick, in 1871, came to
America, and located at Detroit, Michigan, where he lived for a time and
then came to the state of Minnesota, living for one year at Red Wing, and
then came to Otter Tail county, homesteading eighty acres of land in Amor
township. On his farm the elder Langvick placed extensive improvements,
and from time to time added to his land until, at the time of his death on
May 17, 191-', Mikkel Langvick was the owner of two hundred and twenty
acres of land in Amor township. Mikkel and Bertha Langvick were the
parents of the following children: Joseph, Martha, Anna, F. H., Emma,
Clara, Frederick, Mina and llulda. Mikkel Langvick was a member of the
Norwegian Lutheran church of Amor township.
F. II. Langvick received his early education in the public schools of
\nior township, after which he became a student at St. Cloud College, of
St. (loud, Minnesota, a school which he attended for two winters. Follow-
ing his school days, Mr. Langvick took up fanning, operating the home
place until the death of his father, when F. H. Langvick took possession of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Q4 1
the homestead, which farm he has improved somewhat and where he now
engages in general agricultural pursuits. In addition to the farm of his
work, Mr. Langvick is the owner of one hundred and fifteen acres of land
in section I, Amor township. Air. Langvick is an active and interested
member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, giving of his time and means
for the support of the work of this denomination.
JOHN BARRY.
The proprietor of a splendid farm of one hundred and sixty acres in
Maine township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, John Larry, a long-time
resident of Otter Tail county, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August
7, 1857. Mr. Barry's father, John Barry, Sr., was a native of Ireland, who
was born on August 4, 1831, and who died on June 1, 1908. He was twice
married, John Barry, Jr.. being the son of Johanna (Scannell) Barry, a
native of Ireland. John Barry. Sr., and Johanna Scannell were married in
Ireland. After living in Ireland for a time, where Mr. Barry was a sailor
and sea captain, they came to this country and settled in Boston, Massachu-
setts, where, for a time, he sailed the sea. Subsequently, however, he moved
from Boston to Chicago and, for a few years, worked in the packing houses.
He then moved to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and purchased ninety-
six acres of land, where he lived for approximately a quarter of a century.
Upon leaving Wisconsin, he came to Maine township. Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, and purchased ninety-six acres of land. Before his death, be
owned one hundred and seventeen acres, which is now held by John Barry.
Jr.'s, half-brother, Daniel.
The late John Barry was married, secondly, to Catherine Murphy, who
was the widow of John Sullivan and who had one child by the first mar-
riage, Mary, deceased. Mr. Sullivan was killed in the Civil War. By his
second marriage, John Barry, Sr., had three children, Daniel, Michael and
Bridget, deceased. By the first marriage, there were six children, John.
Mary, David, Catherine, James and Hannah, who is deceased. The late
John Barry was a member of the Catholic church.
John Barrv, Jr., the subject of this sketch, received bis education prin-
cipally in the common schools of Wisconsin and lived at home with bis
parents until July 31, 1883, when he was married to Elizabeth Murray, a
native of Canada. To them have been born eight children, all of whom are
living and at home except David and Peter. The names of the children in
the order of their birth are, John, David, Mary, Elizabeth, Peter. Anna.
Thomas and Catherine.
Mr. Barrv lived on bis present farm of one hundred and sixty acres
four years before his marriage. He has erected a splendid bouse and has
942 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
made other important improvements. Mr. Barry began life on this farm in
[878. lie now enjoys all of the modern conveniences of rural life, includ-
ing rural mail and telephone service. Mr. Barry has laid out most of the
roads in Maine township.
The Barry family are all members of the Catholic church. Since 1SS1
rohn Barry has been a member of the local school board and for the past
eighteen years has been a township supervisor. He took an active pari in
the organization of school district No. 146, and also in the organization of
the Catholic church in this township. He has been a member of the church
committee since 1881.
SOLOX HUBBARD.
Solon Hubbard, a citizen of Maine township, Otter Tail county. Min-
nesota, is a veteran of the Civil War, in which he served for six months a- .1
member of Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment, Xew York Volunteer
Infantry. He was wounded by a bullet which struck his right arm and. for
a time, was unable to use the arm, but eventually regained its use. Mr.
I lubbard is an old-time citizen of this count}-, having homesteaded a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres as early as 1878.
Solon Hubbard was born in Cattaraugus county. Xew York, Decem-
ber 25, 1838. He is the son of Isaac I', and Emeline ( \\ attenlough ) Hub-
bard, natives of Vermont and of Xew York state, respectively. Mr. Hub-
bard's mother was the daughter of John Wattenlough, a native of Germany
and a farmer by occupation. His paternal grandfather. Elisha Hubbard,
was also a native of Xew York and a farmer by occupation, who. after
moving to Xew York state, settled in Cattaraugus county.
The late Isaac P. Hubbard was educated in the common schools of the
state of Vermont and was engaged in farming practically all of his life, lie
owned one hundred and fifty acres of land in Cattaraugus county and died
on his old farm. He was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church and
was a very strict believer. lie followed literally the teachings of Chris-
tianity. There were nine children in the family of Isaac 1'. and Emeline
(Wattenlough) Hubbard, of whom. Emmerilla, Elizabeth, Ellen, Harriet
and William are deceased. The living children are Solon E, Mclvin. Mar-
dull and Minerva.
Sol, hi Hubbard was educated in Cattaraugus county. Xew York, and.
foi a lime, attended the common schools. In all of his life, however, he
never attended more than twenty-seven days in one year, in the meantime,
however, be has supplemented his education by home study and toda) is
known a- a -real reader. Mr. Hubbard take- the Minneapolis Daily News
and is a close -indent of politics, local, state and national.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ()43
Mr. Hubbard lias one hundred and sixty acres of land in Maine town-
ship, which he homesteaded here in 1878. Some years ago he sold eight)
acres of the farm. Mr. Hubbard has put all of the improvements upon the
farm. Prior to coming to Minnesota, he was a cheese maker in Cattaraugus
county. New York. He established a cheese factory in Maine township
which is now known as the Phelps Company, and made cheese himself for
thirty-five years and two months.
On January 1. 1858, Solon Hubbard was married to Clarissa Kelley,
and to them have been born four children. Rosalind, Clinton, Emmeline and
Nellie. All of the children are married and all live in Otter Tail county
except Emmeline, who is deceased. For a number of years, Solon Hubbard
served as constable of Maine township.
|()1IX SHEARER
John Shearer, who owns a good farm in Maine township, is a native
of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on December i_\
1859, the son of James and Sally (Sarner) Shearer, both of whom were
natives of the Keystone state.
The paternal grandfather of John Shearer was John Shearer, Sr., who
was a native of one of the eastern states. His father had come to America
from Germany and was an early settler in Pennsylvania. John Shearer, Sr.,
owned about one hundred acres of land in Crawford county and died there
on his farm. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
served in the War of 1812. Captured by the Indians during the War of
1812, he was bound hand and foot, but during the night one of the Indians
cut the rope from his hands and gave him a knife with which to cut the rope
at his feet. The Indian who gave him the knife beckoned Mr. Shearer to
follow him. The Indian walked miles away from the camp without saying
a word, but suddenly turned and said to Mr. Shearer, "Do you remember me?"
Mr. Shearer said. "No." "Well," said the Indian. "I know you. Do you
remember the time you let a half-frozen Indian into your house." "Yes,"
said Mr. Shearer. The Indian replied, "I am the man; now, since you saved
my life, I am saving yours." The Indian gave him directions a-- to bow be
might find his home without being molested. The Indian told Mr. Shearer
that he dared not return to his tribe because they would kill him, bul be would
join another tribe.
Mr. Shearer's father was educated in the common schools of < raw ford
county, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer all of his life. lie died in Septem-
ber, [896, and his wife in 1872. They were member- of the Methodist
church.
John Shearer, the subject of this sketch, left home at the age of fifteen
944 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
years and, for a time, worked in the oil regions near Bradford, Pennsyl-
vania. When Mr. Shearer was nineteen years old, he came west and settled
in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he purchased a claim. He also home-
steaded eighty acres and later acquired one hundred fifty-two and one-half
acres all in the same township. Mr. Shearer has made all of the improve-
ments upon his farm and most of it has been cleared of timber. The Indians
roamed through this country when Mr. Shearer came west, but there has
been a wonderful transformation in the years he has lived in Otter Tail
county.
When Mr. Shearer was forty-five years old. he was married to Rosalind
Hubbard, who was born in the state of Xew York and who is the daughter
of Solon Hubbard, referred to elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Shearer was
the widow of Osgood Adley and, by her first marriage, had one child, Clara,
who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Shearer. By her marriage to Mr. Shearer,
there has been born one child, James, who is unmarried and lives at home.
Mrs. John Shearer is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Shearer
served six years as constable of Maine township, but has not been active in
politics for some years.
JOHN HILKOSKE.
John Hilkoske, the son of Albert and Elizabeth (Gorskie) Hilkoske,
was born in Germany. May 22, 1S47. Albert Hilkoske died when John was
but six weeks old and he was left to the loving care and attention of his
widowed mother. Albert Hilkoske, a farmer and soldier, lived his life in
his native country, Germany. He was a devout member of the Catholic
church. The subject of this sketch fought for his country in the War of
1870. Elizabeth Hilkoske was married a second time after the death of
her first husband.
John Hilkoske came to America in the year 1S81 and settled in Colorado
where he was engaged in coal mining for nine years. In 1890 he came to
Otter Tail county, where he purchased two hundred acres of land in' Otter
Tail township, bordering on Otter Tail lake. John Hilkoske was married
at the age of thirty-six to Josephine Novack, who was also a native of Ger-
many. To Mr. and Mrs. Hilkoske have been born the following children:
Andrew, Benjamin, Mary, John, Catherine, Clara. Rose, Paul, Sylvester
and Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Hilkoske and family are members of the St.
Lawrence Catholic church at Rush Lake.
The following children of Mr. and Mrs. Hilkoske are married and
have homes of their own: Andrew married Mary Kopell and lives in Becker
county, Minnesota; Rose was married to H. D. Wendte, and thev are resi-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
945
dents of Otter Tail county; John is married to Olga Hollemquist, and they
have established a home in Williston, North Dakota.
John Hilkoske purchased his farm in this county for the most part as
Nature had left it and has improved it to its present state. The house was
built in the year 1890 by John McNellis, of St. Paul, the other buildings
and improvements have been placed by Mr. Hilkoske. The old plat of Otter
Tail City was near the present farm. At one time this town had bright
prospects to be a thriving city and business center, but the railroad that was
to have gone through the town changed its course and passed through the
town of Perham. When Mr. Hilkoske settled on his farm many Indians
w ere in evidence.
Ah', and Airs. Hilkoske have retired from the active duties of the farm,
but the high standard of efficient farming has been maintained through the
efforts of their sons, Paul, Sylvester and Albert, with their sister Catherine
to look after the household duties.
IOHN PETERSON.
John Peterson was born in Sweden, December 5, 1867, the son of Peter
Johnson and Mary (Knutson) Johnson, both of whom were natives of
Sweden, where Peter Johnson now lives, a farmer on one hundred and
twenty acres of land in that country. Alary Johnson having died in June,
of the year 1913. Peter and Mary Johnson were the parents of the follow-
ing children. Anna, Carl, Tilda, John, Eingre, Nels, Augusta, Mary, Alfred,
Oscar and Ammei, of whom Nels and John came to America. Peter John-
son and his family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.
John Peterson, following his education in the public schools of his
native land came, during the year 1887, to America and after landing at
New York I ity he came to Meeker county, Minnesota, where he worked
for two years as a day laborer and then went to the city of St. Paul, Minne-
sota, where after working some time at day work, he went to the state of
North Dakota, and there rented a farm, later returning to Wilkin county,
Minnesota, at which place he bought one thousand acres of land on which
he cultivated wheat and oats for two years, and then selling this land, John
Peterson moved to Otter Tail county, and. in the year 1902, bought two
hundred and forty acres of land in Compton township, where he now lives.
The farm of John Peterson is one of the best improved and most highly
cultivated of the county, this progressive farmer having built, during the
year [903, a modern barn in size forty-four by fifty-six feel, and more
lately erected a large and complete silo.
On November 20, 1805, John Peterson was married to Cora Larson,
(60b)
'i I i OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
who was born in Sweden. May 5. [876, the daughter of Andrew Larson and
wife, who came to America during the year 1880, and located in Wilkins
county, Minnesota, where Andrew Larson now lives, his wife having died
there. To the marriage of John and Cora Peterson were born nine chil-
dren. Nina May. Harry, Genevieve, Alice. Gladys, Mabel, Agnes, Norma
and Lawrence. John Peterson and his family are members and active work-
ers of the Swedish Lutheran church in Compton township.
John Peterson and his family are among the best known people of the
community, they being respected and esteemed for their lives and for their
works in the township and county.
A. R. DANIELSON.
A. R. Danielson, who owns one hundred and thirty acres of land in
Compton township, is a native of Sweden, where he was horn on < Ictober 17,
1863, son ot Daniel and Carrie (Anderson) Danielson, both of whom were
natives of Sweden, who spent their entire lives in their native country. Mr.
I >anielson's father received military training in his native land. He was a
prominent member of the Lutheran church.
Educated in the public schools of his native land. A. R. Danielson came
to America in 1887, and. after landing 111 Xew York City, went direct to
Mille Lacs county, Minnesota, where he lived for five year-. In 1 80- Mr.
Danielson came to Otter Tail county. At the same time he purchased a farm
of eighty acres, to which he has since added fifty acres. In i8y_' he built a
comfortable and commodious home and ha- made practically all of the
improvements to be seen on the farm today. For his original farm Mr.
Danielson paid only ten dollars an acre. Here in the community where he
is well known he is rated as an enterprising and successful farmer and citi-
zen. Mr. Danielson owns an automobile and enjoys both the rural mail and
telephone service.
()n July 15, 1890, A. R. Danielson was married to Mary Nelson, a
native of Sweden, and to them have been horn two children, Dalia and
Albin. Both of these children live at home with their parents.
FREDRICK SEEBA.
I redrick Seeba, well-known fanner of Maine township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Friberg township. Otter Tail count}. Min-
nesota, on June 3, [881, the son of John and Albertina 1 Eichstadt) Seeba,
natives of Germany. John Seeba lived in his native country, until [868,
when he came to America, and located at Red Wing, Minnesota, near where
he worked as a farmer for three years and then came to ( >tter Tail county,
and boughl a farm in Friberg township, where he now live-. John Seeba
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 947
was the first settler to locate in Friberg township, Otter Tail county, and is
a man who has done much for the development and progress of the com-
munity. John and Albertina Seeba were the parents of the following chil-
dren : Fredrick, Herman, John, Alary and Amelia.
Fredrick Seeba received his education in the public schools of Friberg
township, Otter Tail county, and after leaving his classes, he became a
farmer, buying, in the year iqo8, eighty acres of land which he now culti-
vates as a general farmer. Mr. Seeba has greatly improved his farm, has
supplied his place with the most approved equipment and is now among the
most successful of the younger farmers in the community.
On December 22, 190S, Fredrick Seeba was married to Lottie Wenholm,
who was born at Lida, Minnesota, the daughter of John Wenholm and wife,
well-known people of the community. To the marriage of Fredrick and
Lottie Seeba have been born two children, Clifford and Raymond. Mr.
Seeba and his wife are members of the Presbvterian church.
OLE HONRUD.
Ole Honrud, prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of Oscar town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born at Spring Grove, Minnesota,
July 31, 18(19, the son of Lars O. and Mary (Johnson) Honrud, natives of
Norway. Lars O. Honrud was the son of Ole Honrud, who came to Amer-
ica when he was an elderly man and homesteaded a farm in Cass county,
North Dakota, where he lived until his death, in 1913, he being ninety-two
years of age at the time of his death. Lars O. Honrud was educated in the
schools of his native land, after which he married and then, in 1866, came
to America and located in the state of Wisconsin, where he worked as a
farm helper, until 1871, when he came to Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, and
homesteaded eighty acres of land in Oscar township, a farm which the elder
Honrud cultivated for the remainder of his days, dying in 1904. Mary, the
wife of Lars O. Honrud. died in 1885. Lars O. and Mary Honrud were
the parents of six children, Ole, Julia, Oscar, Lena (deceased), Severin
and Altin (deceased). Lars O. Honrud was an active and devout mem-
ber of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Oscar township, he giving liber-
ally of his time and means for the support of the work of this congregation.
As a farmer, the elder Honrud was notably successful, not only having cul-
tivated his farm to a high state of productiveness, but he acquired during
his farming career, three hundred and twenty acres of the best land in Oscar
township, Otter Tail county.
Ole Honrud received his education in the common schools of I >scai
township. Otter Tail county, after which he became a fanner, securing one
of the desirable farms ,,f Oscar township, where for twenty-three yeat
948 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Honrud has made his home and where he now engages successfully in
general agricultural pursuits. Ole Honrud has greatly improved his farm
during the past years, having built a new house in 1900, and during the year
1903 erected one of the best barns of the locality. From time to time Mr.
Honrud has added to his acreage until now he owns two hundred and seventy-
six acres of well cultivated land in Oscar township.
On December 26, 1888, Ole Honrud was married to Lizzie Wastin, and
to this marriage have been born nine children. Lewis, Melvin, Elbert, Anna.
Oscar, Ludwig, Bertha, Olaf and Melford. Ole Honrud and his family are
members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of Oscar township.
In addition to his farm activity, Ole Honrud has taken an active inter-
est in business circles, as it affects the farmer, and he is now one of the
stockholders of the Rothsay Elevator Company, of Rothsay, Minnesota.
|()11X L. TAYLOR.
One of the splendid farms of Leaf Lake township, Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, is a tract of two hundred acres owned by John L. Taylor, who
was born at Winona, Minnesota, April 17, 1862. Air. Taylor not only has
a highly productive farm but his buildings are all in first-class condition and
he has one of the most beautiful country homes in Otter Tail county.
John L. Taylor is the son of James and Alary ( Campbell) Taylor, the
former of whom was 'born in Ireland, December 12, 1832, and the latter
born in America, September 28, 183-'. The paternal grandfather of John
L. Taylor was James Taylor, a native of Ireland, whose wife, before her
marriage, was Alary Anderson. James Taylor, Sr., came to America when
his son, James, Jr., the father of John L.. was nine years old, in 1844. He
settled in the state of Illinois, and, after living there for seven years, moved
to Winona county, Minnesota. He was a devout member of the Presby-
terian church. One of his sons, David, a brother of James, Jr., was killed
in the battle of Gettysburg.
James Taylor, Jr., was educated in the common schools of the state of
Minnesota. 1 le was a broom-maker by trade and a farmer in Winona count)-.
Subsequently, however, he moved to IVEcLeod county and lived at Glencoe,
Minnesota, carrying the mail and driving a stage from Glencoe to Henderson,
and from Glencoe to Blakeley, Minnesota. After a time, he moved to a
farm in Sibley county and. after living there for five years, came to Otter
Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and one acres in Leaf Lake town-
ship. He received an extra amount of land because he had been a soldier.
His land bordered East Leaf lake on the south. He died on April 27, 1899.
He was a soldier in the Civil War. having served in the Ninth Illinois Cav-
alry for a short time. He enlisted near the close of the war. At his death
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 949
he left three children. Mary J., John L. and David M., the latter living in
the state of Washington.
John L. Taylor was educated in Sibley county, Minnesota, and lived
at home with his parents until November 25. 1887, when he was married
to Electa Wilkinson, a native of Sibley county, Minnesota, born on June 4,
1868. Mrs. Taylor is the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Townsend)
Wilkinson, natives of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Vermont, respectively. Both
are now deceased. The former was a farmer in Otter Tail county for a
time, hut late in life moved to Oregon, where his wife died. He then
returned to Otter Tail county and died here on August 2, 1900. His wife
had died three years previously, June 30, 1897. They were the parents of
the following children, all of whom are living: Kleber, Volney, Electa,
Jennie, Archie, Robert. Jesse, Irvin, Anna, Harley and Mabel. Mr. and
Mrs. John L. Taylor, who have no children of their own, reared Mabel
Haugan, who was married on June 2, 19 15, to Raymond Applegaard.
After his marriage Air. Taylor located on eighty acres of land in sec-
tion 35, of Leaf Lake township. Subsequently, he purchased one hundred
and twenty acres additional and now has two hundred acres, most of which
was wild land at the time he purchased it. Practically all of the improve-
ments upon the farm have been put here by Mr. Taylor himself. In 1912
he rebuilt his house and, seven years previously, had built a new barn. Mr.
Taylor is still active in farm work and operates the farm with hired help.
Mr. Taylor has served as school clerk for thirteen years in Leaf Lake town-
ship. He is a successful farmer, a most useful citizen and a popular man
in the neighborhood where he lives.
HERMAN DUENOW
Herman Duenow, prosperous farmer and prominent citizen of Friberg
township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Prussia, Germany, >>ii
February 4. i860, the son of William and Albertine (Gabriel) Duenow,
natives of Germany. William Duenow came to America in 1865. and landed
at New York city, after a stormy voyage of rive weeks on the Atlantic
ocean, and following- a short time in New York city, the elder Deunow wenl
to Watertown, Wisconsin, where he worked generally for five years and
then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded eighty acres
of land in section 30, Friberg township, a farm which William Deunow cul-
tivated for the remainder of his days, lie dying in 1007- Ubertine, the
widow of William Duenow, lives with her son, Albert, mi the old home-
stead in Friberg township. William and Ubertine Duenow were the par-
ents of five children. Herman, Fred, Minnie. Bertha and Albert.
Herman Duenow was educated in the public schools of Watertown,
950 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Wisconsin, after which he became a farmer, working near his home in Wis-
consin, for some time, and then coming to Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
where he acquired a farm which he improved and a place to which he added
land until now Herman Duenow owns six hundred and fifty acres of land
in Otter Tail county, all but eighty acres of his land being in Friberg town-
ship.
( >n May 24, 1882, Herman Duenow was married to Matilda ZuelsdorfT,
who was born in Germany, and to this marriage have been born four chil-
dren, George, Alfonse, William and Herbert. Herman Duenow and his
family are members of the German Lutheran church, in Friberg township.
Herman Duenow has been active in the public life of his community.
he taking a thorough interest in all matters of general welfare or local
progress, as well as serving as clerk of Friberg township, and he having
served as clerk of the school district and as township supervisor.
JOHN STEGE.
Long recognized as a leader in his community, active, progressive and
prompt in action in matters relating to the general welfare of the vicinity
in which he lives, John Stege, a well-known farmer of Gorman township,
this county, is looked upon as one of the most substantial citizens of that
section of the county.
John Stege was born in Prussia, Germany, September 11, 1865, son of
Richard and Elizabeth (Bollard) Stege, both natives of Prussia and the
parents of two children, John Stege having a sister, Sophia. Richard Stege
was the son of Henry Stege, who owned a small farm, and be was trained
in the methodical ways of the German farmer. In 1880 he and his wife
and daughter came to America, landing at the port of Xew York and imme-
diately thereafter coming to Minnesota, where they located in this county,
taking a farm in Leaf Lake township, which was their home thereafter.
Upon the death of his first wife, the mother of the subject of this biograph-
ical sketch, Richard Stege, married, secondly, Eliza Yilbae, which union was
without issue. Richard Stege died some years ago in his home in Leaf
Lake township.
Tt was not until five years after his parents had come to this county
that John Stege came to America. That was in 1885. He landed at New
York and straightway came to this county to rejoin his parents. Shortly
after arriving here he bought eighty acres of land in Gorman township,
where he ever since has made his home and where he has prospered until
now he is the owner of four hundred acres, all in one tract and the most of
which is under profitable cultivation. Tn 1008 he built a fine new house on
the home place and he and his family are very comfortably situated. About
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 95 1
the same time he built a new ham, twenty-four by seventy feet, with eement
floor and all modern equipment fur the proper operation of an up-to-date
farm plant, with gas-engine for motive power and other things to corres-
pond, his place being looked upon as one of the best-kept farms in that
community.
In 1902 John Stege was united in marriage to Minnie Bohr, who also
was born in Prussia, but with whom he became acquainted after coining to
this country, and to this union four children have been born, Ada, Walter,
Edwin and Otto, all of whom arc at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs.
Stege are earnest and active members of the Lutheran church and are held
in high esteem throughout the neighborhood in which they Inc.
Mr. Stege e\er .since coming to this county has taken an active inter-
est in affairs and is looked upon as a very alert business man as well as an
excellent farmer. For four years he was secretary of the co-operative cream-
erv at Perham ; for five vears secretary of the mutual insurance association
of the neighborhood and for six years was president of the farmer- store
association at Perham. He also has been a member of the directing board
of the shipping association for the past two years and is interested in other
movements looking to the development of the best interests of the farmers
of that section of the county. These activities naturally have brought him
prominently before the people of that vicinity and he enjoys the confidence
and regard of all thereabout.
ARTHUR A. KRALSL.
Arthur A. Krause. one of the prominent and successful young farmers
of Otter Tail county, was born on ( )ctober 9, [881, the son of Adolphus and
Augusta (Rechter) Krause. Adolphus Krause was born in Germany, Octo-
ber 23, 1845. He was the son of George and Amastina Krause, who owned
and conducted a grocery store in a small town in that country. Adolphus
was the eldest of a family of children and came alone to America in i860,
landing at New Orleans. Proceeding up the .Mississippi River be remained
for several years in St. Clair county, Illinois, after which he worked for five
years as a shoe-maker in St. Louis. Before coming to Otter Tail county in
[872, he was for a time in the Northwest where he was engaged in teaming
for the government, in the hauling of freight. On his arrival in Otter Tail
county he at once homesteaded eighty .acres of land in section 30. Friberg
township. To the original farm he added until at the time of his retire-
ment from active work he owned over three hundred acre-.
Adolphus Krause and Augusta Reenter were married in November,
[880, ami are the parent- of the following children: Arthur. Max, Martha,
Emma, Otto and Hulda. Mr. and Mrs. Krause retired from the farm in
95-2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
1914, locating in Fergus Falls where they now reside. They are active
members of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Krause has been town treas-
urer and school treasurer for many years.
Arthur A. Krause was educated in the common schools of his town-
ship. He was married on December 9. 1903, to Bertha Peters, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Peters, who were among the earliest settlers of the
county. They are the parents of the following children: Herbert, Julius.
Esther, Lillian and John.
Mr. Krause bought his present home farm of one hundred and ninety-
eight acres in 1903. In [904 he built the house and barn and since which
time he has added many other improvements. Mr. Krause and family are
members of the German Lutheran church and take an active part in the
services. For the past nine years he has been school treasurer and at the
present time is vice-president of the Farmers Telephone Company.
CARL E. OLSON.
Carl E. Olson, a leading farmer of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, was born in Norway on June 27, 1881, a son of Hans H.
and Marguerite (Swanson) Olson. Mr. Olson was brought to this country
by his parents in 1884, while still a small child, and with them settled at
Hudson, Wisconsin. There the parents still reside, the father now retired
from the active duties of life. Throughout all his active years he was a
blacksmith and considered a very good workman at his trade. Both parents
are members of the Lutheran church and in the tenets of that faith they
reared their family of nine children. The eldest of the family was Sophia.
who died at the age of three years, and the second child was given the same
name. This latter Sophia lives in Spokane. Washington and is the wife of
a Mr. Peterson. Mr. Peterson is her second husband, she having first been
the wife of M. W. Taylor, deceased. Olive, the third child, died when
eighteen years of age. and Ilalvor. the fourth, saw service during the
Spanish-American war and died from the effects of exposure during service.
Hilda is the wife of A. G. Sulwold and lives in Minneapolis, and Andrew
makes his home in Canada, where he is engaged in farming. Selma is the
wife of |. C. ECeitel and resides in St. Paul. The eighth child in order of
birth, is Carl, the immediate subject of this -ketch, and the youngest is
Olga, who is Mr-. James Potter, of St. Paul.
( arl E. Olson received his education in the public schools of Hudson.
attending both the grades and high schools and then secured employmenl
on the Chicago. St. Paul, Milwaukee & Omaha railroad. He was employed
firsl as fireman and later as engine-man, remaining with the road nine and
one-half years. He decided to adopt the vocation of fanning and in the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 953
spring of 191 1 he purchased a farm of three hundred and fifty acres in
Dane Prairie township, this county, where he has since lived and which he
intend^ as his permanent home. He divides his interest between general
farming and the raising of live stock, and succeeds well in his undertaking.
Carl E. Olson was married on December 23, 1907, to Marie Minge,
horn in Minneapolis, a daughter of Ole A. and Lena Minge, they being early
settlers on the farm where Mr. Olson now makes his home. To Mr. and
Mrs. Olson has been horn one child, a little daughter, Vivian, who died in
early infancy. Mr. Olson is a Republican in politics, hut chooses to vote
independently in matters of local government. He holds his fraternal affilia-
tion with the Yeomen of America, and gives evidence of commendable
interest in the affairs of the order. Mr. Olson is among the younger farm-
ers of this section and as he employs only modern methods in conducting
the work of his farm, he promises to make a pleasing success of his ven-
ture. Both he and Mrs. Olson move in the best social circles of the com-
munity and are much liked by all.
THOMAS T. TVEDTE.
Thomas j. Tvedte, a farmer of Buse township, Otter Tail county, Min-
nesota, is one of a number of citizens of that county who hail from the land
of Norway. Mr. Tvedte is a son of Jergen and Sigrid (Underland) Tvedte,
aiM was horn on January 6, [854. Both parents were also Norwegians by
birth and in [877, two years after the immediate subject of this sketch had
emigrated to this country, they came over to join him. The father pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Buse township, this
county, which is now the home of Thomas J. The father died on that farm
in 1 < >i >_> and the mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-three
years, remarkably well preserved for one of her age. Both Jergen Tvedte
and his wife were reared in the Lutheran faith and lived honorable and
useful lives in accordance with its teachings.
Thomas I. Tvedte is the eldest of a family of seven children, die next
in order of birth being Martha, who is Mrs. Theodore Ouackenbush of
Melrose, Wisconsin. Hans is a farmer and located in Montana, and Bars
remains in his native Norway, engaged also in agriculture. Lena married
Arn Huseby and lives in Dane Prairie township. Julia, deceased, was the
wife of Peter Hanson, of Barnesville, this state, and Jergen, the youngest
of the family, died on the family homestead in Buse township. Thomas J.
Tvedte received his education in the public schools of hi- native land and
was raised on a farm. Tic emigrated to America in [875 and settled in
Dane county, Wisconsin, where for two years he hired out at farm labor.
In 1877 he came to Otter Tail county, at the time his parents did and secured
95-J OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
employment in Fergus Falls, where he remained for eleven years. In 1888
he purchased the homestead of the father, and has since resided there. He
raises such grains as arc favored by the best farmers of this section and also
prepare^ each year a goodly number of cattle for the market. Both Mr.
Tvedte and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran church and politi-
cally, he endorses the platform of the Democratic party. He takes especial
interest in local matters and has held various positions on the school hoard.
.Mr. Tvedte was married in 188.1 to Martha Hjeltnas, also a native of
Norway and a daughter of Daniel and Sanva ( Edwin) Hjeltnas. The par-
ents were of the fanner class and neither ever left their native land. Mrs.
Tvedte came to this country in 1877 and ^rst located in Dane county, Wis-
consin, later coming to Minnesota, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs.
Tvedte have three children, the eldest of whom is George, a farmer in Can-
ada; Daniel remains at home, and Lawrence resides in St. Paul, where he
is a teamster. Mr. Tvedte's life of honesty and industry has won for him
the sincere liking of those with whom he comes in contact and it is pleasant
to note his efforts are meeting with material success.
RAY BRYANT.
Following is a short sketch of the family of Ray Bryant, a progressive
fanner of Buse township. Otter Tail county, and youngest son of Zebina
Zenos Bryant who f< ir mam- years was an honored physician of Champlin,
Minnesota. After the death of Doctor Bryant, his widow and son, Ray,
came to ( >tter Tail county, where they have since made their home.
Zebina Zenos Bryant was born in Truxton, Cortland county. New
York, April 7, 183c). son of Zenos and Mary Ann (Ryder) Bryant, both of
whom were natives of the United States, the mother of Irish parentage and
the father of Scotch descent. Zenos Bryant was in his earlier manhood
a minister of the Baptist church and in later life he became a physician.
When past middle age he moved to Iowa where he practiced his profession
and also served as a minister of the Gospel. He died at his home in Iowa,
where his wife had died some years previous and he had again married,
this seend wife surviving him. There were six children in the family, four
of whom attained years of maturity. The eldest of these was Zabina Zenos,
father of Ray Bryant; Frances died in Iowa; Earl is a minister in the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and located at Portland, Oregon, and Alice
Zebina Zenos Bryant received his elementary education in the public
schools at his home in New York state and did not take up the study of
medicine until after he was married and had children, lie was graduated
from the I lanncniann Medical College at the close of tin- semester of [880-
8l and began the. practice of his chosen profession in Sumner, Iowa, where
OTTER TAIL Col'XTY, MINNESOTA.
05
he lived until i8<;-- In that year he moved his family to South Dakota and
settled in Roberts county, near Sisseton. There he assumed his praetice
and the sons managed the homestead. Later the family moved to Cham-
plin, this state, where Doetor Bryant retired on account of failing health,
and his death occurred there November 27, 1904. Both Doctor Bryant and
his wife were members of the .Methodist Episcopal church and he held fra-
cernal affiliation in the Masons and also with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Doctor Bryant was a man of great nat-
ural capabilities, of broad sympathies and kindly nature and in the years
allotted to him he accomplished much of lasting good.
Doetor Bryant was married on July 12, 1870, to Margaret A. Harri-
man, a native of New Hampshire, and daughter of Hezekiah B. and Hannah
(Bailey) Jlarriman. The latter was the daughter of Thomas and Jemima
Bailey, both born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and of English parent-
age. Thomas Bailey was a carpenter and farmer and in 1S68 he left New
England ami moved to \\ averly, Iowa, where he passed his remaining
years on a small farm. He was a member of the Baptist church and she of
the Congregational and both were highly esteemed by those who knew
them. There were three children in their family: Frank, the first born,
died in infancy; Margaret A. became the wife of Doctor Bryant, and Helen
is the widow of George Ellis and still resides in Waverly, Iowa.
After the death of Doctor Bryant, Mrs. Bryant, together with her son,
Ray, left their home in Champlin, this state, and became citizens of Otter
Tail county. The}- purchased a farm of two hundred and sixty-seven acres
in Buse township, remodeled the residence and other buildings and made
great improvement in the general appearance of the farm. Ray Bryant is
the youngest of a family of four children, namely: Grace, deceased, who
was the wife of Edward Gibson and the mother of three children: Charles
died at the age of twenty-one. while the family was living in South Dakota,
and Mabel is the wife of Benjamin Seymour and resides in Champlin, this
state.
Ray Bryant was horn on December 22, 1878, and received his educa-
tion in the public schools near his home, graduating from Browns Valley
high school. Eater he went to a business college at Faribaull for special
education along practical business lines and then went to Minneapolis, w here
he learned the milling business in some of the big mills for which thai city
is famous. In ion he came to Otter Tail county, where he has since given
his attention to farming. He is thoroughly up-to-date in hi- methods and
is uniformly successful with his crops. Politically, Mr. Bryant is a Repub-
lican, although not especially interested in the subject, lie is unmarried
and he and bis mother have their home together.
9j6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, .MINNESOTA.
JOHN I-:. KROGSTAD.
John [■',. Krogstad, prominent farmer and cattleman of Buse township,
( Itter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Norway, born at Selba, in
Trondhjem, August 13, 1876, the eldest son of Ingelbregt and Johanna
( Stokke) Krogstad. The parents were born in that same locality and are
still living on the family home place at Selba, both past sixty years of age.
The father was a soldier in the Norwegian army, but was never in active
service. Both parents are devout members of the Lutheran faith and to
them were born six children. Mollie, the second child, died at the age of
seventeen years; Ole came to this country and lives in the state of Wash-
ington, where he is engaged in farming, while Michael, Mary and Christena
remain in Norway with the parents.
John E. Krogstad was educated in the Lutheran schools of his native
land and was confirmed in that church when fourteen years of age. For
about four years after his school days were over he was employed at farm
labor and in 1896 emigrated to America. He landed at Boston on April 8,
of that year, and came directly to this state, locating at Carlisle. He came
to this country in company with a cousin about two years older and they
secured work on a farm near Carlisle, where Mr. Krogstad remained for
some two and one-half years. The following six years he spent on the
farm of Nils Thompson, in Dane Prairie township, and then desiring to
farm in his own right, he rented a farm for three years, same being located
in the township mentioned. However, he gave up that venture to take
employment on the farm of J. O. Billings, in Buse township, where he worked
for four years, and directly after the death of Mr. Billings, he was sent by
the executor of the estate to Tappen, North Dakota, to assume the foreman-
ship 1 >f tbe Billings ranch at that place. lie remained in North Dakota
three years and then returned to this state ami in partnership with 1.. I..
Riley purchased the Billings farm in Buse township. Otter Tail county,
where he had previously lived. This farm contains three hundred and fifteen
acres and was in an excellent state of cultivation. There were twenty-six
buildings on tbe farm, all well adapted to tbe particular needs for which
erected, but Mr. Krogstad has added a large cement silo, making without
assistance, right on the farm, all of tbe seventeen hundred and two cement
blocks employed in its construction. Mr. Krogstad does some general farm-
ing, but puts his best efforts on his cattle. lie L making a specialty of full-
blood Polled-Angus cattle and the season of 1916 finds him with a herd
of ninety-six of this pure strain in addition to sixty head of graded cattle.
These latter are principally for beef purposes and be has on his farm a
slaughter house where from six to eight cattle are prepared for the market
each week. In addition to the time required with his own interests on the
UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
<>?7
farm, Mr. Krogstad is also known as a buyer of some magnitude, shipping
several carloads of cattle in the course of the year. He is also a director
in the local telephone company and is keenly interested in anything which
makes for the general advancement of community life.
Mr. Krogstad was married on May id, 1914, to Ellen Peterson, a native
of Norway, whose parents still live in their native land. Mrs. Krogstad
emigrated to America in April, of 1907, and has passed her life since then
m this state. Both Air. and Mrs. Krogstad are faithful members of the
Lutheran church and give generously of their means toward the support of
the local organization. Mr. Krogstad endorses the principles of the Repub-
lican party, but has ever been so engrossed with his own interests as to find
but little time for outside claims. Mr. Krogstad has succeeded above the
average and fully merits that which he holds, for he is possessed of worthy
ambition and right principles and this coupled with an unfailing industry
and remarkable foresight, has placed him where he is. He stands high in
the estimation of friends and business acquaintances.
GUSTAV SCHMIDT.
Gustav Schmidt is well known throughout Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, as the leading hardware merchant of Underwood, having been in busi-
ness there for some fourteen years, or since 1902. When he first purchased
the stock and building, the stock wras invoiced at twenty-two hundred dol-
lars and the business has so prospered that the present stock, exclusive of
all farm machinery, engines for farm purposes, etc., will easily figure up to
five thousand dollars. Mr. Schmidt employs three people and his business
wears a general air of prosperity which is agreeable to see. Mr. Schmidt
possesses business ability of a high order and his honorable methods of
dealing with his customers has won him many friends.
Gustav Schmidt was born in Germany, June 27, 1861, son of Gottlieb
and Wilhelmina Schmidt. Both parents were also natives of the same sec-
tion, where he was a farmer, and passed their entire lives in that region.
He died in 1N70. and after his death the mother came to this country and
died about igoo. having never remarried. Both were members of the Luth-
eran church and most excellent people. Mr. Schmidt is one of a family of
four children, the eldest of whom, August, died in Germany, a veteran of
the Franco-Prussian War. Carl lives in Wisconsin and is a stone and brick
mason by trade, and Julius, the youngest of the family, died on his farm in
( ttter Tail county, about six miles east of Underwood.
Gustav Schmidt was educated in the public schools of his native land
and was brought up to work. He fulfilled the time of his compulsory
military service, hut his country was in no action during those years, In
95& OTTER TAIL COUNTY; MINNESOTA.
1887 he came to America, joining his brother, who was located in Wiscon-
sin, and there he secured work by the day. He later went to South Dakota
and hired out to farm work by the month for a couple of years and then
took up farming on his own account on rented land. He later purchased a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in this state, where he lived for four
years and sold out and came to Otter Tail county. He purchased a farm of
one hundred and nine acres in Tordenskjold township, where he lived for
two years and then disposed of his farming interests and became interested
in the hardware business.
Mr. Schmidt endorses the platform of the Republican party, although
taking no especial interest in such matters, and he holds his religious mem-
bership with the Lutheran church. He has served as a member of the town
board and has in other way? given evidence of his interest in all matters
pertaining to the advancement of any phase of community life. Mr. Schmidt
has been thrice married. His first wife was Matilda Geide, who died some
six or seven years after marriage, leaving four small children. Of these
Emma is a clerk in her father's store; Pauline and Reinholdt are at home,
and the youngest died in infancy. Mr. Schmidt married Bertha Washer
for his second wife; there being no issue to that union. His third wife was
Mrs. Anna Hover, and to them one child was horn, but died early in life.
Mr. Schmidt is acknowledged to be one of the leading business men of
Underwood and stands high in the estimation of both business acquaint-
ances and personal friends.
OLAF LEIN.
< )laf Lein, a farmer living on the outskirts of Underwood, Otter Tail
countw Minnesota, is a native of the state of Iowa, born in Winneshiek
county, June i_\ 1872, son of John and Marit (Randahl) Lein. John
Lein'- parents both lived and died in their native Norway, and while the
parents of Marit Randahl were also Norwegians by birth, they in [870 or
1S71 emigrated to America with their daughter and her husband. They
all lived for a time in Iowa and after a few- years the Randahl grandparents
came to Otter Tail count), where they bought a farm located just west of
where the village of Underwood now stands. There the grandparents spent
the remainder of their days.
Both of Mr. Lein's parents were born in Norway and were there mar-
ried and in the early seventies, as before stated, came to this country. At
their home in Iowa he worked for a time on the railroad and then rented
a fruit farm, where he spent some four years. About 1878 or 1870 he
moved to Wilkin county, this state, when' he purchased a farm of one hun-
dred and. sixty acres, thirteen miles west of Fergus halls. The land wa-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 95O/
good, but the buildings very poor indeed, and he gradually improved them
until lie brought them up to good condition. He later sold out and moved
to Fork, located in the northwest portion of this state, and there operated a
small general store and was appointed postmaster, which position he held
for a great many years. The mother's death occurred at that place in 1912
and the father then disposed of his little store to a son-in-law and moved
to Warren, this state, where he entered into partnership with a friend and
they are now doing a real-estate business. Both John Lein and his wife
were members of the Lutheran church from childhood and in that faith
have reared their family. There were originally eleven children in their
family, six of whom grew to maturity. Inga was the wife of Theodore
Sjordal, and died at her home in Underwood: Nicolena married 1. Ornis
and lives at Fork, this state: Carl was from his boyhood a wanderer and his
whereabouts at the present time are unknown; John lives at Warren, this
state, where he is engaged in farming, and Christena is the wife of G. H.
Gunheim.
Olaf Lein was the fourth child in the order of birth, and at the age
of two years was taken into the home of his Grandfather Randahl, who
reared him. He attended the public schools of Underwood and was taught
practical farming on the grandfather's home place just west of Underwood,
which is now Mr. Lein's home. On the death of the grandfather, Mr. Lein
came into possession of the home. This at first had .contained eighty acres,
but the grandfather had sold some three acres into town lots and Air. Lein
has platted and sold five additional acres, so his farm now consists of sev-
enty-two acres. This is all in good condition, well improved and with good
buildings, and he conducts a general fanning business in addition to raising
considerable live stock.
On November 15, 1893, Mr. Lein was united in marriage with Berit
Sands, daughter of Thore and Guri (Holt) Sands, both natives of Trondh-
jem, Norway. They lived there several years after marriage, or until the
time of the mother's death, in [881, when the father, with his four chil-
dren emigrated to America. They settled in Sverdrup township, this count}-,
where be followed the carpenter trade and later took up farming. He
lived for a time at Underwood but now resides in North Dakota, having
retired from active duties. Mrs. Lein is the second child of the family,
the eldest being Peter, who was an engineer and farmer in Oregon, where
be died; Ragna is the wife of Gus Wanstedt and lives at White Deer, South
Dakota, while Olaf. the youngest of the family, is a farmer in Canada.
Mr. and Mrs. Lein have a family of six children, namely: Florence,
born on March 26, 1895; Thoralf, July 18, 1896; Jarl, September 16.
[898; Leonard. April 6, 1902 ; Thelma, June 2. 1903, and Goodwin. Febru-
960 UTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
ary 19, 1910. Mr. Lein takes a commendable interest in all that affects the
life of the community and is independent so far as politics are concerned.
voting for the man of his choice. His life has been such that he stands
high in the regard of those who know him.
TOSTEX TOSTENSON.
Tosten Tostenson, who is an enterprising farmer of Tordenskjold town-
ship. Utter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Stavanger, Norway,
where his birth occurred on July 21, 1854. Air. Tostenson is a s<>n of Tos-
ten and Mallena (Knutson) Tostenson, who, after their marriage in Nor-
way, lived there for some years. or until 1862, when they came with their
family to America.
After living for one year in Rock county, Wisconsin, the family moved
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Tordenskjold township. This farm was cleared and im-
proved in man\- ways and a log cabin had been erected, in which the family
lived. Mr. Tostenson died in 1886, while his wife had passed away three
years previously, in 1883. Both were devout members of the Tordenskjold
township Lutheran church, and were among the founders of the church.
Before coming to the United States Tosten Tostenson, Sr., had served in
the Norwegian army. He and his wife were the parents of seven children:
Kari, who became the wife of Seamon Tostenson, lives in Battle Lake.
Minnesota; Martha is the wife of a Mr. Thompson; Breta married Albert
Josephson, and they live in Tordenskjold township; Mallena, the wife of
Hans Havobson. and they live in Dane Prairie township; Martha, who died
in Norway before the family emigrated to America: Knut, who died at the
home of his brother, Tosten.
Tosten Tostenson, Jr., was educated in the common schools of Nor-
way, and also attended school after coming to Minnesota. He was reared!
on the farm and about 1880 engaged in farming for himself. He first home-
steaded one hundred and twenty acres of land, and later bought forty acres
more. Subsequently he sold his first farm and purchased a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold township, where he is now living.
He has made all the improvements on this farm and has cleared the land
and put it under cultivation. Mr. Tostenson has made a remarkable success
as a stuck breeder and general farmer.
In 1871) Tosten Tostenson. Jr., was married to Breta Peterson, a native
of Norway, who was born at Stavanger, and who is a daughter of Thor-
beron Peterson and wife. Mrs. Tostenson accompanied her parents to
America when she was eight years old. The family settled first in Wis-
consin, but removed to Otter Tail county in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Tosten
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. g6l
Tostenson are the parents of ten children: Claus, a farmer living near
Battle Lake, Minnesota; Monne, also a farmer living near Battle Lake; Carl,
William, Theodore, Andrew and Martin are living at home; Thea, who is
the wife of Herman Miller, lives in Dane Prairie township; Mary, the wife
of Edwin Larson, of Tordenskjold township; Emma, the wife of Elmer
Vincell, lives in Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Tostenson have five grand-
children.
Since coming to America, Mr. Tostenson has been identified with the
Republican party. He has held practically all of the local offices in this
township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tostenson and family are devout members
of the Lutheran church.
KXUT OLSON.
Knut Olson, a prosperous fanner of Otter Tail county, Minnesota,
who was born eighteen mile- out of Christiania. Norway, June 27, 1841, is
a son of Ole E. and Osta Olson.
Mr. Olson's parents were both natives of Norway and there grew up
and were married. After the death of his mother, Knut Olson came to
America with his father in 1866. A little later they settled in Mower
county, Minnesota, and afterward the father, whose death occurred in 1874,
joined his son in Otter Tail county, where he had removed some time prev-
iously. Mr. Olson was one of seven children born to his parents, namely:
Ingebrit, a farmer by occupation, died in Mower county, Minnesota; Thor,
also a farmer, died in North Dakota; Sarah, the wife of Eric Ingebritson,
died in Norway; Chester, who married Nils Harls, died in Minnesota; Mary
was married in Norway and there died; Ole, a farmer living near Dawson,
Minnesota, and Knut, the immediate subject of this review.
Knut Olson received his early education in the public schools of Nor-
way, and after criming to America with his father, in 1866, settled first in
Mower county. Minnesota, where he worked for his brother on a farm.
Two years later he came to Otter Tail county, when there was not a house
on the present site of Fergus Falls. Here, in section 4, of Tordenskjold
township, he homesteaded one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, which
was mainly prairie, but upon which there was some timber standing. Here
he built a log house, and has lived on this farm ever since, clearing his land
and improving it in various ways. In the meantime, however, he has
erected modern farm buildings and is engaged in general farming. Mr.
Olson is a stockholder in various enterprises.
In 1872 Knut Olson was married to Sarah Erickson, a native of Nor-
way, and the daughter of Ole Erickson, and to this union there have been
(61b)
.962 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
born ten children: Edward E., a farmer of Tordenskjold township; Anna,
living on a homestead in Dakota; Emma, the wife of Ed Nelson, lives in
Dakota; Clara died at the age of twenty-three years: Xeal, a farmer living
in Dakota; Minnie, the wife of Harry Ingebretson, and they live in Dakota;
Christian is a fanner living in Dakota; Sanford, a homestead farmer, and
Hnlda and Carol, living at home with their parents.
Mr. ( >lson was a Republican in politics for many years, but is now inde-
pendent in his vote. Mr. Olson and family are earnest and devoted mem-
bers of the Lutheran church.
EVEN SETHER.
Even Sether, a prosperous farmer and cattleman of Otter Tail count}-,
was born near Trondjhem, Norway, September 8, 1839, a son of Even and
Olong (Sether) Sether, both of whom were born, reared and died in their
native land of Norway. Mr. Sether's father was a farmer and landowner,
and both he and his wife were earnest and devoted members of the Luth-
eran church. They were the parents of seven children : Lars, a miller and
farmer living in Norway; Jens, a retired farmer of Norway; Ole, who died
in infancy; Even, the immediate subject of this sketch; Ole. deceased: Car-
rie, deceased, and Guri, also deceased.
Even Sether received his early education in the public schools of Nor-
way, afterwards supplementing this by attendance in a military school until
he was twenty-three or twenty-four years of age. After leaving school he
began work in his father's mill, where he worked until t866, when he came
to America. After arriving in this country, Mr, Sether settled first in Fill-
more county, Minnesota, where he engaged in the milling business for four
or five years, and continued in this business in Minneapolis and elsewhere
until 1 NX 1. hi the latter year he came to Otter Tail county and settled at
Underwood. Mr. Sether had previously purchased a farm of one hundred'
and eighty acres in Tordenskjold township, which was partially improved
and under cultivation, having some buildings mi it. but Mr. Sether has
erected a new barn and other farm buildings, and has also repaired his
house. He is extensively engaged in the breeding of Poland China hogs
and Shorthorn cattle, and is otherwise engaged in general farming.
Mr. Sether was one of the organizers of the Farmers Mercantile Cor-
poration, and in fact, was the promoter, lie was elected clerk of this cor-
poration, but is ii" longer serving in this capacity.
In [896 Even Sether was married t" Gertrude Anne, a native of Nor-
way, and the daughter of Ole Anne, and to this marriage have been born
five children, Edwin, Oliver, L>]ga, Oscar and Iva.
Politically, Mr. Sether is a Democrat, and has served in everv local
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 963
office within the gift of the people of his township, except that of town-
ship treasurer, rilling all these positions with credit to himself and to the
constituents to whom he was responsible.
PETER EMIL HOLBECK.
Among the prosperous young farmers of Dane Prairie township, Otter
Tail county, Minnesota, is Peter Emil Holbeck, who is a native of Tordensk-
jold township. Otter Tail county, where he was born on July 28, 1882, the
son of Peter X. and Ingebor (Peterson) Holbeck, the former of whom was
born in Denmark, August 12, 1849, and who is the son of Nils and Karen
(Olson) Holbeck. A biographical sketch of Peter N. Holbeck is presented
on another page of this volume, to which the reader is referred for further
facts relating to the ancestry of Peter Emil Holbeck.
Peter Emil Holbeck was educated in school district No. 162, of Tor-
denskjokl township, and was reared on his father's farm. He remained at
home until 1904. when he was married and he then rented a farm for three
years in Tordenskjold township, subsequently purchasing one hundred and
sixty acres just over the line in Dane Prairie township. In the meantime,
Mr. Holbeck has erected a new house, a new barn and has made many other
improvements on the farm. He was one of the incorporators of the Otter
Tail County Co-operative Store Company anil also one of the incorporators
of the creamery.
On July 16, 1904. Peter Emil Holbeck was married to Inga Christine
Mortenson, a sister of Martin Mortenson, a history of whom is presented
elsewhere in this volume Mr. and Mrs. Holbeck have one son, Herbert
Marion, born on April 0, 1905.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Holbeck are members of the Free Lutheran church.
Fraternallv, Mr. Holbeck is a member of the Danish Brotherhood. He is
independent in politics.
OLE ERICKSOX.
Die Erickson was born in Norway, November 29, 185 1, the son of
Berger and Oline (Olson) Erickson, the father born on December 4, [825,
and the mother born on April 12, 1833. Berger and Oline Erickson, in the
year [852, came to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel, which
required more than nine weeks for the journey. After landing at Xew
York, Berger Erickson and wife went by rail to the city of Milwaukee and
from there, by ox-team, they went on to White Water. Wisconsin, where
they lived for three years and then went to Adams county, \\
where thev bought a farm, which the\ improved and where they lived for
964 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the next eighteen years. In 187 1 the entire family moved, by ox-team and
covered wagons, across the woods and prairies to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, where they bought one hundred and twenty acres of state land in sec-
tion 36, Dane Prairie township. At this time the land of Dane Prairie
township was heavy timber land and Berger Erickson set out to bring his
land under cultivation and to build such structures as a log house and a
small log shed for a barn, after which he broke up the land and engaged as
a general farmer. Berger Erickson improved his farm and built new build-
ings as time went on and then bought forty acres of land adjoining, where
the family lived until the year t88l, and then Berger Erickson took up a
homestead in section 25, a short distance north of his original home. At
this place Berger Erickson lived for six or seven years and then sold his
home place to his son, Ole Erickson. the subject of this sketch, who now
lives on the place.
On selling his land to his son. Berger Erickson retired from active life
and now, a hale and hearty man, at the age of ninety years, often walks the
distance of two miles to the town of Dalton. Oline (Olson) Erickson
died 011 March 17. iqii. Berger Erickson, during the Civil War, served
about a year with Company D, Eighteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, taking part in several engagements while in the service. Berger
Erickson was one of the founders and builders of the Lutheran Synod
church, his wife also having been a worker in the same church. To Berger
and Oline Erickson were bom the following children : Ole, the subject of
this sketch; Amelia, who married L. A. Rustad and now lives in Yirgina;
Sophia Pauline, who married Andrew Johnson, and who is deceased; l'.ern-
hard, who is a farmer and landowner of Dane Prairie township: Christiana,
who is the widow of C. G. Peterson and lives at Barrett. Grant county.
Minnesota; Cornelius, a farmer of Tumuli township; Bertha, who married
Dr. O. A. Norman, and who died in 1Q14: Otto, who is a carpenter of
Superior. Wisconsin; Anna, who is an employee of the state hospital at
Fergus Falls. Minnesota; Karen, who married Adolph Glorvigen, and lives
at Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Lena, who lives with her brother, Ole, and two
children who died in infancy.
Ole Erickson was educated in the public schools of his native country
and then came with his father to the state of Minnesota, where he helped
his father on the farm and then bought the home place, of one hundred and
sixty acres, in Dane Prairie township, on which place he added many im-
provements, among which was a new house, a new barn and other necessary
buildings, and then engaged in the pursuit of general farming and stock-
raising.
< lie Erickson has never married, but has a younger sister who act- as
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 965
his housekeeper. Mr. Erickson is a member of the Lutheran church and
takes a prominent place in the work. In politics, Ole Erickson is inde-
pendent, preferring to support all candidates that stand for good citizenship
and advancement of community interests.
E. J. HANSON.
Born on the farm where he is now living in Tordenskjold township,
February 26, 1877, E. J. Hanson, a well-known and prosperous farmer of
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a son of Nils Hansen Loken and Annie
(Monstadt) Loken, both of whom were born in Norway, the former on
January 25, 1837, and the latter on March 3, 1836.
Mr. Hanson's parents grew up in their native land and were married
in that country and had two children lie fore coming to America. During
his active life, Nils Hansen Loken was a shoemaker by trade, but wishing
to improve his condition, came to America about 1871, and for a time lived
in Red Wing, Minnesota. After acquiring an ox-team he drove to Otter
Tail county, settling in Clitherall township, where he lived for three or
four years. Mrs. Hanson's mother, Ingebor Monsen, accompanied her
daughter and son-in-law to this country, and after he arrived in Minnesota,
took up a homestead in Clitherall township, where she lived for some years,
her death occurring in Tordenskjold township, at the advanced age of ninety-
one years. Nils Hanson later came to Tordenskjold township, where he
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in sections 13 and 24.
After clearing and improving this place in various ways, he erected hand-
some modern buildings to replace the log structures which he had first con-
structed. He and his good wife are both now living retired in their little
home. On July 3, 1913, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary,
and at that time entertained many of their descendants, who took part in
the celebration. Both are devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church. To this worthy couple have been born seven children : Hans J.,
who lives in North Dakota, where be is a farmer; Inga, who is the wife of
Hans Olson, also lives in North Dakota; Dina, the first child born in
America, married Herman Lillestrarid, and they are now living in North
Dakota; Hendrick Arnold, a farmer of Tordenskjold township; Mollie, the
wife of J. B. Higsdale. a farmer of Tordenskjold township; E. J., the
sixth in order of birth, is the immediate subject of this review; Sarah, the
wife of Jule Morstad, and they live at Wall Lake, Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota.
E. J. Hanson received his education in school district No. 71, Otter
Tail county and Tordenskjold township, and after leaving school he took
up farming, and in 10 14 purchased the old homestead, comprising one hun-
966 OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA.
dred and sixty acres, besides eighty acres which his father had later bought.
Mr. Hanson is engaged in general fanning, and is the thresherman for his
neighborhood.
On October 25, 1008, E. J. Hanson was married to Mary Hedberg, a
native of Sweden, and the daughter of Ole Hedberg, who died in Sweden
in 1913. Mrs. Hanson's mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Hanson
are the parents of four children. Nils, Arthur, Olive and Edna.
Both Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Hanson are members of the Norwegian Synod
church. Mr. Hanson is identified with the Democratic party and has been
prominent in local politics, having filled a number of local offices, among
which is that of constable.
PETER N. HOLBECK.
Born in Denmark, August 12, 1849, the son of Nils and Karen (Olson)
Holbeck, Peter N. Holbeck is one of the enterprising farmers of Tordensk-
jold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and one of its older citizens.
Mr. Holbeck's parents were born in Denmark, and in 1873 came to
America to join their son, the subject of this sketch. They settled in what
is now Underwood and, although Nils Holbeck was a man sixty-three years
old. he homesteaded forty acres in Sverdrup township, the farm which is
now occupied by Olaf Lein and part of which is now embraced in the
village of Underwood. Later he sold the farm and lived with his son. with
whom he died at the age of seventy-five years. His wife had died twelve
years previously, in 1875, at the age of sixty-six. They were the parents
of four children, of whom Christian lives at Ft. France, Canada, and is
retired, being seventy years of age; Christena married Jens Jensen and lives
in section 30, of Sverdrup township: Peter N. is the subject of this sketch,
and Nils lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he is the proprietor of the
Columbia hotel.
Educated in the public schools of his native land, Mr. Holbeck worked
at almost anything he could find to do until, in i860, just before he was
twenty years old. he came to America. After living for a time at Winona.
Minnesota. Mr. Holbeck joined his brother in Otter Tail county and, after
his parents came to America, he assisted his father on the homestead, but
soon purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold town-
ship. There was a small house and a small barn on the farm when Mr.
I [olbeck purchased the land, but only ten acres had been cleared. FTe cleared
the remainder of the farm and added forty-eight acres of land nearby.
Within recent years Mr. Holbeck has erected modern buildings and made
substantial improvements. He is a general farmer and stockman and is
especially interested in raising cattle.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 967
In 1876 Peter X. Holbeck was married to Ingebor Peterson, a native
of Denmark and the daughter of Peter and Ella (Nelson) Larson, who
died before Airs. Eolbeck immigrated to America, in 1876. Mr. and Mrs.
Peter X. Holbeck have been the parents of six children, Ella, who is at
home; Annie, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Emil, who is a
farmer in Dane Prairie township; William, Anton and Gullina, who are at
home.
Mr. and Mrs. l'eter X. Holbeck are prominent members of the Uni-
tarian church. Mr. Holbeck is a Democrat in politics and has served his
party and his fellow citizens in the capacity of supervisor twice and as a
school director. Mr. Holbeck deserves to rank as one of the foremost
citizens of Tordenskjold township and is popular with his neighbors in this
community.
JOHANNES P. SCHEI.
Johannes P. Schei, a pioneer citizen of Otter Tail county and one of
the best known residents of Tordenskjold township, where he is now living
retired, is a native of Norway, born eight miles out of Trondhjem, May 17,
1839. Johannes P. Schei is the son of Peter and Jochimine Schei, who in
later life emigrated to America. They died on a farm in Tordenskjold
township about 180.0 and are buried in the Tordenskjold township cemetery.
They were farmers by occupation and had a family of nine children, all of
whom came with them to America. Johannes P. was the eldest; Maria died
in Norway; Ole lives in Red Wing, Minnesota; Olaf died in Minneapolis;
Berit Martha married Aneus Volen and died at Underwood; Paulina died
unmarried in Minneapolis; Martin died in Minneapolis; Mary married a
.Mr. Johnson and lives in Minneapolis; Ever resides near Minneapolis.
Johannes P. Schei was educated in the public schools and, from his
boyhood, has been engaged in farming. In 1867 he accompanied his par-
ent- to America and. for the next three years, worked on a farm in Good-
hue county. Later the family came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold township. This farm was
composed altogether of wild land and, after clearing a place. Mr. Schei
built a log house, having lived one summer in a wagon. The old log house
stood on the site of the present Schei home. Later, Mr. Schei added forty
acres of land in Dane Prairie township, and still later two hundred acres
more southeast in Tordenskjold township, erecting houses and barns on
these various farms. For some years Mr. Schei has been living retired.
On July 4. 1867, Johannes !'. Schei was married 111 Goodhue county,
Minnesota, to Barceline Rosvold. Mr. and Mrs. Schei have been the par-
ents of ten children: Olaf is a merchant at Fergus Falls; Julia died at the
90S OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
age of six years; Karen married Albert Anderson and lives in Dane Prairie
township; Julius is a farmer in Tordenskjold township; Joseph died at the
age of twenty-seven: Ole is in the real-estate business in Portland, Oregon;
Martin is a farmer in Idaho; John G. is the manager of the home farm:
Olena died at the age of twenty years; Julia lives at home with her parents.
John G. Schei was horn on April 4, 1883, on the farm where he now
lives and was educated in school district Xo. 20. Mr. Schei was reared on
the farm and. since he was old enough, has been operating the home farm.
He is independent in politics.
Johannes P. Schei. who is an ardent Republican, served three years as
a school director in this township. Both he and his wife are devout mem-
bers of the Lutheran church.
J. B. HIGHDALE.
Born at Evergreen, Ontonagon county, Michigan. March 17. 1865.
J. B. Highdale, a prosperous farmer of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail
county, Minnesota, has spent practically all his life on the farm where he
now lives, and which he now owns. It is his father"s old homestead farm.
Mr. Highdale is a son of Swen and Anna ( Lind ) Jacobson, who were born
in Norway, and grew up in that country. After their marriage they came
to America in the spring of 1864, and located at Evergreen, Michigan,
where Swen Jacobson worked in the mines a few years. Afterward he and
his family removed to Calumet, Michigan, where they lived for three years.
They then moved to the state of Missouri, where they remained a few years,
living near St. Louis while in that state, and there they engaged in farming.
Subsequently, however Mr. Jacobson returned to Calumet, Michigan, and
lived there for two or three years, or until 1871. when the family removed
to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Here they homesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, and within the next few
years the land was cleared and the dug-out, which the family used for a
home, was replaced by a log house, in which they lived for some time, and
here Swen Jacobson died on April 30, 1902. He served several terms as
township trustee and as a member of the hoard of supervisors, as well as in
several school offices. Politically, he was identified with the Prohibition
party. Both he and his wife were formerly members of the Lutheran
church, but in later years were identified with the Methodist church. Mrs.
Jacobson C still living, at the age of eighty-three years. Swen and Anna
Jacobson were the parents of five children, of whom J. B. Highdale is the
eldest: Willie died at the age of three years: Minnie is the wife of I'M
Anderson, anil they live at Cresswell, Oregon: Annie married William Rob-
ertson, and lives at Ashby, Minnesota: Emma died at the age of live years.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 969
J. B. Highdale was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail county
and was reared on the farm in this county, When he was old enough he
took up farming on the home farm, and has lived here ever since. From
time to time he bought out the interests of the other heirs in the home
farm, and in the meantime lias made many improvements upon the farm,
including the erection of a good barn. He is a general farmer and stock
breeder and has specialized in purebred stock.
In the fall of 1002 J. B. Highdale was married to Mollie Hanson, a
daughter of Xels Hanson Loken. Mr. and Mrs. Highdale are the parents
of seven children: Alvin, who died at the age of five; Emma. Lillian, Cor-
inne, Martin. Selmer and Judith, who are all living at home with their
parents.
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Highdale are members of the Lutheran Synod
church, in which they take an active interest. Mr. Highdale is independent
in politics, but has never taken an especial interest in political matters. He
is a highly respected and well-known citizen of the township and county
where he has lived for so main vears.
HAN'S GILBERTSON.
Hans Gilbertson, who is a prosperous farmer of Clitherall township,
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born at Eidsvold, Norway, November
26, 1843, and is the son of Gulbrand Olson and Karen Larsdatter. Mr.
Gilbertson's parents spent their entire lives in Eidsvold, Norway, where they
were born and reared. The father was a farmer and landowner and a
soldier in the Norwegian cavalry, although he never participated in any
war. Mr. Gilbertson'- father and mother were members of the Lutheran
church. The former was burn in 1X14 and died in 1003, and the latter was
born in 1804 and died in [852. After the death of his first wife, Guldrand
Olson was married t" < >lia Larsdatter, a sister of his first wife, who was
born in 1804 and died in [852. \fter the death of bis first wife, Gulbrand
family, two daughters, who died early in life; Ole, who was a farmer and
logger and who operated a saw-mill, died in Norway; Plans, the subject of
tin- -ketch, and Christian, who. after coming to America in [868, settled in
Clitherall township "ii a homestead and died there in tqoo.
Man- Gilbertson was educated in the public schools of Norway and.
after coming to America, -pent a few months in the public schools of this
country, lie worked 1 m a farm until iN'>o. and then came to America 1>\
steamship. It required a month to make the voyage from Christiania.
Win- living in Frontenac, Canada, for a few months, Mr. Gilbertson came
to Otter Tail count)- with bis brother in i860. He homesteaded one hun-
dred and sixty-six acres of land in section 4, of Clitherall township, where
970 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, -MINNESOTA.
he now lives. When this land was homesteaded it was nothing more than
wild prairie land. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Gilhertson built a log house
where his present house stands. Later he added other buildings and in [897
replaced the log house with a modern dwelling. He also has a good barn,
which is the third on the farm. Hans Gilbertson 1- a general farmer and
stockman. He is a stockholder in the Battle Lake Creamery Company and
vice-president of the Farmers Elevator Company. For eight years he was
president of the creamery.
In [882 Hans Gilbertson was married to Adeline Corser, a native of
Wisconsin, and the daughter of John and Electa Corser, who were old set-
tlers in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson have three children. Karen.
who married Paul Buran and lives in Roseau. Minnesota; Raymond, who is
unmarried and engaged in the printing business at Roseau, and Gretchen,
who is eighteen years old and a student in the St. Cloud Normal School.
Hans Gilbertson served for twenty-two year- as township clerk. lie
has also served as constable, as treasurer of the school district and as secre-
tary of the Free Lutheran church, of which he and his wife are members.
Politically, he is identified with the Republican party.
CARL THORSTONSON.
One of the most successful farmers of Clitherall township. Otter Tail
county. Minnesota, is Carl Thorstonson, who was born in Norway, near
Christiania, October 13, 1846, and who is the son of Thorston Hermanson
and Elsie Mickellsdatter.
Mr. Thorstonson's parents died in Norway. His father was a farmer
and a landowner and he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.
They had eight sons, llalvor, who died on the old homestead in Norway:
Andreas, who died in infancy; Jens, who came to America, served in the
Civil War. and promoted to captain, hut never returned; Andreas, who was
a soldier in Norway; Edward, who is a farmer in Norway; Johan, who died
at the age of seven years; Carl, the subject of this sketch, ami Hans, who
was a fanner and died in Clitherall township.
Carl Thorstonson was educated in the public schools and reared on the
farm. When he was twenty years did, he came to America, in i860, and.
after stopping in Goodhue county. Minnesota, for a time, came to Otter Tail
county in the spring of [870 and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres
in sections 20 and 21, of Clitherall township. Mr. Thorstonson made the
journey from Goodhue county to St. Paul on foot. He then came by rail
to St. ('loud and then by stage to Otter Tail county. The Indians were
numerous at that time, but were always friendly and on good terms with
the white settlers.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 971
Mr. Thorstonson's farm consisted principally of wild prairie land with
the exception of a few popple groves. He constructed a dugout thirty rods
south of his present buildings and engaged in breaking the soil. He was
able to plow five acres of the land the first summer, and the second summer
six additional acres. Finally he purchased a yoke of oxen and things went
mure rapidly alter that. He was soon able to build a log house, where his
present commodious and comfortable house stands. This was built in 1900.
About 1N95 he also erected a good barn. Mr. Thorstonson is a general
farmer and stockman, lie is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany and also in the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company. He has bought
land in addition to his original farm and now has altogether two hundred
and eighty acres.
In 1873 Carl Thorstonson was married to Mina Hanson, a native of
Norway and the daughter of Hans Hanson. Mr. and Mrs. Thorstonson
have ten children, Thorston, who lives at home; Eliza, who is a milliner at
Battle Lake: Josephine, who married Carl Finstadt and lives in Norwegian
Grove; Hans, who is a wheat buyer and lives at Northwood; Clara, who
married James Herman and lives in Day Creek. Minnesota: Sarah, who
married Henry Scott and lives in Clitherall township; Kelmer, who is a
wheat buyer at Ashby; Lawrence, who lives at home; Ole, who is a clerk
at Pelican Rapids, and May, who is a student in the Battle Lake high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Thorstonson and family are members of the Synod Luth-
eran church. Mr. Thorstonson votes the Republican ticket, hut lias never
been especially active in politics and has never aspired to office. He is a
good fanner and a good citizen and enjoys the confidence of all of his
neighbors.
ED K. EVANSON.
Born on the farm where he now lives in Clitherall township, ( )tter Tail
countw Minnesota. Ed K. Evanson is the son of Knut anil [ngeborg 1 Lein 1
Evanson. Mr. Evanson was born on September 11, [873, and is now in the
prime of life.
Knut Evanson was horn on November 11. 1835, at Hamsedahl, Nor-
way, and was the son of Evan Anderson Grondal and Annie Guttormson.
Knut Evanson's parents were horn in Norway and were married there. In
[862, with their four children, they came to America and settled in Good-
hue countw Minnesota, where Knut Evanson's father purchased a farm
and lived until his death. Knut was the second of four children horn to his
parents, \ndrcw, who died in Nebraska; Gertrude, who married Rudolph
Borchert and lives in North Dakota: and Anna, who is the widow of Knut
Fuglie and lives at Ashby, Minnesota.
9/- OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Educated in the public schools of his native land, Knut Evanson was
reared on the farm and was twenty-six years old when he came to America
with his father and mother. After living in Goodhue county, Minnesota,
for six years, he moved to Grant county in 1868 and lived there for one
year. " The next year he moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres of land in sections 10 and 20. of Clitherall town-
ship. This land was then wild and there were only two settlers in the
neighborhood. The Indians were numerous but always friendly. Mr.
Evanson built a log house which was his only residence for many years.
He cleared the land and later purchased one hundred and forty acres adjoin-
ing the original homestead. As time passed, he improved the buildings and
111 later life rented the farm to his son, Ed K. In 1906 he sold the home-
stead and purchased one hundred and forty acres where he now lives. Ik-
is a general farmer and is now living retired. Both he and his wife are
members of the Lutheran Synod church. Air. Evanson presented the land
to the church, upon which the present building is erected and has served
as trustee of the church ever since. He is a Republican in politics and has
served as treasurer in his school district.
Knut Evanson was married on July 16, 1867, to Ingeborg Lein, a native
of Norway and the daughter of Evan and Bergetta (Tollefson) Lein. In
[861 the family had come to America and settled in Goodhue county and
in 1867 they moved to Grant county, where Mrs. Knut Evanson's father
died. Her mother came on to Otter Tail county and in 1869 homesteaded
a farm. She died in the spring of 10,05. at the age of ninety-five years.
The venerable Knut Evanson is still living at the age of eighty years.
Ih's wife is also living and was seventy years old in the spring of 1915.
Mr. and Mrs. Knut Evanson have been the parents of four children: Evan,
who lives in Chicago, Illinois, and is the manager of a clothing factory;
I'll l\., the subject of this sketch; Anna, who is a music teacher in her
home neighborhood, and Thosten, who died in the fall of 1914.
Ed K. Evanson received a liberal education in the district schools and
at the Park Region Lutheran College. He graduated from the commercial
department in [899 and. immediately thereafter, returned to the farm and
took charge of its management for his father. In 1006 Mr. Evanson pur-
chased the original homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Clitherall
township. He is a general farmer and stockman and owns a magnificent
farm which is highly productive and which is kept in a splendid state of
cultivation. lie is a director in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Com-
pany and secretary of the board of managers since the new elevator was
1 in 1 1107. He is also secretary of the Battle Lake Co-operative
1 'nainerv ( 'ompanv.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 973
On June 21, 1906, Ed K. Evanson was married to Carrie Bondy, the
daughter of W. W. Bondy, an old settler of Clitherall township. Mr. and
Mrs. Evanson have no children. For fifteen years Ed K. Evanson was a
member of the town board of supervisors and, for fourteen years, was
chairman of the board. He also served three years as clerk of his school
district. As a Republican, he is frequently called upon to attend Republican
district and state conventions. More recently, however, Mr. Evanson has
been independent in politics.
LUDVIG JENSON.
Numbered among the best citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota.
and among the most extensive farmers, is Ludvig Jenson, who was born five
miles north of Christiania, at Eidsvold, Norway, May [8, 1851, and who
is the son of Jens and Maria Olson.
Mr. Tenson's parents were married in their native land and in 1868
came to America, bringing with them all of their children. After stopping
in Wisconsin for a time the family emigrated to Goodhue county, Minne-
sota, where Mr. Jenson's father worked at the shoe-maker's trade and his
son worked on neighboring farms.
In.1871 the family followed Ole Jenson, one of the sons, to ( liter Tail
county. Here the father homesteacled one hundred and sixtv acres west of
where his son, Ludvig, now lives. There he lived until his death. His wife
dieil one week after the death of her husband. Both were members of the
Synod Lutheran church. They had nine children, of whom two died very
early in life in Norway. Those who lived to maturity are: Ole, Christine,
Ludvig, Alary, Christian, Otto and Emma.
Ludvig Jenson received a liberal education in the common schools of
Norway and accompanied his parents to America. On coming to Otter Tail
county he assisted his father on the homestead farm ami worked on neigh-
boring farms. At that time St. Cloud was the nearest railway station.
Some vears later the road was extended to Perham. In 1873 Mr. Jenson
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of school land in section 10. of
Clitherall township. There were no buildings on the farm at the time. lie
now owns two hundred acres of well-improved land ami in [914 erected a
magnificent house which is modern in every respect, equipped with water-
works and all modern improvements. In 1896 Mr. Jenson built a good barn.
He is a general farmer and stockman. Ludvig Jenson is president of the
Farmers Mutual Telephone Company, manager of the Fanners Elevator
Company and. at one time, served as director of the Co-operative Creamery
Association.
Ludvig Jenson was married to Lena Olson, a native of Wisconsin and
974 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
the daughter of Christian Olson, and they are the parents of six children:
Mary, who married Frank Anderson and lives in Battle Lake; Christian.
who lives at home; Martin and Matilda, who live at home, the former being
a wheat Inner: Oscar, who is a wheat buyer for the elevator at Josephine,
North Dakota, and George, who lives at home.
In ion Mr. Jenson added one hundred and sixty acres, in section 9,
to his farm land He has been prominent in the political life of Otter Tail
count v ever since he reached maturity. He is a Democrat now, but in the
days when the Populist party was prominent, he was identified with that
party, lie has served as supervisor and as chairman of the board of super-
visors, also school treasurer for many years. From 1900 to 1908 he served
as commissioner of Otter Tail county and many times has been a delegate
to Democratic district and state conventions, in which his voice is always
heard and in which his influence has always had great weight. Mr. and
Mrs. (erison are members of the Svnod Lutheran church.
TOHX ELLWANGER.
John Ellwanger was horn on the farm where he now lives in Clitherall
township, Otter Tail county, September 16, 1868. He is the son of Fred
and [nga (Hole) Ellwanger, the former of whom was born in Germany.
September 2j, 1838. Fred Ellwanger came to America with his mother
when a lad of thirteen years. They remained in Xew York City for a time
and there his mother died. Later he moved to Wisconsin and settled in
Dane county, where be worked at various occupations, in the meantime
learning the harness-maker's trade. In 1868, a few years after his mar-
riage, he moved with his family to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, homestead-
ing one hundred and sixtv acres of land in Clitherall township. Upon this
farm a log house was built. Fred Ellwanger prospered from year to year
and was later able to acid forty acres to his farm. He improved the place
and lived upon it for many years. His hist years, however, were spent at
the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ole Henry, where he died on November 3.
[907. lie was a devout member of the Synod Lutheran church.
There were nine children in the Ellwanger family: William, who is a
farmer in North Dakota: John, the subjeel of this sketch: Lewis, who is a
farmer and blacksmith in North Dakota; Thea, who married Ole Henry and
lives in Clitherall township: Albert, who lives near Ashby, Minnesota, where
he is a farmer: Matthew, who is a farmer in St. Olaf township: Emma, who
married \l\in Olson and lives in Eagle Lake township; Jose, who married
( .111 Knutson and lives in St. < >laf township, and Fred, who die,] in infancy.
John Ellwanger was educated in the old log school of his neighborhood,
spending two or three months every war 111 school, lie was reared on .1
[L COUNTY, MIXXEsoT.'
975
farm and when he was old enough, assisted his father in the farm work. Mr.
Ellwanger and two oi his younger brothers purchased his father's farm
before the hitter's death. Later, however, Mr. Ellwanger bought the inter-
ests of his brothers and has been its sole owner ever since. In 1915 lie built
a thoroughly modern barn, which is painted red and which is kept in a g 1
state of repair, lie also has other high grade improvements upon the farm
and makes a specialty of raising a high grade of live stock. Mr. Ellwanger
is a director in the Battle Lake Creamery Company.
In tgoo John Ellwanger was married to Minnie Herness, the daughter
of Lars Herness. and to them has been horn one son, Fred Lawrence, who
died at the age of one year. Mr. and Mrs. Ellwanger are well known in the
community where they live and are highly respected. Mr. Ellwanger is inde-
pendent in politics. He and his wife are members of the Synod Lutheran
church.
TOHX MURDOCK.
John Murdock was born on the farm where he now lives in section 12.
Clitherall township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota. He is the son of Lyman
ami Rebecca (Taylor) Murdock. and his birth occurred on November 13,
1874. Lyman Murdock was born in Jackson county, Missouri, in 1829, the
son of Daniel and Eliza Murdock, who were early emigrants from Ohio.
Lyman Murdock spent his childhood in Missouri, and after the death of
his parents moved with his elder brothers to Iowa. At that time he was
just nine vears old and remained in Fremont county. Iowa, until he reached
the age of manhood. In the count) of Fremont, occurred his marriage to
Rebecca Taylor. She was a native of Sullivan county. New York, having
been born there in 1831;. Her parents were Nicholas and Rachel (Twilliger)
lax lor. the former a native of Xew York and the latter a native of Penn-
sylvania. They moved in [842, with their three children, Charles, Rebecca
and Mary, to Iowa, where the) settled near Montrose, on the Mississippi
river. There Mrs. Taylor passed awa\ and after her death her husband
moved to Fremonl county, Iowa, where the daughter. Rachel, met and mar-
ried Lyman Murdock, the father of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Taylor
married, secondly, Olive Baldwin, who moved with him to Fremont county.
Lyman Murdock was a contractor and a mill owner. In 1805 he and
his wife moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded a
tract of land extending over forty acres, most of which was timber. The
land was located in sections 1 and !_'. The task of homesteading required
more than an ordinary aptitude for hard labor and a greal deal of self
sacrifice, Lyman Murdock proved that he was a man of both physical and
976 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
moral strength, and overcame the difficulties of a pioneer life with apparently
little effort. He built a cabin in a picturesque part of the county, located
>>n the north shore of Clitherall lake. In this cabin be continued to live
until bis death, which occurred in 1SS0. when be had reached the age of
fifty-one years. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-seven. Both
Air. and Mrs. Murdoch were members of the Cutlerite church, where Mr.
Murdock served as elder and member of the council for a number of years.
.Mr. Murdock by his brst marriage was the father of one child. Jane, who
married John Baldwin and resides in San Francisco. To his marriage with
Rebecca Taylor the following children were horn: Emer, a farmer in
Sherwood, Oregon; Olive, the wife of Albert Eddingfield, who is now- living
in North Dakota; Alma, who lives in Oregon; James, a farmer in Clitherall
John, the subject of this sketch; Lucy, who married Andrew Burnette. of
North Dakota; Frank, who. live- on the home place with his brother, and
township; Carrie, the wife of Bert Harker. who is living in North Dakota;
( ora who died at the age of sixteen years.
In the public schools of Clitherall township, John Murdock received
his education. John Murdock received his greatest discipline on the farm
where he learned the real lessons of thrift and honesty which he applied to
his experience later in life. He was reared on the farm, and after reaching
the age of manhood took up the occupation of the farmers as his life work.
In [892 his mother went to Oregon with her children and settled in the
Willamette valley in Washington county. For several years after their
arrival in Oregon John Murdock worked at brick setting. Later he began
to be interested in fruit "rowing', which was a popular branch of agriculture
in that state, and was occupied in that line of work for a number of years.
In 1000, the subject of this sketch returned to Otter Tail county where he
remained for two years. In IQ02, bearing of the possibilties for successful
farming in North Dakota, he went to Towner county, in that state, where he
took a homestead claim on one hundred and sixty acres of land, which
he later sold. He returned to Otter Tail count)' in 1903 and bought the
shares from the heirs to the homestead and in this residence he continues to
live. Since bis purchase of the farm he has taken a great interest in improv-
ing the land and remodeling the house and devotes most of his attention to
the duties of general farming.
Mr. Murdock during his residence in Otter Tail county has been a pop-
ular member of the Republican party, for whose cause he ha- served in many
offices of public trust. A- justice of the peace ami clerk of the school dis-
trict he ha- proved his ability to solve problems of community interest and
0,1 accounl of the manner in which he has served the public he has become
a popular member of society. Hi- personality ha- won a large circle of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY. MINNESOTA. 977
friends and his high traits of character are recognized throughout the county
in which he lives. Air. Murdoch has never married, but makes his home
with his brother, Frank.
ABNER S. TUCKER
Ahner S. Tucker was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, on Septem-
ber jo, 1850. and is the son of John Joseph and Abigail (Mott) Tucker.
His father was born on January 28, 1812, and his mother on February 14,
1826. Their ancestors were of English descent and were residents of New
Jersey before the Revolutionary War. Great-grandfather Mott was a -soldier
in the Revolution, a heritage of patriotism of which his descendants have
always been proud. The parents of Aimer S. Tucker spent their childhood
days in Xew Jersey, in which state they were also married. Six children
were lx>rn to them in the state of Xew Jersey. In i860 the family came
west and settled in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, fifteen miles east of Hud-
sun. In that locality the father followed the occupation of a carpenter for
two years and at the end of that time he went to Winona county, Minnesota,
where he continued to work at the same trade until 1875. After retiring
from active work in Winona county, Mr. Tucker moved to Otter Tail county,
Minnesota, where he lived a retired life until 1881, when he was called to
eternal rest. His wife lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years and
passed away in 1911. She was a woman of charming personality who found
pleasure in living a quiet and retired life. The children who survived her
are the following: Elizabeth, the wife of E. E. Corliss, who lives at Fergus
Falls, Minnesota; Euphenia, who married John Chapman, who resides in
Rattle Lake. Minnesota; Aimer, the subject of this sketch; Frank, who lives
on the old home place in Xew Jersey. By a former marriage, John Tucker
became the father of the following children; Katherine. the wife of
Chauncey Walker, who died in Xew Jersey, and William, a carpenter in
( 'batiield. Minnesota.
In the public schools of New Jersey. Ahner S. Tucker received his early
educational advantages. He was still a small boy when his parents moved
West in i860, and his schooling was consequently scattered, and as was the
custom in those da\ s extremely meager and inefficient. After a short stay
in the West, Abner Tucker returned to Xew Jersey, where he learned the
mason's trade. In [869, he moved to Winona county, this state, and fol-
lowed the trade he had learned and was skilled in until 1875. when he moved
to Otter Tail county. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county, he worked as
a tanner on the Corliss farm and later bought eighty acres of land in (dither-
all township. In 1893 he gave the tract of eighty acres of land to a son,
(62b)
978 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Murdoch heirs
for his own residence. Since his purchase of the Murdoch land, Mr. Tucker
has made many improvements, including the erection of a farm residence,
where he now lives. The surrounding land is kept in the best state of culti-
vation and is used for the sole purpose of general farming.
Mr. Tucker ha- always given his support to the cause of the Repub-
lican party, the members of which organization have honored him from time
to time with public offices. During his term as road overseer, Mr. Tucker
gained a large popularity in the community in which he lives, and from his
interest in school affairs added to his acquaintanceship among the best
citizens.
In 1881, Aimer S. Tucker was married to Emily Murdock, the daughter
of Hiram Murdock, one of the early settlers of Otter Tail county. Mr.
Murdock is now deceased. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, the fol-
lowing children have been born: Ellis, who died at the age of seven years:
Frank, who is station agent at Deer Creek: Orson E., who is a farmer
living on the land adjoining his father's place, and Nettie who is living at
home with her parents. The associations of his home constitute the main
solace and interest of Mr. Tucker, and concerning the ideal relations dis-
played in his domestic life there can be no finer example of his simplicity and
sincerity.
MONS O. LANGREN.
Mons Langren was horn near Malmo. Sweden, October 11, 1861, the
son of Ole and Ellen Hokanson, both natives of Sweden. His father lived
all his life in his native land where he was a farmer and a landowner. He
died in 1905 and his wife passed away in 1897. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hokan-
son were devout members of the Lutheran church ami were the parent- of
ten children, six of whom grew to maturity. The living sons are: Hokan
Olson, who resides on a farm in North Dakota: Ole Olson who lives in
Sweden; Nels Olson, a farmer in Clitherall township; Tar Olson, who is
still living in Sweden, and Andrew < llson, who lives in North Dakota.
The early education advantages received by Mons Langren were
received in the schools of his native land. At the age of fourteen he began
to make his way in the world and went to Denmark where for two years he
was employed as a gardener. After leaving Denmark, he returned to
Sweden and remained there for two years when he set sail for America,
lie landed in this countn in the year 1870 and went directly to Evansville,
Minnesota, where he worked in a brick yard for six months. Before taking
up the occupation of farming, Mr. Langren followed several lines of work.
For four months he worked in a railroad station and spent the two months
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 979
following on a farm. He returned to Evansville where the opportunity was
afforded him to work as a clerk in a general store. The line of work he
continued until 1881.
Mons Langren came to Otter Tail county, where he now resides, in
1881. He bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clitherall town-
ship, section 28. At that time there was nothing but a log house and a log
barn on the place and just twenty-eight acres of cleared land. Mr. Langren
started at once to apply himself to the task of removing the growth of tim-
ber and underbrush from the land. He gave his entire attention to this
occupation and was rewarded by seeing the wild appearance of the land
gradually disappear. The farm on a whole underwent complete transforma-
tion under his management. After clearing a large part of the land, he built
a large barn which was completed in 1893. The farm residence, which was
built in 10,10, is one of the newest designs in rural architecture. It has eight
rooms and is modern in every way.
Mr. Langren has followed many lines of agriculture and has given
special attention to the rearing of a high grade of cattle. Pie is a breeder
of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. One of the most profitable
occupations in which Mr. Langren has been engaged has been the one of buy-
ing and selling stock, in which he began to take an interest in 19 13. In this
line of work he covers a large field and handles over twenty-seven carloads
of stock a year. Mr, Langren increased his possessions by purchasing a
farm of ninety-six acres, three miles east of the place on which he resides
and has farmed on that land since 1902. In civic and industrial affairs,
Mr. Langren is extremely popular in the community where he makes his
home. He is a stockholder in the Fanners Co-operative Elevator Com-
pany and in the Axel Co-operative Store and in the Midway Telephone Com-
pany he is a director.
In 1881, Mons Langren was married to Mary Nelson, the daughter of
Andrew Nelson, one of the old pioneer settlers of Swedish descent who came
to Otter Tail county in the early stage of its development and who died
here some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Langren are members of the Swedish
Lutheran church which they attend regularly. They have reared a family
of ten children, namely: Andrew, the eldest child, lives on the farm of
ninety-six acres owned by Mr. Langren in Clitherall township; Ellen, the
wife of Oscar Olson, lives in Clitherall township; Alma, resides in Fargo,
North Dakota; Oscar is a fanner in Clitherall township; Amanda, Willie,
Helen. Augusta, Martin and Elmer are still living at home with their parents.
Mr. Langren adopted his name from the town in Sweden from which
he came. His original name was Olson, which is still used by tin- other
members of the family in Sweden and in this country. In political affairs,
980 '"Mi \ TV, MINNESOTA.
Mr. Langren has given his pporl to the cause of the Republican party and
has served in a number oi offices where his ability has been recognized. He
was constable for one year and for many years has been road overseer in
district No. 5. As treasurer and trustee he has served the Swedish church
for five years and was also treasurer of the building committee which
erected the present parsonage.
NELS MORRAN.
One of the most successful farmers and stockmen of Clitherall town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the venerable Xels Morran, who has
been an extensive dealer in cattle and horses. For many years he was one
of the leading stock shippers from the Battle Lake station and has often
traveled from ( (tter Tail county to Winnipeg, Canada, selling oxen and other
cattle on the way.
Mr. Morran is a pioneer of this section and was born in the southern
part of Sweden. December 3, 1844. He is the son of Andrew and Bertina
Anderson. Air. Anderson's parents spent their entire lives in their native
land and have long been deceased. His father was a stock dealer and farmer
and controlled a considerable amount of government land. He died about
1854. I lis widow survived him eight years, passing away in 1862. They
were members of the Lutheran church and had a large family of children,
of whom only two, however, ever came to America, Xels. the subject of this
sketch, and 'Christina, who is the widow of Ole Hendrickson. They came to
America about 1879 and she now lives at Los Angeles, California.
Nels Morran received a good education in the schools of Sweden. He
began the compulsory military service required in his native land, but in
i860, tiring of the life there, he came by steamship to America. For some
time he worked at St. Paul and then went to Meeker county, Minnesota,
where he worked on various farms. In 1871 Mr. Morran came to Otter Tail
count)- and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in sections .}
and 4, in Eagle Lake township. The land was covered with wild timber and
Indians were still numerous in the vicinity. Here Mr. Morran built a small
log house with the help of some Norwegian families, the Culbertsons, < >lsons
and Martinsons, who settled in the same community. He began clearing the
land and making his home habitable. After living on the farm until 1876,
the grasshopper year, lie had a sale and moved to a farm in Clitherall town-
ship, of one hundred and sixty acres, which he had purchased. This second
farm had only a shanty at the time and Mr. Morran found it necessary to
begin building and improving the place. He has lived on tin's farm ever
since. Recently, Mr. Morran built a new house, in which he resides to, lav.
lie has sold the Eagle Lake farm and is now engaged in general farming
OTTEE TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 981
and stock raising. Mr. Morran is a director in the Farmers Co-operative
Elevator Company. He has been prominent in the business and commercial
life of the township where he lives.
In 1870 Nels Morran was married to Mary Gammelson, a native of
Sweden and the daughter of John and Johanna Gammelson, who were early
settlers in Eagle Lake township. Thirteen children have been born to this
union: Anton, who lives in North Dakota, where he is a grain buyer, mar-
ried Amanda Nelson and has one daughter, Ellen; Hilma, who married Otto
Moodv, lives at Battle View, North Dakota; Alma, who married Franz
Anderson, lives at Evansville, Minnesota ; Julius, who is a butcher, resides
at Battle Lake: Augusta, who married Nordal Halmrast, lives at Battle
View, North Dakota: Emma, who died at the age of eighteen: Esther, who
died at the age of sixteen, both being burned to death when the Morran
house was destroyed by tire in 1914; Oscar, who lives in Milnor, North
Dakota, is engaged in the butcher business; Hjelmar, who lives in Milnor,
North Dakota, is employed on the Northern Pacific railroad; Clifford, Sei-
dell and Ruby live at home, and Julius died in infancy.
Although nominally a Republican. Mr. Morran has been more or less
independent in local politics. He and his wife are members of the Eagle
Lake Swedish church and are active in religious affairs. They are highly
respected citizens in the township, where they have lived for so many years
and where thev are so well known.
H. T. MURDOCK.
On the old Murdock homestead in Clitherall township, Otter Tail county,
Hiram T. Murdock was born on the 8th of May, [869. He is the son of
Lyman and Rebecca (Taylor) Murdock. the former of whom was promin-
ently identified with the early development and resources of the county in
which he lived. Lyman Murdock was born in Jackson county. Missouri,
in [829, and was the son of Daniel and Eliza Murdock. who originally
came from Ohio. Rebecca (Taylor) Murdock was born on the 15th of
September, [839, the daughter of Nicholas and Rachel (Twilliger) Taylor.
The parents of Hiram Murdock came to Otter Tail county as early as [865,
and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in that section.
He whose name initiates this sketch was reared under the conditions
and influence of pioneer days, and as was the custom for the average youth
of that locality and period received but few educational advantages. Not-
withstanding his meager training in the old town district school, Mr. Mur-
dock is a man of broad information and mature mind. \- a boy he gained
practical experience through the assistance given his father, and after com-
pleting the course in the Fergus Falls high school, he spenl three years on
982 OTTEK 1 Ml. COl NTY, MINNESOTA.
the In mie place where he was occupied with farming. In 1898 he went to
Tower county, North Dakota, and honiesteaded one hundred and sixty acres
of land. In this capacity. Mr. Murdock received his most valuable experi-
ence as a fanner, and remained in Towner county eight years. He bought
eighty acres adjoining the original farm and still owns a tract of land in that
section covering two hundred and forty acres.
In 1907, Air. Murdock returned to Clitherall township and bought a
farm of eighty acres in section 11. On this farm he continues to live and
enjoys a wide acquaintanceship in the community. Mr. Murdock believes
firmly in modern improvements and has used every effort to make his farm
stand for that principle. His farm residence, the barn and the smaller
buildings on the place have been remodeled.
Hiram J. Murdock was married in 1910 to Mollie Christianson, a native
of Madelia. Minnesota, and the daughter of X. Christianson, one of the
oldest living settlers of Madelia. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mur-
dock are: Rachel, Paul, Max and Daniel. In his political relations Mr.
Murdock is a Republican.
CARL L. DANIELSON.
Carl L. Danielson was born in Orebro, Sweden, on June 18, 1871. the
son of Carl \Y. and Christine Danielson. who were born at that same place.
and there grew to maturity and married. Carl W. Danielson was a farmer
of his native land, who, following a visit to America, returned to his country
and made preparation to come to America for permanent residence, and in
the year 1882 Carl W. Danielson and his family came to America and went
to Folden township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where for one year the
elder Danielson worked on a farm and then he honiesteaded one hundred
and sixty acres of land in section 14, of Folden township, which he cleared
and a place where he established a home, on which he lived until his death
in the vear 11)13, he being seventy years of age at that time. Christine
Danielson preceded her husband in death, she dying about the year 1898.
To the marriage of Carl \\ . and Christine Danielson were born seven chil-
dren, namely: Annie, who married Albert Thomas, and who died in 1897;
Carl L., the subject of this sketch: Fritz, who died as a boy: John, a farmer
of the state of Montana; Jennie, who is a missionary in China; Gertie,
win. lives at Seattle, Washington, and Huldah, who died in infancy.
Carl L. Danielson wa? educated in the public schools of Otter Tail
county, afterward going to the state of Montana where, for four years, he
lived and then during the year iNmo. he returned to Folden township and
invested in one hundred and twenty acres of land in section 22. land which
was 1 rly improved and a place which had been given little care and culti-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 983
vation. Carl L. Danielson, on gaining possession of this place, proceeded
to clear his land completely and to improve it to the point where it is now
one of the best farms of the locality. Mr. Danielson has erected a modern
house, has a splendid barn and is thoroughly equipped for the general farm-
ing which he does on his land.
On December 20, 1899, Carl L. Danielson was married to Mary Storbo,
who was born in Sweden, the daughter of Theodore Storbo and wife, who
emigrated to America at an early date. To Carl L. and Mary Danielson
were born the following children: Thomas, Clarence, Harry, Lynn, Pearl,
Beatrice and Annie.
Carl L. Danielson has served his township not only as a good citizen
in the common duties of citizenship, but he has served efficiently as school
treasurer, an office in which he displayed himself to be a man of business
ability and a man of judgment and tact. Carl L. Danielson and his wife
are both active members of the Lutheran church at Aining.
EDWARD GULLESON.
Edward Gtilleson, a native of Norway, was born in the northern part
of Trondhjem. April 20,, 1859, the son of Guile Erickson and Cecelia Iver-
son. The father of Edward Gulleson was a native of Norway and was a
shipbuilder by trade. After his death in 1865, his widow never re-married.
Twenty years later, her son Edward having become successful in America,
she crossed the ocean to join him and is still in his home, being eighty-three
years of age. Besides Edward, her eldest son, Mrs. Erickson gave birth
t<> two other sons, namely, Sigvurd, a farmer of northern Minnesota, and
Jacob, a farmer of Henning township. Edward's education was limited to
such schooling as was afforded during his boyhood days by the public
schools of his native land. Until 1884 he worked at his father s trade in
which he had become proficient and a year later bought a farm of one
hundred and forty acres, in section 5, of Henning township. This was a
barren country at that time, having no buildings, no cleared land and no
roads. The first necessity was shelter and the young man speedily set to
work with a resolute heart to effect a clearing on which he built a log
house. This was improved from time to time until finally in 1910 it was
replaced by a substantial modern dwelling. Two years later he built a new
barn having concrete foundation, sixty-eight by thirty-eight feet in dimen-
sions, on one hundred and twenty acres in this township, besides what he
previously owned. Mr. Gulleson has become a general farmer.
Air. Gulleson's marriage occurred in Norway in the year 1882, when
he married a daughter of Anna Peterson. The six children born of this
union are Gudrun, Thorolf, Anasgarl, Sophia. Jeffrey and Nelma.
984 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Mr. GullesOn, who is a Republican in politics, votes an independent
ticket locally. He is a stockholder of the creamery, the fanners warehouse
and the telephone company. He has been for several terms and is at present
a school director, having served also as school clerk. Both he and his wife
are members of the Vining Lutheran church.
LOUIS SHANSTROM.
Louis Shanstrom is a native of Sweden, having been born in Skara-
borg. December 20, 1844, his parents being Johannes and Mary Johnson.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born and grew up in Sweden, where the former
engaged in agriculture, and both died within a short time of each other,
leaving four children to look after themselves. These were Stine, who is
now married to John Lundgren and lives in Sweden; Ulriche, who mar-
ried John Larson, of Sweden; Elizabeth, also a resident of that same coun-
try, is the wife of a Mr. Solberg, and Louis, the subject of this sketch.
The father died in 1N47 and the mother three years later.
Louis Shanstrom was only three years old when he was deprived of the.
care and protection of a father, and six when he lost his mother. There
were no relatives to whose home the little lad could go and he was cared for
by the county until his fifteenth year, meantime attending school. At the
age of fifteen he began working for various farmers and continued this until
his twenty-second or twenty-third year, when he went to sea for the fol-
lowing three years. His travels bringing him to the shores of America in
1873. he decided to become an American citizen and with this in view.
worked at Duluth, Minnesota, for a year. He then went to Meeker county,
Minnesota, where he engaged in farm laor until 1884. Going to Grand
county. South Dakota, he took up a homestead claim of one hundred and
sixty acres of prairie land, which he cleared and improved and on which
he lived until about 1897. After living on a rented farm for a short period
of time, he again bought a farm which he later sold. For two years he lived
in Nassau, Las qui Parle county, Minnesota. It was August, [909, when
his footsteps turned eastward again, and arriving at Woodside township,
this county, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in section
16. He set about building the necessary farm houses and in 1914 erected a
line new barn thirty-two by forty-two feet, having hip-roof and concrete
foundation. Mr. Shanstrom has been engaged in general fanning.
Before coming to America, Louis Shanstrom was united in marriage
in his native country to (Lira Carlson, also burn in Sweden. This was about
1!: year [870. Four children blessed their home, these being Eric, a station-
ary engineer who lives in Watertown, South Dakota; John, a farmer. South
Dakota; Lizzie, the deceased wife of Paul Schulke; Albert F„ a native of
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 985
Meeker county. Minnesota, born on September _>5. 1879. is at present operat-
ing his father's farm.
Allien F. Shanstrom, during his early childhood, lived in South Dakota,
where lie attended the public schools and assisted his father with farm
work. Me has been such an apt pupil in this line of activity that he has
come to assume more and more responsibility until the present time when
his experience and ability are such that he is able to relieve his father to a
large extent of farm work. He was married in Grant county, South Dakota,
in 1906, to Minnie Clausen, a native of that count}' and daughter of 1'eter
Clausen. Their children are Harold, horn on January 29, 1909, and Har-
vev, July 12, 1910. Albert Shanstrom is a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America.
The subject of this sketch has been a resident of this county for only
six years, but his interests have become thoroughly identified with the life
of the community. He is a member of the Republican party. Mr. Shan-
strom is a well-balanced, all-round man.
P. O. BOTTEM.
P. O. Bottem was born in Lesse Gudbransdalen, Norway, August 31,
[855, the son of Ole Olson and Ragny Ralson. The parents of Mr. Bottem
were born, grew up and married in Norway. The father was a landed
farmer and died in the country of bis birth. He was also a soldier. The
children of Mr. and Airs. Olsen were Christian, who lives in Michigan and
is foreman of a mine; Annie, also a resident of Michigan: P. O., the subject
of this sketch, and Ragny who lives in Norway.
P. O. Bottem was educated in the schools of Norway, and came to
America with his wife and three children when he was twenty-five years of
age. They located in Michigan, where he was employed in the mines from
June until April. They then went to Mankato, Minnesota, where he worked
for three or four months, then taking up farming in Brown count), of the
same state, he bought and lived on his own farm until [900. They then
came to (titer Tail countw where he had already purchased two hundred
acres, in section 20, Elmo township. This property was only partially
improved and Air. Bottem proceeded to erect new buildings and fences and
cultivate the land. Me added to the value of the place in 1013 by erecting
a modern silo. Since that time he has become a well-known breeder of
general stock and dairy farmer, owning between fifteen and twenty cows,
lb- has also other interests, being a stockholder and director of the Umora
Co-operative Creamery Company.
In 1N77 P. < ». Bottem was married to Mar}- Jacobson, a native of Nor-
way and daughter of Jacob Jacobson. To them have been born four chil-
986 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
dren, Jacob, Olsen, a North Dakota farmer: Rena, who lives at home;
Ragny, who married Paul Midby and lives in Grand Forks, Minnesota, and
< >scar, a farmer of North Dakota. .Mr. Bottem is a Democrat and for rive
years tilled the office of supervisor. He and his wife have many friends in
the vicinity of their home.
EVER JOHNSON.
Ever Johnson has the distinction of having been one of the first em-
ployees of the Northern Pacific railroad who is still in the service of that
company. He began as a section hand 'when the track was a single one and
the trains were combination affairs, and has watched the transportation ser-
vice evolve into a wonderful organization, lie is also one of the few fore-
men who have remained in the service of that company covering a period of
so many years.
Ever Johnson is a native <d Norway and was horn near Trondhjem,
February 26, i860,. He is one of ten children born to John and .Martha
Johnson, both natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1873. Their
first location was in Ashland, Wisconsin, where they remained for a period
of one year, removing to Wadena county, Minnesota, and there settled on
an eighty-acre homestead. This place was cleared and improved and became
their permanent residence until the death of John Johnson in 1895. The
first buildings erected on this place were crude affairs built of logs. After
the death of John Johnson, his widow. Martha Johnson, removed to Wash-
ington state, where she joined her children, and one year later, in 1906,
passed to her eternal rest. In life they were both members of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church. The names of their children follow: Ever,
Mary, Swan, John. Xels, Charles, Maria, Plelmar, and two who died in
infancy. Alary hecame the wife of Andrew Ostrom and died in Wadena
county. Swan is a farmer and lives near Leaf River station. Wadena
county, Wisconsin. John was a millwright, of Bellingham, Washington,
and his death occurred in that place. Xels Johnson is a blacksmith and
resides in Bellingham, Washington. Charles is a farmer living near Leaf
River station, Wadena count)-, Minnesota. Maria hecame the wife of John
Thompson, and also resides at Leaf River station. Helmar is a fanner
living at Leaf River station.
Ever Johnson received his education in the public schools of Norway
and in Vshland, Wisconsin. This education was very poor, as he was the
son of pioneer parents and forced to become the arbiter of his own destiny
at an early age. His early youth was spent on the old home place, where
he assisted his father in the cultivation of his land. At the age of eighteen
years he entered the service of the Northern Pacific railroad as a section
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 987
laborer. His service in this capacity was of such value to the company that
he was soon promoted to section foreman, a position which he still retains.
This service has covered a period of thirty-seven years of honest and sincere
endeavor in behalf of the company. In 1887 he removed to Bluffton and
two years later erected the home in which he now lives.
On June 28, 1891, liver Johnson was united in marriage to Mabel
Howes, daughter of James and Lucinda Howes, a native of Hancock county,
Iowa. Ever Johnson and bis wife are the parents of seven children: (day-
ton, who lives in Bluffton; Even, .Albert. Charley, Chauncy, Ever and Irene.
The parents of Mabel ( Howes) Johnson came to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, about 1879 and settled on a homestead in Bluffton township, which
they later sold, retiring to the town of Bluffton. Lucinda Howes, the
mother, passed away in 1013. James Howes, the father, was born in 1840.
in Clinton county, Iowa, and removed to Ft. Howard, Wisconsin, in 1866.
In 1873 he removed to Hancock county, Iowa, removing rive years later to
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he still resides. He served his coun-
try as a soldier during the Civil War, and has served his community as
postmaster for some years. After the death of his first wife he married
Clara Hoppes, who is still living.
Ever Johnson was for many years a stanch Republican, but now lends
his support to the Democratic party. He was elected and served as a mem-
ber of the town council some time. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the
Modern Woodmen of America. He is sincerely respected and stands high
in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
BERNARD KLUENENBERG.
Bernard Kluenenberg was born in Hanover, Germany, January 6, 1875,
the son of Flenry and Eliabeth ( Woebkenberg) Kluenenberg, both of whom
were natives of Hanover. In 1887 the Kluenenberg family left their native
land and emigrated to the United States, settling at Albany, Stearns county,
Minnesota. The family here entered land and became actively engaged in
husbandry, at which industry and on which land the father and mother
spent their entire time, living quiet and retired lives until their deaths.
Henry Kluenenberg died on January 25, 1915, at the age of about seventy-
three years, and his wife died in 191 1. To Mr. and Mrs. Kluenenberg were
born six children, a- follow : Elizabeth, who died at the age of Iim- years;
Bernard, the subject of this sketch; Dena, who married Bernard Wenning;
Agnes, who married August Stueve and who lives at St. Anthony, and two
children who died in infancy.
Reared on hi- father'- farm at Albany and educated in the public schools
of Stearns county, Bernard Kluenenberg grew to manhood. Upon reaching
9«0 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
his majority he left his father's farm and started out in life on his own
responsibility, and for two years engaged in the mercantile business at
Richdale. He then removed to Bluffton in 1902 and engaged in the mer-
cantile business there for a period of three years, after which he traded his
business in Bluffton for a farm. Upon retiring from the mercantile busi-
ness, Mr. Kluenenberg entered into the saloon business and for the next
eight years was engaged in this business at Bluffton. Finally, however, he
gave up the saloon business and entered into the soft drink business. Aside
from hi- other business interests. Mr. Kluenenberg is secretary and treas-
urer id' the Bluffton Elevator and Produce Company, which company is at
the present time erecting a new and strictly modern elevator, and also a
shareholder in both the hank anil creamery of Bluffton.
On October 20, 1903, Bernard Kluenenberg was married to Alary Yor-
derbruggen, who has home her husband six children. Mary, Joe. Annie,
Barbara, Rosa and Bertha.
As a Republican, Mr. Kluenenberg has served as councilman and school
clerk of Bluffton. He is a member of St. John's Society and is at the
present time serving as secretary of the society. Both he and his wife are
members of the Catholic church.
TORN W. BARR.
lolm W . Barr was born in Jackson county, Iowa, October 9, 1859, the
son of Alexander and Mary (Soash) Barr, both natives of Pennsylvania.
The parents were reared in the Keystone state and were married in that
state. Alexander Barr was a cabinet-maker by trade and followed his
trade in his native state. Later he removed to Wisconsin, settling on the
Whitewater river, and still later removed to Jackson county, Iowa, where
he died in [862. His wife was soon thereafter married to Charles Knipe
and moved with her husband to Shell Rock. Butler county, Iowa, where she
died on April 25, 1875. Alexander and Mary Barr were the parents of
seven children, as follow: David, who was killed by lightning in 1886,
lived in Kimball, South Dakota; jane, who married Charles Marquand,
died 111 Wisconsin; Henry is a farmer residing at Ord. Nebraska; Mary, the
wife 01 M. Williams, lues in Shell Rock, Iowa: Will, a farmer and well
driller, also lives in Shell Rock; John W. is the subject of this sketch, and
Nora, who married lames Jenks, lives in Mount Auburn, Iowa.
fohn W. Barr received his elementary education in the public schools
of fackson county, Iowa. and. after being left an orphan at the early age of
fourteen, was raised by an elder brother for several years. Early in life he
began working on neighboring farms and continued as a farm hand until
he was thirty years of age. In [882 he removed to South Dakota, where
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 989
he lived for four years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Shell
Rock, Iowa, ami was employed until i8qo on the neighboring farms and
on the railroad. In 1890 he rented a farm in Iowa and there lived during
the next ten years, or until 1900. when he moved to < (tter Tail county,
Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 32,
of Bluft'ton township. The land being wild and unimproved, John \Y. Barr
began the breaking of the soil and the improving of the farm by the erection
of buildings and fences, lie has continued this process of improvement
until he now enjoys the ownership of a highly improved farm. He engages
in general fanning and stock raising and is especially interested in Durham
cattle.
On March 24. 1892, John \\ . Barr was united in marriage with Agnes
Newell. To this happy union there have been born four children, Yern,
Zola, Vera and Clyde. Yern is a carpenter by trade.
Mr. Barr is more or less independent in politics, but notwithstanding
the fact that he is not actively identified with either party, he is vitally inter-
ested in the political life of his community. He served as school clerk of
Bluffton township for a period of twelve years and filled this office to the
entire satisfaction of the people of that township. He is also a shareholder
in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company.
CHARLES O. OLSON.
Charles O. Olson, a native of Sweden, was born on January 1, 1850.
The parents of Mr. < >lson, < )le Carlson and Ellen Swenson were horn, grew
up and were married in Sweden where the father farmed on his own land
until his death in 1895, being followed by the death of his wife in 1905.
He newer enlisted in military service. There nine children are as follow:
Charles O.; Mary, who married and died in Sweden; Swen also passed
away at the age of sixteen: Andrew, a butcher, livingin St. Paul. Minne-
sota; Ocke, a Swedish fanner; John, a bricklayer living in Chicago; Swen.
a St. Paul merchant; Hilda, who lives in Sweden, and Esther.
Charles O. Olson went to school in his native land and farmed and was
thirty years old when he decided to seek his fortune in America. lie came
to this country and at once settled in Otter Tail county. In r88o he pur-
chased two hundred acres of land in section 29, of Elmo township. This
land was practically a wilderness at that time ami Mr. Olson was compelled,
at first, to live in a dugout while he began to clear and improve the prop-
erty which was to become his future home. On the site of his present home
he later built a log cabin and began his career as general farmer.
In iS<)4 he and Amanda Anderson, a native of Sweden, were united in
990 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
marriage, she being a daughter of Ander Swenson. To them five children
were born, Adolph, Obert. Aldo. Esther and Ellen.
Besides being a successful farmer. Air. Olson is a stockholder of the
Almora Creamery Company and of the Fanners Elevator Company at
1 Lenning. I le is a member of the Republican party and both he and his wife
belong to the Elmo Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Olson has also served
as school director.
ANDREW HANSON.
The proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres in section 2. of BlufTton
township, is .Andrew Hanson, a native of Sweden, born at Skane, December
21, 1856. He is the son of Hans Johnson and Kari Bengtson, both of whom
were torn in Skane, Sweden. Hans Johnson was a farmer in his native
land and followed his occupation there until 1S80, when he immigrated
with hi> wife and two daughters to the United States in order to join his
two sons, i'eter and Andrew, who had preceded them a few years previously
and had settled at Rockford, Illinois. Hans and Kari Johnson lived the
remainder of their lives at Rockford with their children, the former passing
away on March 31, 1894, and the latter in 1890. Both were devoted mem-
bers of the Swedish Lutheran church. To these parents were born four
children, as follow : Andrew, the subject of this sketch; Betsey, who mar-
ried Andrew Nelson and lives at Rockford, Illinois: Peter, who immigrated
to the United States in 1879 and is now a farmer living at Rockford, Illinois,
and Anna, who married I'eter Martinson and lives at Rockford. Illinois.
Reared to manh 1 on his father's farm and educated in the public
schools of Sweden, in 1878 Andrew Hanson left his native land and emi-
grated alone to America, the first of his family to be an immigrant to for-
eign shores. Arriving in the United States. Andrew Hanson removed to
Rockford, Illinois, where for a number of years he worked as a farm hand
on neighboring farms and later became a renter. After spending twenty-
seven years in Illinois, in 1005, he removed to Otter Tail county. Minne-
sota, and bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 2, of Bluffton town-
ship. This tract of land was improved and suitable buildings had been
• ■I. tied upon the farm. Mr. Hanson has l>een engaged in general farming
on this farm ever since his possession of it. and has been very successful in
the operation of his agricultural interests
In t88o Andrew Hanson was united in marriage with Elza Johnson,
a native of Skane, Sweden, and the daughter of John Johnson and Anna
Nelson, both of whom were pioneer settlers in Illinois. To this happy
union there have been born nine children, as follow: Fannie, who mar-
ried Charles Swenson ami lives in Illinois; Ella, who married Oscar Tung-
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 991
quist and also lives in Illinois; Alfred, who is a carpenter of Minneapolis;
Anna, who married Karl Gregory and lives in Rockford, Illinois; Clara,
who married Harry Osborn and lives in Los Angeles, California; Mabel
and Hansie, who live at home with their parents, and two children, both
named Alma, who died in infancy.
Andrew Elanson has taken a great interest in local political and social
conditions, but has never aspired to hold public office. He is identified with
the Republican party.
HELMER MYHRE.
The branch of the Myhre family of which Helmer Myhre is a descend-
ant i- traced hack to Mons T. and .Martha (Sefrend) Myhre, natives of
Norway, in the vicinity of city of Christiania. Mons Myhre, who was born
on the [8th of May, 1817, and Martha. Sefrend, whose birth occurred on
the I2th of October, [823, were married in the country of their nativity on
tlie 1 |th of November, 1843, and after several years of residence in that
country, where Mr. Myhre was engaged in the lumber business and in gen-
eral farming, the couple left for America. They set sail in July, 1861, and
were accompanied by their children. Upon arriving in this country they
went directly to Winona county, Minnesota, where Mons Myhre bought a
farm. He lived upon this land, which was unimproved, for six years. At
the end of that time he bought a farm in Fillmore county, where he con-
tinued to live for nine years. In 1.S70, accompanied by a son, he came to
Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where each started to farm independently.
Before taking up his residence in Pelican Rapids, Mons Myhre bought a
tract of railroad laud in Clay county, where he lived for some time. His
last days were spent in North Dakota, where he took up a homestead claim
near Balfour. On this homestead he lived with his wife until he reached
the age of ninety years. His death occurred in [909 and his wife passed
away in 1908. The couple attended the Lutheran church. They were the
parents of the following children: Annie, who was born in 1844, and who
died in Winona county, Minnesota, was the wife of Xels Haloorson; Tos-
ten. in whom reference is made in the following paragraph: .Martha, Lizzie.
Gulbjor, Gulbrand, Martin and Mary. Mary is the only child who was
born in America, her birthplace being Fillmore county.
Tosten Myhre was bom in Norway on the 1 ith of January, 1N46. He
was educated in Norway and later in the public schools <>\~ Winona count v.
I lis career as a fanner ma) be -aid to have begun in [876, when he came
to Otter Tail county and bought one bundled and sixt) acre-, of land, in
section ,:; 1 of Scambler township. Here he lives ;i retired life and enjoys the
satisfaction, of having produced a modem farm from an uncultivated tract
992 OTT] :• '■.: ! COl \ IV. MINNESOTA.
of prairie land. Mr. Myhre is a member of the Republican party and has
held the office of township treasurer for the last twenty-six years. He has
also served as director of the school board and as township trustee.
The marriage of Tosten Myhre to Hannah Bartelson took place on the
7th of November, [869. Hannah Bartelson is the daughter of Bartel Thor-
-"ii and Ragnild Anderson and was born in Norway. Her parents, who
came to this country in i860, settled in Fillmore county. The following-
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myhre: Martin, who lives in
Pelican Rapids, where he is proprietor of a restaurant; Regina, who lives
at home with her parents; Matilda, the wife of Even Rossum, who owns a
farm in North Dakota, but who resides in Otter Tail county; Tliea, who
lives on the home place: Helmer, the subject of this sketch, and Clara. Mrs.
Otto Kjos, who resides on her father's farm.
Helmer Myhre was horn in Scam'bler township, Otter Tail county, on
the 22d of April, 1881. lie remained on the farm with his parents until
[907, when he went to McLean county. North Dakota, for the purpose of
homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land. He remained on the
farm two years and at the end of that time returned to Otter Tail county,
where he came into possession of one hundred and twenty-six acres of land,
which was part of his father's original farm. Here Mr. Myhre continues
to reside. In [912 he made some very extensive improvements on the place
and for the past few years has devoted his interests exclusively to stock
raising and general farming.
The marriage of Helmer Myhre to Elma Arneson, the daughter of Syv-
rin Arneson, a pioneer settler of Clay county, took place on the 11th of
November, 1911. To this union two children have been born, Victor, who
died in infancy, and Grace, who is at home with her parents.
CLINTON WHITNEY FISKE.
Clinton Whitney Fiske was born at Still Water. Minnesota. March 17.
[852, the son of David and Elmira (Bragdon) Fiske, who were horn in the
state of Maine and following their marriage moved to the city of Galena,
Illinois, and then later to the state of Minnesota, where they settled at Still-
water, living there until their death. David Fiske having died, his widow.
Elmira, was married to a Mr. Atkinson. David and Elmira Fiske were the
parents of the following children: George, Charles. Frank, Clinton, Mary.
Anna, t amline and 1 lelen.
Clinton Whitney Fiske was the youngest child of David and Elmira
Fiske, he living horn hut a short time before the death of his father. When
a young man. following his sehool days, he remained on the home farm for
a time and then became a traveling salesman for the Minnesota Chief
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 993
Threshing Machine Company, a position which he occupied for some time
and then resigned to accept a position as manager of a large farm owned
by O. P. Whitcomb. After about six years at this work, Clinton W. Fiske,
in the year 1881, came to New York Mills, which at that time was a mere
settlement, and established himself in the livery business, erecting a building
known as the "Old Red Barn," on a site now occupied by the Dower Lum-
ber Company. Clinton \V. Fiske remained in business at the original place
until his death, on October 13, 1904, he being a pioneer in that line of busi-
ness, and a man who was known throughout the surrounding territory as
one of the most successful and commendable men of that work.
Clinton Whitney Fiske was prominent in the public life of the town
and the county, he having served in the capacity of a member of the local
school board and also on the village council. In politics, Mr. Fiske was an
ardent Republican. Clinton Whitney Fiske was a member of the New York
Mills lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, an organization in
which he took an active and important part.
On February 22, 1880, Clinton Whitney Fiske was married to Cora M.
Tyler, who was born in Washington county, Minnesota, July 21, 1855, the
daughter of John W. and Lydia Ann ( Dewey) Tyler, and a distant relative
of Admiral Dewey. John W. Tyler was born in Potsdam, New York, and
his wife, Lydia, was born in the state of Connecticut, and after their mar-
riage in Canada, they came to the state of Minnesota, later returning to
Brockville and to Toronto, Canada, after which they came again to the state
<>i Minnesota, and located at Lakeland, where they died. John W. and
Lydia Tyler were the parents of six children, three sons, all of whom died
in infancy, and three daughters, Nina, Edith and Cora, w^ho survive. To
the marriage of Clinton and Cora Fiske were born two sons, David Dewey
and Harry Taylor.
Harry Taylor Fiske was born at Redwood Falls, Minnesota, on Febru-
ary 21, 1882, and was educated in the schools of New York Mills and in the
schools of the city of Minneapolis. From boyhood having been associated
with his father in the livery business, Harry Tyler Fiske determined to
become a veterinary surgeon and therefore, in the year 1908, he entered the
Chicago Veterinary College, from which institution he graduated in the
class .if iqii, and since that time has followed his profession as a member
of the firm of Fiske Brothers, of New York Mills. The firm of Fiske
Brothers is splendidly located in a building, forty by one hundred feet,
have room for forty horses and for thirty tons of hay, as well as living
quarters i>>r one family, <>n the second floor. Harry Tyler Fiske has been
one of the town's councilmen, and in fraternal affiliation is a member of
Perham Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
(63b)
994 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
On September 2, 1912, Harry Tyler Fiske was married to Elizabeth
Hurst, who was bom at Wadena, Minnesota. To this marriage no children
have been born.
David Dewey Fiske was educated in the public schools of New York
Mills, after which he was an assistant to his father in the livery business
until the death of the father, when, with his brother, Harry Tyler Fiske.
he entered the business as a partner.
On September 2, iqo6, David Dewey Fiske was married to Mildred
Reynolds, who was born in Otter Tail county, the daughter of Fred Rey-
nolds and wife. David D. Fiske is a member of the lodge of Modern
Woodmen of America, at New York Mills, an organization in which he
takes an important part.
TACOB AMENT.
Jacob Anient was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 4, 1862,
the son of John and Mary t Reinman) Anient, both of whom were natives
of Germany. The parents were married in their native land and con-
tinued to live there until 1861, when they emigrated to the United States.
Upon their arrival in America, they settled in Milwaukee, where John
Anient obtained employment in a rope and twine factory. After living in
.Milwaukee for a period of ten years, he farmed in Milwaukee county for
two years and then moved to Marathon county, Wisconsin, where he was
actively engaged in husbandry until 1913, or until his retirement. In the
meantime he had become a well-to-do and prosperous farmer and. as the
result of bis patient labor, bad come in possession of one hundred and sixty
acres of land, which upon his death, in 1914, was divided among his chil-
dren. His faithful and beloved wife had died previously, in 1910, after
bearing her husband eight children, namely: Jacob, the subject of this
sketch; George, who is a contracting logger of Wisconsin: Anne, the wife
of George Hoffman and who lives in Marathon county, Wisconsin: John,
who lives in Merle, Wisconsin: Andrew, deceased, who was killed in 1910;
Effie, who married Frank Lauder and who lives at Atkins, Wisconsin: Mary,
who married and lives in Wisconsin, and Joseph, who died very young in
life. Mr. and Mrs. John Anient took an active interest in the social life of
Marathon county. They were devoted members of the Catholic church.
Reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Wis-
consin until fifteen years of age. Jacob Ament learned the cook's trade and
followed it from the time he was fifteen years of age until he was twenty-
eight years old. During this time be served as cook on various lake and
river boats during the summers and in logging camps during the winters.
OTTER TAIL COUNTV, MINNESOTA. i |l j 5
After his marriage, however, he gave up the cook's trade and began farm-
ing in Wisconsin on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he had
bought some years previously in Marathon county. After living on this
farm for twelve years, or until 1900, Jacob Ament removed to Utter Tail
county, Minnesota, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
in section 20, of Bluffton township. At the time of this purchase the land
was wild and unimproved. Consequently, Mr. Ament began immediately
to break the land and to improve the farm by the erection of a house. In
1912 Jacob Ament bought an additional one hundred and sixty acres situated
just northeast of his original tract and extending partially in the corpora-
tion of Bluffton village. Still later, in 19 15, Mr. Ament bought three hun-
dred and twenty acres of land located in Blowers and Bluffton townships,
which land he holds for his children. In 1914 he further improved his
original farm by the erection of a new and modern barn, thirty- four by
seventy feet, and a one-hundred-and-ten-ton silo, fourteen by twenty-eight
feet. Jacob Ament is a man who has a passion for all mechanical labor-
saving devices which by their installation add to the efficiency of his farm.
He has installed a gas engine which pumps all the water used on the farm,
separates the cream, does the washing and other work that greatly assists
in removing the drudgery of farm work. He also possesses a gas power
silo filler and an automobile, which eliminates waste of time in traveling
and insures rapid transit. Mr. Ament also keeps good breeds of live stock.
being a breeder of Hereford cattle, Poland China hogs and also a high
grade of horses. On his farm he keeps about sixty or seventy-five head of
cattle as well as a sufficient number of hogs to warrant the yearly shipping
"i two carloads to market. He generally raises about thirty-five acres of
potatoes and ships them himself to the market of Breckenridge.
In 1890 Jacob Ament was married to Tillie Harrins, a native of Wis-
consin and the daughter of Joe Harrins. a pioneer settler and blacksmith.
To this happy union there have been born fourteen children, as follow : Clara,
Maggie. Henry, George. Joe, Jubert, Freddie, John, Walter, Tony, Helen,
Tillie, Hildegard, and an infant, who died unnamed. Clara married Theo-
dore Kaufman and lives in Bluffton township. Maggie marrieil Joe Sch-
miesing and also lives in Bluffton township.
Mr. and Mrs. Anient are active and devoted members of the Catholic
church. Mr. Anient, who i- a Democrat, has always taken a great interest
in the development of hi- community and has been most active in improving
the roads and farming conditions of Bluffton township and Otter Tail count v.
Few men of Bluffton township enjoy a larger measure of success or com-
mand the respect and esteem of a larger number of friends than Jacob
Anient.
-i OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
GEORGE F. WOLLEAT.
George F. Wolleat was horn on May 16, 1868, in Warsaw, Rice county,
Minnesota, and is the son of William and Annie (Cowan) Wolleat. His
paternal grandparents were Michael and Adelaide (Davidson) Wolleat.
Michael Wolleat was a native of Pennsylvania. Adelaide (Davidson) Woll-
eat was a native of New York. After their marriage most of their lives
were -pent in Rice county, Minnesota, where they removed in 1856, and
where their death occurred. They were the parents of, eight children:
William, Benjamin, Harrison, Crosby, Michael, Lucy, Melvina and Sarah.
The maternal grandparents of George F. Wolleat were John Wesley and
Bertha 1 Buchanan) Cowan, both natives of Indiana. In 1856 they removed
to Faribault, Minnesota, where they both died. John Wesley Cowan set-
tled in that location when the county was thickly populated with Indians.
They were the parents of nine children: Andrew, Enoch, George, Frank,
Annie. Martha, Elizabeth, Mary and Lucinda. Annie was born while the
family were residents in Indiana, and removed to Rice county, where she
grew to maturity, and where her marriage to William Wolleat was solemn-
ized. Her husband died in 1803 and she then married John Epperd, but is
now a widow. William Wolleat, father of George F. Wolleat, was a vet-
eran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company B, Eighth Regiment,
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. His two broth-
ers, Harrison and Crosby, also served in the same company. After the war
he became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Annie (Cowan)
Wolleat was a member of the Episcopal church. They were parents of
twelve children : George F., Addie, Lizzie, Jessie, Luke, Lloyd, Archie,
girl triplets who died in infancy; Lina, who died when very young, and
Raleigh. Addie became the wife of W. S. Orne and lives in Brainerd,
Minnesota. Lizzie became the wife of W. H. Blackburn and resides in Ft.
Ripley, Minnesota. Jessie married I. B. Hollister, and they reside in Spo-
kane. Washington. Luke died at the age of seventeen years. Lloyd is an
agent for Ward's Remedies and lives in Detroit. Michigan. Archie is a
fanner and lives at Foxhome. Raleigh is a laborer living in Brainerd,
Minnesota.
George F. Wolleat was reared on the home farm and received his edu-
cation in the public schools of Morris township, Rice county. Minnesota.
At the age of twenty-one he began agricultural operations independently,
hut later became an agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and
for several years was engaged in this work, both in Rich and Otter Tail
counties. In 1900 he purchased a farm of eighty-six acres located in Corliss
township, Otter Tail county, and resided there for three years. He then
moved to Rush Lake township, where he purchased forty-five acres on the
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 997
north shore of Long lake, shortly afterward adding one hundred and two
acres of adjoining land. This property was virgin soil and heavily covered
with timber, thirty acres of which are now entirely cleared, and among
other improvements is a very comfortable home, in which the family now
reside.
On October 27, 1892. George F. Wolleat was united in marriage to
.Minnie Myrtle VVinslow, daughter of Theodore Winslow, a native of Fari-
bault, Minnesota. They are the parents of ten children : Delia married
Albert H. Domschott and lives in Brainerd, Minnesota; Charles, William,
Harold, Benjamin. Mabel, Donald, Olive. Jessie and Alice.
George F. Wolleat is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and in his political faith, a member of the Republican party. He has
served his community in the capacity of school treasurer. He is a man of
more than ordinary ability, and is well versed on all questions pertaining to
the welfare of his community.
SIMON SESTER.
Simon Sester is one of four children burn to the union of John Sester
and Alary Guth, and his birth occurred on April 4, 1872, in Reeds Land-
ing, Minnesota. John Sester was a native of Ohio, of French descent, and
removed, when very young, to Illinois, where he was married to Mary Guth.
After his marriage be followed the course of the Mississippi river, seeking
a desirable location for a permanent residence, living in different towns, but
finally settled for about five years in Reeds Landing, Minnesota. He later
removed to the town of Alma, in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, where he
resided until his death, in [913. Mary (Guth) Sester was a native of
Switzerland and emigrated to America with her parents at the age of four-
teen years, temporarily settling in the state of Pennsylvania, but later remov-
ing to Illinois. Her death occurred in 1908. John and Mary (Guth) Sester
were devout members of the Catholic church. The names of their four
children follow : William, who was a ranchman of Montana, and died in
that state; Clara, who became the wife of Charles Braem, and lives in
Alma, Wisconsin; Simon, the subject of this sketch, and Herman.
Simon Sester received his education in the public schools of Alma, and
later learned the carpenteCs trade, which he followed for eight years in the
states of Minnesota and North and South Dakota. For three years he was
a resident of East Dubuque, Illinois, removing to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, in 191 5, where he settled on one hundred and five acres in section 29,
of Rush Lake township. He is also the owner of forty acres in section 19,
the same township, which land he has owned since i<)ii. In 1895 he was
united in marriage to Elizabeth Herold, (laughter of Henry Ilerold. an old
(64b)
998 OTTEK TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
settler of this county. She is a native of Buffalo county. They are the par-
ents of four children: Elvia, Joyce, deceased; Earl and Harvey, deceased.
Simon Sester has great hopes for the future in an agricultural way,
and is improving his place in every way possible. The erection of a modern
home and barn is being added to the other improvements, and his plans for
engaging in the dairy business are fast being consummated. His cattle will
consist of eighteen head of purebred Holsteins, and the public will be served
to the best of his ability. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America anil is independent in his political faith. He is a man
worthv of sincere esteem.
ALBERT KORTH.
Albert Korth was horn in Germany, February 25. 1859, the son of
John and Caroline ( Reske ) Korth. both natives of Germany. Air. and Mrs.
Korth left their native land in 188.} and came to this country with four of
the seven children horn to them. Upon arriving in America they went
directly to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where Mr. Korth bought forty
acres of land in section 2, of Oscar township, and two hundred and thirty-
five acres in sections 34 and 35, of Trondhjem township. One hundred
acres of the tract was in a cultivated condition. Mr. Korth began at once
to break the uncultivated sections of the land and to make extensive improve-
ments, so that at the time of his death the farm was one of the most desir-
able in that section of the county. John Korth was a man of unusual at-
tainments and strength of character: he and his wife were strong members
of the Lutheran church, where they retained membership until their death.
Mrs. Korth passed away in 1872 and her husband died in 1805. They were
the parents of the following children: Minna, the wife of Charles Went-
land, still resides in Germany; August, a farmer in Oscar township: Fred.
who -till lives in Germany; Albert, the subject of this sketch: Rhinehardt,
who lives in Germany: Matilda, the wife of Deitrich Schierenbeck, of St.
Paul, Minnesota, and Julia, who married Albert Sceibel. also of St. Paul.
The rudimentary branches of his education training were received by
Albert Korth in the public schools of. Germany. Ilis training on the farm
in his native land also gave him valuable experience, lie landed in America
at the age of twenty-three years and went to work tor his father. He
served in this capacity until 1887, when his father's failing health made it
necessary for the son to assume full control of the farm affairs. He bought
his father- place as a result and has continued to reside on the place since
that time.
In [915 Mr. Korth erected a modern barn, designed with concrete foun-
dation and steel stanchions, which are built to hold seventeen head of cattle
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 999
and about one hundred and twenty-five tons of hay. Mr. Korth has always
taken an active interest in affairs pertaining to agriculture. He has served
as director and organizer of the Rothsay Creamery Company and also
assisted in the organization of the potato warehouse at Rothsay. In his
political interests, Mr. Korth has always given his allegiance to the cause
of the Republican party. His religious views are with the Lutheran church,
of which he and his wife are both ardent members.
In 1888 the marriage of Albert Korth and Elizabeth Leiseke, a native
of Germany, took place. She is the daughter of Charles Leiseke, one of the
earliest settlers in Elizabeth, the town in which he followed the occupation
of a miller. To Mr. and Mrs. Korth the following children have been born :
Ella, who is a teacher in the public schools of the township in which her
parents reside, and who was educated in the Park Region Lutheran College
and at the Moorhead Normal School ; Lorinda, who is a student in the busi-
ness college at Rothsay; Nita, who died at the age of four years; Florence,
who remains at home, and Arthur, who died at the age of thirteen years.
CHARLES G. PETERSON.
Charles G. Peterson was bom at Osta, Jutland, Sweden, October 31,
1858, the second son of Peter Carlson and Kristine (Peterson) Carlson,
both natives of Sweden. Peter Carlson was born on February 12, 1809,
and his wife was born on December 8, 1825. The couple came to America
in 1882, accompanied by two sons, the eldest son Peter, having already taken
up his residence in this country. UJpon their arrival in Minnesota they
went to Fergus Falls, where for two years they made their home with
Peter Peterson, who was established in a business there. Peter Carlson
spent his last days on the farm owned by his son, Charles, and at his request
was buried on the homestead in January, 1901. His wife is still living, at
the age of ninety years. She is the mother of the following children : Peter,
who follows the occupation of a carpenter in Fergus Falls; Charles, the
subject of this sketch, and Walter, a painter at Fergus Falls.
Charles G. Peterson, after completing his education in the public schools
of Sweden, took up the carpenter's trade, which he has continued to follow.
He came to America in 1882 with his parents, and after a residence of two
years in Fergus falls took up a homestead claim of eighty acres in Otter
Tail county, a place which has since been called, on account of its early
development, '"Peterson's Point." Mr. Peterson, aside from clearing the
timber and cutting awaj the underbrush from the land, has built his own
house and tin- barns on tin1 farm and has laid out a number of roads.
Although he follows the occupation of general farming, Mr. Peterson
devotes a large part of his time to carpenter work-, in which branch of
IOOO OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
employment he is a skilled workman. Evidence of his work may be found
in all parts of the county and especially in the school buildings, to which he
has given special attention. As a member of the Republican party, he has
served as school director, in which capacity he executed the duties of the
office in a manner deserving of the highest commendation.
The marriage of Charles Peterson to Hannah Hanson, a native of
Sweden, took place in 1889. To this union two sons have been born: Fred,
who is learning the carpenter's trade under the supervision of his father, and
Oscar, who has charge of the practical management of the Peterson farm.
HARRISON WORDEN.
Harrison Worden is a native of Indiana, where he was born in Roch-
ester, Fulton county, on the 6th of September, 1848. He is the son of
.Muses Harrison and Melissa (Bristol) Worden, whose lives were examples
of high citizenship and Christian charity. Melissa Worden was the daugh-
ter of Henry and Melissa Bristol, natives of Massachusetts, who were
descendants of stanch English stock. Her parents came to Indiana in the
early forties and settled in Fulton county. Mr. Bristol was a school teacher
and a farmer and gained distinction through his powers as a man of wide
interests and worthy accomplishments. After leaving Indiana, he went to
Wisconsin, where he settled in Henrietta township, in Richland county.
He served as township treasurer and came into possession, through shrewd
business ability, of large tracts of land. He and his wife returned, later
in life, to Fulton county, Indiana, where they died in 1866. Their deaths
occurred only a few days apart. Mr. Bristol was a man who was born to
lead, and was recognized as an authority in every community where he lived.
His life was filled with remarkable achievements and thrilling events. He
was a soldier in the War of 181 2, and looked back upon that period of his
life as one of the most interesting stages. To Mr. and Mrs. Bristol the
following children were born : Samuel, who followed the mason's trade
and who died in Indiana; Edwin, a farmer who died in Wisconsin: Melissa,
the mother of the subject of this sketch, who was a school teacher; Harri-
son, who followed the occupation of a mason and from whom Harrison
Worden received received his training in that line of work, died in the fall
of 1914, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, at an age close to ninety years;
Lucy, the youngest daughter, married 1 orenzo Culver and after his death
became the wife of Jerome Tadder, and died in Richland (enter. Wiscon-
sin. The mother of Harrison Worden. Melissa Bristol; was born in Massa-
chusetts in the year t8i6. She spent her girlhood in Indiana and received
more than the usual educational advantages of that period and locality.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IOOI
Before her marriage she taught school and after the death of her husband
she again took up that line of educational work.
.Moses Harrison Worden was horn in 1808, in Ohio. He moved to
Indiana, where his marriage took place, and there followed the occupation
of a farmer. His death occurred in 1848. just three months before the
birth of the subject of this sketch. .Mrs. Worden moved to Wisconsin after
the death of her husband, where she lived with her parents while she taught
school. It was during her residence in that section of the country that she
met Mr. Gwinn, whom she married. Her death occurred in 1854. She was
a woman of remarkable force of character and high ideals and her death
brought to a close a life of usefulness. To Mr. and Airs. Worden the fol-
lowing children were born : Clarissa, the wife of Edward Telfer, of Sex-
tonville. Wisconsin ; William, a farmer residing in Richland county, Wis-
consin; Angeline, who married Frank Handy, and who lives in Washing-
ton; Eliza, the wife of Jerome Welby, who resides in the state of Wash-
ington, and Harrison, a review of whose life is given in these pages.
Harrison Worden received his early education in the schools of Indiana
and Wisconsin. He was reared by his grandparents on the Bristol side,
and attended the public schools. On November 15, 1863, he enlisted in
Company F, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and served in the Civil War until
December, [865. Mr. Worden is one of the most interesting conversation-
alists on war history in the section of the county in which he lives and
relates with enthusiasm his experiences as a soldier. Mr. Worden had a
place in the very heart of the cavalry activities. He was in the battles at
Yazoo City and at Jackson. Mississippi. In the battles of Red Bone church
he also took part, and was in the Greerson's raid, where fighting was car-
ried on every day. During the fighting at Yazoo he was slightlv wounded
in the right side.
After his service in the Civil War, Harrison Worden returned to Wis-
consin, and in 1866 left for Rochester, Indiana, where, as an assistant to
an uncle, he learned the mason's trade. He lived with his uncle until 1871,
and during that time also learned the trade of plastering. In the spring of
1872 he came to the part of Minnesota where Brainerd now stands. For a
short time after his arrival in that locality he worked on the Xorthern
Pacific railroad and had part in the building of the stations from Brainerd
west to Bismarck. Mr. Worden has had the privilege of having taken part
in the beginnings of things. He plastered the first building ever erected in
Fargo, North Dakota. He was with the railroad company until 1872, when
he went to Minneapolis. He followed the trade of a mason until 1880,
when he decided to take up his residence in Otter Tail county, as a farmer.
Harrison Won leu began the task of homesteading on one hundred and
1002 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
sixty acres of land which were located in section 22, of Maplewood town-
ship. The land was in a primeval slate and alive with wild game. Mr.
VVorden 1 milt as his first t iece of labor a log cabin and also a dugout which
was used later a- a cellar. During the time spent in homesteading, Air.
Worden continued to work at his trade. In every large building in the
vicinity of hi- home he has done the plastering. He helped to build the
Presbyterian church and since its erection has contributed generously to its
support. In 1885 he added to his possessions by purchasing forty additional
acres, which make the original tract of land a farm of two hundred acres
devoted to general farming.
In his political relations, Mr. Worden is a Republican. He has served
his party as chairman of the hoard of supervisors for twenty-two years.
For six years he acted as treasurer of the school district.
The marriage of Harrison Worden and Martha Smith was solemnized
on April 1. 1875. She was a native of Vermont and the daughter of Stephen
and Sarah Smith, who were among the prominent residents of that state.
Stephen Smith was for many years a central figure in the political affairs of
\ ermont, where he served in the state Legislature and in the Senate, and at
the time of his death was a candidate for the office of lieutenant-governor.
After his death, which occurred in Vermont, his wife married Mr. Hazelton
and the couple moved to Wisconsin, where they settled in Richland county.
.Mr. and .Mrs. Worden are the parents of four children: Harry Clemens
lives in Erhard, where he is county commissioner; William Holden is a
farmer in Kochiching county, Minnesota; Bernard E. lives in the home
place, where he has part management of the farm, and Clara Elizabeth, the
wife of Theodore Thompson, resides in .Maplewood township.
SIGURD A. SYVERSON.
Sigurd A. Syverson, since early childhood, has lived in an environment
of pioneer life. He has seen the very beginning of agricultural development
in ( )tter Tail county, where he still resides. Although a resident of this
community for a period covering thirty-five years. Sigurd A. Syverson spent
the first years of his life in Helgeland, Norway, where he was horn mi
July i, 1875. He is the son of Andrew and Inga (Johnson) Syverson, the
former of whom was born in Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, on the 24th of
March, [837, and the latter was horn on the I 1th of August. 1847. in Helge-
land. Norway. Andrew Svverson, who was a landowner in his native land.
followed the occupation of a farmer and a fisherman until the year [880,
when, with his wife and four children, he set sail for America. Upon
in tin- country he located in Scambler township, Otter Tail county,
where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in sections 28 and 33.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IOO3
The farm was only partly cultivated and over two-thirds of the land was
covered with underbrush. The first year of his occupancy of the farm, Mr.
Syverson lived in a shack which was standing on the land at the time of his
purchase. The following year he erected a dwelling which still remains in
use on the place. In [902 Air. Syverson transferred the management of his
farm to his son, Sigurd, lie built a second residence which he occupies
with hi> wife. Although he has been blind for the last six years, Air.
Syverson still gets a great deal of happiness from life, especially from the
activities of his children, who are as follow: Annie, Airs. Bernt J. Berg
resides in Scambler town-hip; George, a farmer, resides in Pelican Rapids;
Sigurd, the subject oi this sketch, and Rachel, the youngest child, who died
at the age of seven.
Sigurd Syverson was reared on the homestead claimed in the pioneer
days by his father. As a small buy he was taught the duties of farm life
and upon reaching the age of manhood was fully equipped with methods of
handling agricultural problems. In 1902 he rented the farm from his
father and has continued to manage the affairs of the place ever since. He
is a breeder of a high grade of Durham stock and of Poland China hogs, of
which he is the owner of forty head.
In political life, Mr. Syverson is a member of the Socialist party. He
has served as township assessor and as a member of the school board. On
the 16th of October, 1902, the marriage of Sigurd Syverson and Lena Clau-
sen, the daughter of Casper Clausen, one of the oldest settlers of Pelican
township, took place. To this union the following children have been born:
Arthur, Lillian, Sadie, Jeanette, Hazel and Helen, all of whom are still at
home with their parents.
PETER GOLDSCHAIITZ.
Peter Goldschmitz is a native of Germany, and was born in that country
on the 30th of December, iS<>N. His parents were Theodore and Gertrude
(Boelser) Goldschmitz, both of whom are deceased. They were also natives
of Germany and lived and died in that country. Peter's education was
limited by reason of having to work while yet a boy and also as a young
man. In 1893 ne emigrated to America, and his first location was in Doug-
las county, Minnesota. While living in Douglas county, he followed the
same employment that he did as a buy and young man in his fatherland,
that of farm laborer. lie worked on different farms which were largely
of cleared land. From Douglas county he went to Todd county. Minnesota,
and there bought eighty acres of wild timbered land. This laud he cleared
of the timber, and after improving same sold the farm, after having lived
there for fifteen years. After selling out in Todd county, he came to Butler
1004 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
township, Otter Tail county, where he permanently settled on a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres that he purchased.
In 1897 Peter Goldschmitz was married to Mary Goldsmidt. and
from this union they have three children, the names of whom are Louise,
John and Anna. Alary Goldsmidt is a native of Minnesota. Mr. Gold-
schmitz and family are members of the Catholic church.
PETER F. MEYER.
Peter F. Meyer, one of the enterprising agriculturist- 'if Candor town-
ship, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Germany, born there on
February iQ. i860. His parents were Peter and Elizabeth ( Plleugger)
Meyer, also natives of Germany, who lived and died in that country. They
were the parents of four children, whose names follow: Elizabeth, who
married Peter Pfieugger and now lives in Germany; Peter P.. the subject
of this sketch; Dora, who married and is living in Germany, and Martin,
who also remained in Germany. Peter Meyer was a farmer and small land-
owner and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, on April 1. 1878.
His wife died in 1883.
Peter F. Meyer was reared on the home farm and was educated in the
public schools of Germany. In 1885 he emigrated to America and located
in Chicago, where he became an employee of a lumber company, which posi-
tion he belli for some months. IK- then engaged in logging, in the lumber
woods of Michigan, for one winter, returning to Chicago, where he was
employed in the brewery of Knop Brothers. He finally removed to Martin
county, Minnesota, and labored as a farm hand for eight months. With
the proceeds of his labors, a team and wagon were purchased and with this
he drove through to Wilkin county, Minnesota. After bis arrival he pur-
chased two hundred and forty acres of railroad land, which he sold in 1S99,
becoming the possessor in the deal of one hundred and twenty-four acres,
located in section 14. in the southwest corner of Candor township. Otter
Tail county, Minnesota. However, he did not remove to this property for
seven rears, but, instead, returned to Chicago and engaged in hauling lime,
cement, coal and sand. !n the spring of 1007 he removed to this farm, on
Which he has continued to reside. Improvements were begun and new
buildings were erected, such as granary, barn, machine shed, etc. The orig-
inal meadow was a very small one, but now enough hay is raised with
which to feed twenty head of rattle, beside some to sell. A specialty is
made of breeding and raising pure -train Durham cattle, of which a herd
of fifteen or twenty is kept. \b<ut twenty Poland China hogs are also
kept. Fifty acres of the farm are entirely cleared and under cultivation.
In iSnn Peter F. Meyer was united in marriage to I redricka Wacher,
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IOO5
who died in 1895. In 1905 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Bertha
(Grenzig) Georn, a native of Germany. To his first union three children
were born, William, Fred and F.mma. William and Emma died in infancy.
Fred is at home. Peter F. Meyer was a soldier in the German army before
his emigration to America. Politically, he is a Socialist.
( II KRLES H. MANN.
Charles H. Mann, one of the respected citizens of Candor township.
Otter Tail count)". Minnesota, is a native of German)', as were also his
parents, Frederick and Hannah Mann. Frederick Mann was reared in his
native land and it was there that his marriage was solemnized. He also
served his country in the Franco-Prussian War and in the Danish War.
As a civilian he was occupied as a day laborer and followed this vocation
until his emigration to America, in [873. His first location in the United
States was in Buffalo, New York, where he was employed for several years,
removing, in 1879, to ( )tter Tail count)". Minnesota. One hundred and
sixty acres of unimproved land were secured, under the homestead law, in
section 10. of Candor township, and this farm was cultivated under his
direct supervision until 1915, at which time he sold the place to his son,
Charles H. Mann, and retired to the town of Detroit. Minnesota, where he
still lives. His wife, Hannah Mann, is also living. The names of their
children follow: (diaries if.. Sarah. Anna, win.' is the wife of Teddy
Rogan, and lives in Detroit. Minnesota; Rose, who is the wife of Charles
Izzard and is living in Hobart township, and Fred, who lives under the par-
ental roof.
Charles II. Mann received his education in the public schools of Buf-
falo, New York, having been hut four years of age at the time of his emi-
gration to America. He was horn on April 12. 1869. He was reared in the
pioneer community of Otter Tail county and assisted his father with the
work on the home place until he purchased a farm of his own in section 4.
consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, and remained there until 11)15.
at which time he purchased the old home place. This farm is devoted to
general agriculture.
In 1895 Charles II. Mann was united in marriage to Katie Germer
and they are the parents of four children: Fester. Mora. Alberta and Carl.
Katie (Germer) Mann is a native of Minnesota. She and her husband are
both members of the Lutheran church. Politically, Charles H. Mann is an
independent, and has served as supervisor ami school treasurer of the dis-
trict. He is also interested in the local enterprises and is a stockholder in
the \ ergas Creamery Company and in the telephone company.
IOo6 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
OTIS ALFRED ANTONSEN.
Otis Alfred Antonsen, prominent tanner and stock raiser of Edna
township, Otter Ta.il county, Minnesota, was born in LeSueur county, Minne-
sota, August i, 1874, the son of Christian and Henrietta Antonsen, who
were among the early residents in LeSueur county.
Otis Alfred Antonsen received his education in the common schools of
LeSueur county, after which he came, in 1894. to Otter Tail county, Minne-
sota, and became a farmer, working first as a farm helper ami later he pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Edna township, where he
now engages in general farming and in the raising of tine grade Duroc-
Jersey hogs and Red Polled cattle. Mr. Antonsen has developed his land
from uncleared ami unbroken acreage to one of the well-improved and valued
farms of the community.
In 1903, Otis Alfred Antonsen was married to Louisa Bangle, who was
born in LeSueur county, Minnesota, the daughter of John Bangle and wife.
early settlers of LeSueur county, where they lived as farmers for a time and
then moved to Grant county, living there for twenty-three years, after which
they went to Washington county, where they now make their home. To the
marriage of Otis Alfred and Louisa Antonsen have keen born two children,
Gilbert and George. Mr. Antonsen and his family are active and interested
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In addition to his active interest in all matters for the general welfare
and public good, Mr. Antonsen is now serving his township as school
treasurer, an office which he has occupied for seven years.
EVERETT E. TXMAX.
Everett E. Inman, a prosperous young farmer of Inman township, who,
in 1914, purchased one hundred and fourteen acres of land in section 3,
was not only the first white child born in Inman township, but it was his
grandfather for whom Inman township was named. Naturally, the Inman
family has been prominent for many years in the history of this township.
Everett E. Inman was born in Inman township. July _»5. 1872. His
parents, John B. and Hattie (Donahue) Inman, were natives oi Xew York
and Indiana, respectively, born in [846 and 1847. Mr. Inman's paternal
grandfather was Thomas E. Inman. also a native of Xew York state, who,
with his family, came very early to this township and took up one hundred
and sixtv acres of land. He was a minister in the Baptist church and
preached at various places in ( )tter Tail county during his life. He was also
a fanner and spent his last days in the township which was named for him.
John B. Inman. the father of Everett E.. accompanied his parents to
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IOO7
Otter Tail county and he homesteaded a farm in section 26, of Inman town-
ship. The father's homestead farm was in section 34. John B. Inman
improved his land, but a number of years ago, moved to Springfield, Illinois,
where he now lives. To John B. and Hattie (Donahue) Inman were born
five children, James M., Ada M., Everett E., Guv (deceased) and Charles.
Everett E. Inman was reared in Inman township and educated in the
public schools of Otter Tail county. Air. Inman has always been engaged
in farming. Since purchasing his farm, in section 35, of Inman township, a
tract of one hundred and twenty acres, in 1914, Mr. Inman has been engaged
in general farming and stock raising.
In 1901 Everett E. Inman was married to Amelia M. Battis, who was
born in Olmsted count}-, Minnesota, and who is the daug'hter of Richard A.
and Sarah M. (Rank) Battis. The latter was the daughter of William J.
Rank, who married Jane Donaldson. They were among the pioneer settlers
of ( )lmsted county. Both are now deceased. Mrs. Inman' s father has
always been a farmer and is now living retired. His wife died in 1914
at the age of sixty-seven years. They had a large family of children, of
whom Guy and John are deceased. The living children are. Jay, Amelia,
Ida, Genevieve, Alice, Mary, Jessie, Cora and Mark.
Mr. and Mrs. Everett E. Inman have no children. Mr. Inman is known
in the township, where he lives and with which his name is so closely identi-
fied, as a successful farmer and business man and one of the rising young
citizens in this part of Otter Tail county. He has a host of friends in the
neighborhood where he resides.
ALFRED K. EVAVOLD.
A decided success in his chosen line of endeavor is Alfred K. Evavold,
farmer and stockman of Eagle Lake township, Otter Tail count)-, Minne-
sota, who, by dint of hard work and earnest thought to the problems at
hand, has wrought out a satisfactory competency and a place of high respect
among those of his vocation. Alfred K. Evavold is a native of Norway
and the son of Claus and Bertha (Peterson) Evavold, also natives of Nor-
way. Alfred K. Evavold was born on June 20, 1877, a,1<' immigrated to
America in i88q. accompanied by his parents. Claus Evavold located in
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he purchased one hundred and sixty-
acres of land in Eagle Lake township, remaining there until his death in
1901. His wife, Bertha (Peterson) Evavold is still living and resides on
the old home place. They were the parents of seven children: Peter,
Claus, Louisa. Alfred. Isaac. Alvina and Anton. They were ardent mem-
bers of the Norwegian Lutheran church, called the Free church, of which
their children are supporters.
I008 OTTEU TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Alfred K. Evavold received his education, both in the schools of Nor-
way and America, being only twelve years of age when he arrived in this
country. After completing his schooling, he assisted his father with the
work on the home place until nineteen years of age, at which time he pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land and began operations independ-
ently. He has since added to the original purchase until the farm consists
of three hundred and sixty acres, all well improved and under cultivation.
For the past seven years he has been a buyer of cattle and hogs and makes
a specialty of breeding and raising thoroughbred Short Horn cattle. In
[896 Alfred Evavold was united in marriage to Carrie Erickson and they
are the parents of eight children: Betsey, Mabel, Alvin, Leonard, Roy,
Elmer, Arthur and Herman. Alfred K. Evavold and his wife are members
of the Free Lutheran church. The least that can be said of this man is.
that he has been a diligent worker and a determinate factor in the successful
issue of his life's ambitions, leaving nothing to chance, but making every-
thing a certainty.
ISAAC K. EVAVOLD.
Isaac K. Evavold, a man of earnest sincerity and strong personality,
has so identified his interests with those of this commonwealth that he
is as highly respected as her native sons. With only meager opportunity for
education, and with many discouragements, he has realized the ambition of
youth, namely, to become a useful and respected citizen. Born in Norway
on Februarv 6, 1879, Mr. Evavold is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clans Eva-
vold. mentioned elsewhere in the present publication.
Isaac Evavold came to America in time to receive a part of his education
here. Attaining his majority he entered a farm of one hundred and forty-
live acres in St. Olaf township, a line tract of land which he afterwards
bought, and this he farmed from 1899 until 1903. Ten years previous to
the latter date, however, he added the purchasing and sale of cattle and hogs
to his other farming interests. The farm in St. Olaf township was -old
m [913, and two years previously Mr. Evavold removed with his family
to \shhy. He later bought one hundred and twenty acres in Eagle Lake
township, this county, which is devoted exclusively to grazing.
Mr. Evavold was twice married, his first wife being Ciena Peterson.
The marriage took place in 1800. and to this union were born three children.
I arl ( Hiver, Burt Melvin and Julia Victoria. The second marriage occurred
in 1908, the bride being Tilda Monson, and to them were born four children
namely: Hilda Corena, Enoch Gilfred, Elsie Adelia and Louise Merie.
Mr. and Mrs. Evavold belong to the Lutheran Free church.
Mr. Evavold's career ha- been one of honor and gttided bv the most
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA. IOO9
worthy principles. He has sought to place his influence on the side of right,
and in so doing, has won the esteem of the community in which he has lived
for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Evavold have made their home attractive
to their friends.
This record should include mention of Peter K. Evavold, a brother of
the above-mentioned gentleman, a man who also is highly respected in this
community, and who has been for the past six years township supervisor,
and for a number of years, a valued member of the school board.
Peter Evavold, like his brother, received part of his education in his
native Norway, and came with his parents to the United States. He was a
youth of eighteen years when the journey was made. Living and working
on his father's farm until his twenty-fourth year, he then rented for a short
period previous to purchasing in iqoo the site of his present home, a splendid
farm in Eagle Lake township. On this tract of two hundred and forty
acres, he has erected well-constructed buildings, whose attractiveness is
enhanced by the beautiful grove of trees planted by the owner. Beside
raising and feeding hogs. Air. Evavold is a breeder of a fine grade of Hol-
stein cattle, and carries on dairy business.
Peter Evavold and Victoria Long were united in marriage in the year
1905, the bride being a native of Douglas county, Minnesota, and the daugh-
ter of Swedish parents. This marriage was blessed by the birth of seven
children, two of whom are twins. The children are, Constantine, Alexander,
Frances, Melvin and Clarence twins; Unice and Royald. Mr. Evavold is a
member of the Lutheran church. He has handled the duties and responsi-
bilities of public office honestly and with ability as his long tenure in office
will indicate, and is a man of upright character and untarnished reputation.
221
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